Sticky Waffle Iron - How to Clean

By Hklbrries

Dear Heloise: I have a waffle iron with removable nonstick plates. The plates have a buildup of cooking spray, oil, etc, that has rendered them no longer “nonstick,” and I have tried numerous methods to remove the gunk. Nothing has worked. Do you have any suggestions? -- Walt B., via e-mail

Yes, I do! Of course, you should follow the manufacturer’s directions first.

Here’s the Heloise hint: Soak a paper towel or napkin with sudsing ammonia (it has detergent in it) and place between the waffle-iron grids. Leave it for several hours (out of the way) or overnight. Then, use a little dish soap and hot water with a nonabrasive, scrub-type sponge or plastic brush. Rinse well, and dry completely.

To re-season your waffle iron, if needed, take pieces of bread, coat with unsalted shortening or unsalted butter and place one in each section of the cooled iron. Close the lid and then turn it on. Cook until the bread is browned, then take it out, wipe and that’s it!

Heloise Update: Lecithin, found in many cooking-oil sprays, leaves a gummy residue when sprayed on a HOT surface. DON’T spray oil on a hot griddle. This should help prevent any future buildup. -- Heloise

Ingredients

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Preparation

Step 1

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