How to clean a toaster, inside and out, without wrecking it
To clean a toaster, unplug it and let it cool, slide out the crumb tray and wash it in warm soapy water, turn the toaster upside down over the sink and brush the crumbs out of the slots with a dry, soft brush. Then wipe the outside with a damp soapy cloth, dry it, and put the tray back once it's fully dry. About 10 minutes.
What do you need?
- A soft, dry brush: a clean pastry brush, a new paintbrush or a soft toothbrush
- Dish soap and warm water
- Two microfiber cloths
- Baking soda, for stuck-on marks on the outside
- A wooden skewer or chopstick, for anything stuck to the coils
- White vinegar, for stainless steel or chrome
How do you clean the inside of a toaster?
- Unplug it and wait until it's cool to the touch. Every time, even for a quick shake.
- Pull out the crumb tray and dump it into the trash.
- Shake it out. Turn the toaster upside down over the sink or trash and give it a few gentle shakes. Don't bang it on the counter. The elements are fragile.
- Brush the slots. Hold it on its side and brush down into each slot with the dry brush, working crumbs toward the bottom. Then shake again.
- Lift off anything stuck. Melted cheese, sugar or a bit of bagel on the wires comes off with a wooden skewer once everything's cold. Never use a knife or fork in a toaster, plugged in or not.
Leave water out of the inside. Liquid on the elements or the wiring can short the toaster or make it unsafe the next time it heats up.
How do you clean the crumb tray?
Wash it in warm soapy water with a cloth or sponge. Burnt-on bits loosen if you let it soak for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry it completely before it goes back in. A damp tray under a hot element can rust and smells when it heats.
How do you clean the outside?
For plastic or painted toasters, wipe them with a cloth wrung out in warm soapy water, paying attention to the lever and the dials, where greasy fingers go. Wipe again with a cloth dampened in plain water, then dry.
For brown marks or melted bread bag plastic on the outside, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Rub it on gently with a soft cloth, give it a few minutes, then wipe it off and dry. Skip scouring pads, which scratch the finish.
How do you clean a stainless steel or chrome toaster?
Wipe it with a cloth dampened in equal parts white vinegar and water to cut fingerprints and grease. Dry and buff with a clean microfiber cloth, following the grain on brushed stainless.
What should you never do to a toaster?
- Don't submerge it or run it under the tap.
- Don't spray cleaner into the slots.
- Don't use metal tools inside, even unplugged.
- Don't put it back in use with a wet crumb tray.
- Don't use oven cleaner on it. It's too harsh for the finish and the plastic parts.
How often should a toaster be cleaned?
If you toast most mornings, empty the crumb tray once a week and do the full inside and outside clean every month. Crumbs that pile up on the tray can smoke and catch. If it's used a few times a week, every couple of months is enough.
While you're working on the counter, the microwave and oven are usually next. See how to clean your microwave and how to clean your oven.
What does a house cleaning do in the kitchen?
On a Standard House Cleaning, RoutineCare, the countertops and backsplash are wiped and the outsides of all the appliances present are cleaned, small appliances like the toaster included. The inside of the microwave is cleaned too.
On Deep Cleaning, PureRenewal, the stovetop and hood exterior are degreased and the cabinet fronts are fully wiped.
Need one small thing done while we're there? Tell us before your appointment and we'll do our best to fit it in if time allows.
See what's covered at House Cleaning.
FAQ
Can you put a toaster crumb tray in the dishwasher? Some are dishwasher safe and some aren't, so check the manual or the bottom of the toaster. Either way, the tray has to be completely dry before it goes back in.
How do you get melted cheese or plastic off toaster coils? Unplug it and let it cool completely, then lift the hardened piece off with a wooden skewer or chopstick. Never use metal, and if plastic has melted onto the elements, replacing the toaster is the safer choice.
How often should you clean a toaster? Empty the crumb tray every week if you toast most days, and do the full clean inside and out about once a month. Crumbs that build up can smoke and burn.
Is it safe to clean inside a toaster with water? No. Keep water and spray cleaners out of the slots and off the heating elements. Use a dry brush inside, and only a damp cloth on the outside with the toaster unplugged.
Book a cleaning
We clean homes across South Jersey and Central Jersey. Book online at tinascleanteam.com/book-now, or call or text (609) 831-4455.
