When you notice crumbs accumulating and fingerprints gathering on your toaster, it's probably time to clean it. Crumbs inside a toaster can cause a burning smell and are even a fire hazard, so deep cleaning yours periodically is a good idea. Thankfully, you can properly clean a toaster with a few common household items in just a few minutes. We'll go through how to clean a toaster here with the Breville Die-Cast Smart Toaster, a four-slice long slot toaster that sees heavy-duty use in our office kitchen.
What you need
- Sponge
- Dish towel or microfiber cloth
- Dish soap
- Toothbrush, pastry brush, or paint brush
- Stainless steel cleaner (optional)
Unplug The Toaster
Before you begin, unplug your machine and let it cool completely.
Empty Crumb Tray
Pull out the crumb tray (or trays—four-slot toasters sometimes have one for each set of slots) and shake it out.
Wash Crumb Tray
Take care of any stuck-on bits or grime by washing the crumb tray with soap and water before setting aside to dry.
Shake It Out
You can gently shake the toaster over a sink or garbage can to dislodge any loose crumbs. Some manufacturers (like Breville) recommend this, but others do not, so you may want to check the manual first. Avoid banging or shaking the toaster vigorously, as this can damage the appliance.
Clean Inside With A Brush
If you notice a lot of crumbs still stuck in the slots, you can carefully use a non-metallic tool such as a clean toothbrush, paintbrush, or pastry brush and dislodge any remaining debris. Depending on the toaster's design, you may be able to access the slots from the bottom when the crumb tray is removed.
Clean The Outside
Wipe the outside of the toaster with a damp sponge or cloth, avoiding buttons and other controls. Abrasive sponges can scratch the finish, so using something soft for this step is recommended. Manufacturers such as Breville and KitchenAid warn against using baking soda, and harsh cleaners like oven cleaner, or anything acidic (such as vinegar), as they can damage the finish. Commercial stainless steel cleaners made for appliances are a safer option, but if you clean your toaster regularly, a gentle dish soap should do the job. Some dials are removable for cleaning; otherwise, you can carefully dry the exterior and polish the buttons with a microfiber cloth.
Replace The Crumb Tray
Once the crumb tray has dried, just replace it, and there you have it—that's how to clean a toaster!
FAQ
What Safety Measures Should I Take?
Always unplug and let the machine cool before proceeding with any cleaning, and never immerse it in water.
How Often Should I Clean My Toaster?
If you use your toaster daily, emptying the crumb tray every week is a good idea. You can deep clean it about once a month or when you notice a buildup of crumbs or grime inside.
How To Remove Burnt Material And Stains
Harsher cleaners can damage or stain your toaster's finish, so you may want to test any cleaner you try on a small part of your toaster first, if you're concerned about that. A few options can work for really stubborn stains. You can try a paste of baking soda and water. A commercial stainless steel cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend is also a good option. Again, you may want to check your model's manual for any warnings about cleaners that may scratch or tarnish the outside of your toaster.