Have a bread machine but not sure how to clean it?
If you want your bread machine to last for a long time, then make sure you spend time taking care of it, cleaning it, and maintaining it. Different machines require different types of care, and that goes for your bread machine as well.
Nowadays bread machines are high quality, long-lasting appliances. A little bit of warm water and a soft cloth will go a long way.
If you don’t know how to go about this, keep reading.
Before we get started, we want to share with you our absolute favorite bread machine!
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Unplug your Bread Machine
Well, the first and foremost thing you need to do before cleaning is to make sure you haven’t used your bread machine because otherwise, it’ll be hot.
Second, when you start cleaning it, it should be unplugged. We’ll first get rid of the bread crumbs and other gunk that may be stuck to it. So to do that, grab a small soft brush, even a paintbrush works fine, and sweep the insides of the bread machine. Don’t scrub, just gently brush away the surface.
Make sure that the brush is a soft one. The last thing you want to do is to clean your bread machine and scratch it up at the same time, thereby ruining it.
Once you have gotten rid of the dried up material, you might see some dough sticking to the pan. If it is still moist, then wait for it to dry out because it will make your job much easier. You must refrain from using water inside the bread machine because it can damage the heating elements.
Liquid Spill
In case of a liquid spill on or in your bread machine, get a clean cloth, preferably a clean microfiber cloth. Get a bowl of warm soapy water, then soak the fabric in it and squeeze out excess water until it is damp and not dripping wet. Never use generic kitchen cleaner or detergent. Those types of products can damage your bread maker.
Now gently sweep the affected areas and clean the bread machine until you can’t see any crusty flour or liquid spill inside. Then clean the cloth again with warm soapy water and wipe it inside the machine so you can remove the detergent.
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Cleaning the Heating Element
Similarly, you are supposed to clean the heating element with the method mentioned above as well. so use a damp cloth to wipe it down.
If you ignore this, you are risking a fire. So, take a moist cloth and wipe the heating element down along its length. Repeat the procedure until you don’t see any dirt or food on them. Since heating elements are sensitive parts, keep a light hand when cleaning because you don’t want to damage them.
The Bread Machine Pan
The bread pan is relatively easy to clean. Since most pans are non-stick ones, not a lot of food particles stick to it. One good rinse can make it good as new.
But in case there is something, grab the bread pan and fill it up with hot water until the sticky or caked-on food softens and looses up. Drain it out and clean the inside of the pan with a clean damp cloth or a sponge. Rinse it one last time with water, and you’re done. Dry it out first before you place it back in as it can be unsafe otherwise.
You can even place your bread pan in the dishwasher if it is dishwasher safe. It is safe and easy, but most bread pans aren’t dishwasher safe, so check before you do this.
Read your Bread Machine Manual
Sometimes, bread machines come with their own cleaning ways. They are usually mentioned in the user manual. If it has cleaning instructions, follow them. If not, then you can opt for this basic way that works for all bread machines.
Apart from this, make sure not to use the machine right after you’re done cleaning it. Let it completely dry first.
Never use any harsh chemicals inside the bread machine or on the bread pan as it will damage the protective finish or the non-stick coating.
Handle it with love and care, and your bread machine will survive for a really long time.
Cleaning Bread Makers vs Bread Machines
There is no difference between a bread maker and a bread machine. Both terms are used interchangeably. However, at Bread and Buzz, we hardly ever call it a bread maker, although we will use that term from time to time.
Wrapping up with How to Clean a Bread Machine
We hope that this article has served you well in the cleaning and maintenance of your bread machine or bread maker.
Appliances are being built better than ever. It’s entirely possible for Bread machines nowadays can last you for YEARS, however, you must take good care of them.
You need to clean and maintain them on a regular basis. Doing this will ensure that your bread machine bakes delicious bread for years to come!
