The toaster is indispensable in the kitchen, but we probably remember to clean it as much as we do the oven or the sink. From breadcrumbs to butter, that appliance can get pretty dirty!
To clean your toaster, you’ll need to shake out any loose crumbs and lightly brush down the inside, then wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and some soapy water.
A clean toaster means more tasty toast and a safe, hygienic kitchen. So grab a sponge and give that hardworking appliance the TLC it deserves.
Before Cleaning | Deep Cleaning a Toaster | Getting Grease Off | Removing Melted Plastic | Cleaning a Burnt Toaster
How Often to Clean a Toaster
If you use your toaster daily, clean it at least once a week! By regularly removing crumbs and other residue, you keep your toaster safe and hygienic.
Food debris can clog the heating elements, lead to mould, or even become a fire hazard. It can also attract ants or pests if left too long. (Ew.)
Spot clean your toaster a few days a week by wiping any stains and surface dust on the exterior. Use a clean cloth and a vinegar solution or a safe all-purpose cleaner.
You can minimise dust by using a cover for your toaster when it’s not in use.
If something melts inside (like cheese or plastic), clean the mess ASAP! The longer you leave it to sit, the trickier it’ll be to remove.
To prevent melted or burnt messes in the future, do not put parchment paper, plastic, styrofoam, or aluminium inside the slots.
Before Cleaning a Toaster
The first step in the cleaning process is always to unplug your toaster and let it cool completely. Safety first — you don’t want to accidentally injure yourself!
To clean a toaster, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft cloths or sponges
- Soft brush (like a pastry brush)
When cleaning a stainless steel toaster, you can wipe the exterior with a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar.
Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which could leave a residue that’s hazardous to your food. Meanwhile, abrasive cleaners like steel wool may leave scratches that trap food and lead to mould.
How to Clean a Toaster Inside and Out
Before anything else, keep in mind that you should not get your toaster wet.
Wiping with a damp cloth is fine, but don’t directly put any water inside. It could get into the heating element or electrical components and cause serious damage.
When you deep clean a toaster, make sure it’s unplugged and cooled down.
Cleaning the inside of a toaster
Start by taking out the removable crumb tray, if your toaster has one. Empty it into the rubbish bin, then leave it to soak in warm, soapy water to the side.
Over the rubbish bin, tip the toaster upside down and gently shake out any loose crumbs. Give it a light tap or two to dislodge any food particles inside.
For toasters without removable trays, use a pastry brush or old toothbrush to reach into the bottom and remove debris. Avoid sticking your fingers inside so you don’t get hurt.
With the same brush, gently scrub the inside surfaces of the toaster. Be careful not to damage the heating element!
As an optional step, you can wrap a microfibre cloth around a chopstick. Use that to carefully wipe inside the slots to catch any remaining crumbs and dirt.
Cleaning a toaster crumb tray
Take the crumb tray and wash it with a soft sponge dipped in warm water and dish soap.
For stuck-on food or stubborn crumbs, try soaking it in equal parts white vinegar and water for 5–10 minutes. Wash it in soap and water afterwards.
If that doesn’t work, make a thin paste of baking soda and water. Apply it with a soft sponge and scrub the tray clean.
Rinse the tray, then dry it thoroughly.
Cleaning the exterior of a toaster
Wipe the exterior surfaces of your dirty toaster with a soft cloth dampened in warm, soapy water. Make sure the cloth is just damp, not dripping!
For a stainless steel toaster, use the vinegar solution and buff with the grain to prevent streaks or smudges.
Focus on any knobs, buttons, and other high-touch areas that collect grime. Use a cotton bud for any grooves and edges, such as the base of a dial. And don’t forget the underside and toaster feet!
Rinse off any soapy residue with a damp cloth, then follow with a clean microfibre cloth to dry.
Give the power cord a quick wipe, then reassemble your toaster — and you’re done!
How to Get Grease Off a Toaster
Grease (and food debris) can build up in a toaster pretty quickly — but it’s straightforward to clean up.
Make a thin paste out of baking soda and water, then use a damp sponge or cloth to apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
Use the damp cloth to scrub off the greasy residue. You can reapply more paste as needed.
Follow with another clean cloth dampened with water to rinse off the paste. Or for a little hack, use a little white vinegar — it’s great for loosening and removing baking soda residue!
Dry the toaster surfaces afterwards.
How to Remove Melted Plastic From a Toaster
Accidents happen — maybe part of a wrapper got stuck, or you left the bread bag too close. Melted plastic takes some effort to get off, but it’s not impossible!
If the plastic has melted onto the exterior or the top edges of the slots, you should be able to remove it.
Unplug the toaster and scrape off as much plastic as you can using a wooden or plastic scraper. Do not use metal tools as they can scratch the finish.
When the appliance has cooled, sprinkle baking soda onto a damp cloth, then use it to scrub the plastic off (carefully!). Reapply as necessary.
For any stubborn plastic residue, dip a cotton ball or bud into a little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Wipe the area clean, changing to a new cotton ball or bud as needed.
Do not let the alcohol or nail polish remover come into contact with the heating or electrical components.
Once the plastic is removed, wipe the toaster with a damp cloth before drying thoroughly.
If the plastic has melted inside the slots, however, it’s probably best to replace the toaster entirely. You don’t want to risk a fire!
How to Clean a Burnt Toaster
Look, toasters are meant to get a bit beat up over time. But sometimes we set the timer too long, and now you’ve got burnt toast and burn marks on the toaster.
Start by unplugging the appliance and letting it cool. Carefully turn the toaster upside down and shake out any crumbs or debris.
To get the brown stains off the top of the toaster, dip a damp sponge or old toothbrush into some baking soda. Carefully scrub the affected area until it’s clean.
Wipe off any residue with a damp microfibre cloth, then dry the surface.
If that doesn’t work, well… We know it doesn’t look good, but just tell yourself your toaster has some character!
Talking About Toaster Cleaning: FAQs
Here are a few more common questions people have about cleaning and maintaining a toaster.
Are you supposed to clean a toaster before using it?
Ideally, yes, you should clean a new toaster before using it!
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, and wash the crumb tray in some soapy water. You can also wrap a paper towel or cloth around a wooden stick and lightly wipe the interior.
This lets you remove any dirt or residue from manufacturing and packaging, and ensures your toaster is safe and hygienic for use. You don’t want to add a stale taste to your bread!
If you notice a burning smell when you first use your toaster, unplug it immediately. There may be a faulty electrical component that could turn into a fire hazard.
Can you use water to clean a toaster?
Never directly put water inside your toaster for cleaning! The moisture can damage the electrical or heating components.
At most, stick to a water-dampened soft cloth — just damp, not dripping.
Can you wash a toaster in the sink?
No, you should never wash a toaster in the sink. Submerging it or putting it under running water can damage the electrical components.
You can wash parts of a toaster in the sink, such as a removable crumb tray. Always dry the tray thoroughly before reinserting it.
