Since using a kitchen appliance regularly depends a lot on how easy it is to clean, it's understandable that a waffle maker should be one of those appliances. Waffle irons may or may not have removable plates but if they are removable, they can just be gently scrubbed with soap and water and rinsed while the rest of the iron is wiped down with a damp cloth. For more stubborn requirements and if the plates are not removable here are the steps you can take to clean your waffle maker: 1. Switch the machine off and let it cool down before cleaning it. 2. Using a soft bristled cleaning brush, brush off all dried bits of waffle. 3. Using a kitchen paper towel or absorbent cloth, blot the plates of any leftover grease, especially the wells. 4. For any stubborn bits of food that you can't brush off, use a damp cloth sandwiched between the plates, shut the lid, and let it be for a few minutes so that the stuck on food softens. 5. Use a sponge dipped in mildly soapy water and squeezed out to wipe off the loosened bits, remaining grease and sticky residue. 6. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off leftover soap.