Can the residue on the waffle maker's plate and outside be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge?

Yes, the plates and external residues of the waffle maker can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. The following are the correct cleaning steps:
Power off and cool down: Before cleaning, ensure that the waffle maker has been powered off and completely cooled down to avoid burns and protect the equipment.
Prepare cleaning materials: Prepare a clean damp cloth or sponge and dip a small amount of mild cleaning agent as needed. Ensure that the cleaning agent is suitable for the surface of household appliances and avoid using overly strong cleaning agents.
Wipe the plate and exterior: Gently wipe the surface of the waffle maker's plate and exterior with a damp cloth or sponge to remove food residue and dirt. For stubborn stains, you can wipe them multiple times or add a small amount of cleaning agent.
Thoroughly rinse and dry: After cleaning, wipe the plate and external surface again with clean water to remove any residual cleaning agent. Finally, dry the surface with a clean towel or tissue to ensure complete dryness.
Using a damp cloth or sponge to clean a waffle maker is a simple and effective method that can remove residues without damaging the surface of the equipment. Just make sure to treat the equipment gently during cleaning to avoid scratching or damaging the non stick coating or surface.