Bread Maker Safeguards and Cleaning Tips

The bread maker has certainly revolutionized life in the kitchen. It’s no longer necessary to do the hard work in order to get that lovely smell of fresh bread all around your house. However, the fact that this appliance has made things so easy for us means that we sometimes forget to take proper care of it. We’ve put together a quick guide with safeguards & cleaning tips for your bread machine to help you keep your appliance in top condition.

The first step is to always read the manual. It can be a little boring to read the fine print but preventing any issues is much easier than having to fix them in the future. Every bread machine model is slightly different; so make sure you follow any particular guidelines shown in the instructions.

Is your bread no longer rising like it used to? The problem could be your kneading paddle. Make sure you clean it properly after each and every loaf you make. Soaking it in soapy water for a few minutes will make the job much easier. Get rid of the small bits of bread that are stuck between parts by using a cleaning brush, instead of a sponge. If this doesn’t work, try using a toothpick. It’s much more effective and it will ensure that your bread machine continues mixing the dough properly.

The most important thing to avoid is getting the gears of your bread machine wet. These gears operate the kneading paddle and getting them wet can seriously damage the operation of your bread machine. Therefore, do not immerse the bread pan in water. Naturally, you should also avoid using a dishwasher, no matter how tempting! Instead, fill the main compartment with warm soapy water and let sit before cleaning. Do not use any abrasive cleaning materials, as the non-stick coating will be damaged otherwise. Never use a metal spatula to any remove excess dough. Opt for plastic or silicone to prevent damage. You can finish the job by giving the pan a final run through with a warm wet cloth.

The inside of your bread machine will often end up covered in bits of bread after baking. Avoid these ending up as burnt scraps by ensuring you remove them all before using your machine again. The easiest way to do this is by using your vacuum cleaner wand to (carefully) remove most of it. You can then use a paper towel or cloth to clean anything that’s left.

It’s also important to take some safety precautions. While the bread machine is in use, ensure the chord is safely tucked away so that your children can’t pull at it. When handling the bread pan or kneading knife after baking, make sure you use oven mitts in case they are still hot. Once you have finished using it, unplug your bread machine.

Hopefully these safeguards and cleaning tips for your bread machine have been useful. The trick is to clean little and often; we recommend doing this after every single use. Remember that prevention is better than cure so just make sure you give your bread machine the TLC it needs and your household will be enjoying delicious bread for years to come!