How to Clean a Toaster

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The toaster can sometimes be forgotten in the kitchen clean-up, yet it certainly deserves a regular cleaning. Crumbs build up in a toaster over time, so you should periodically deep clean your toaster so it works properly. To clean a toaster, remove the crumb tray from the bottom and clean that first. Then, clean the interior and exterior. When you're done, your toaster will be fresh, clean, and ready to use.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Crumb Tray

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    It's vital to unplug the toaster before cleaning it to avoid electric shock. [1] After unplugging your toaster, bring to a large flat surface, like a table or counter. Lay down a layer of newspaper to work over to make it easier to collect crumbs.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Most toaster have a removable tray on the bottom called the crumb tray. For the most part, you should be able to easily slide out the crumb tray. If you can't figure out how to remove the crumb tray, consult your instructions manual. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Turn the crumb tray upside down. Give it a good shake to remove any loose crumbs, dirt, dust, or debris. [3]
    • You can shake the crumb tray onto the newspaper you laid down. However, it may be easier to shake it over the garbage to dispose of crumbs right away.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Wipe the crumb tray clean over the sink using warm water and gentle liquid soap. Wash it like you would wash any other dishes. Get it completely clean, removing any stuck on crumbs or stains, and then set it aside to dry. [4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    If your toaster lacks a removable crumb tray, turn it upside down. Gently shake it over the newspaper or your garbage a few times. This should clear out most loose crumbs. [5]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Rest of the Toaster

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Use a pastry brush or clean toothbrush to clean out the wires on the interior of your toaster. Use this to wipe away any crumbs stuck inside the wires. Flick away the crumbs in the same direction the wires run. [6]
    • It's usually a good idea to turn your toaster upside down and shake it again after removing interior crumbs.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Dampen your toothbrush slightly with vinegar. Place the toothbrush back into the toaster. Use it to rub down the wire bars to get them clean, removing any stuck on crumbs, dirt, and debris. [7]
    • Only get your toothbrush damp with vinegar. A sopping wet toothbrush may cause puddles of messy water to form on the bottom of your toaster.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Get a cloth damp with vinegar. Use this to wipe down the sides of the toaster. [8] For really tough stuck-on stains, use a bit of bicarbonate of soda/baking soda to scrub off gently. Use a non-scratching sponge or wiping cloth on the toaster to prevent scratches.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining a Clean Toaster

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    About once a month, deep clean your toaster. Do so by cleaning the crumb tray and then wiping down the interior and exterior with vinegar. This will keep your toaster from building up too many crumbs and other debris. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Once a week, remove the crumb tray and shake it out over the garbage. If you don't have a removable crumb tray, turn the toaster upside down and shake it out over the garbage. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean a Toaster
    Every day, when you're doing routine cleaning in the kitchen, do not neglect your toaster. Wipe the toaster down with a wet rag or a rag dampened with vinegar. This will keep too much dirt and dust from building up on the toaster's exterior. [11]
    4. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Why we should not put it directly in water?
    Community Answer
    Because it's electric. A plugged in electric device can electrocute you if it's wet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 22 Helpful 32
  • Question
    Is there anything I should do before using a new toaster for the first time?
    Adrian
    Top Answerer
    Toast it once with nothing inside at the lowest heat setting to get rid of the smell.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 28
  • Question
    Is it okay to bang on the toaster with my hand over a bin to remove stuck crumbs?
    Community Answer
    Usually that would be fine, but try to push it, not bang it. Also, if it is currently on, than this is a no-go.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • Some toaster exteriors show up dirt, fingerprints and splatters more than others. Consider this when purchasing your toaster; for instance, stainless steel tends to need more regular polishing to keep its shine and to remove fingerprints than an opaque plastic toaster.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 5
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Toaster
      • Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
      • Sponge/gentle wiping cloth
      • Newspaper
      • Space to work in

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Put Out a Toaster Fire
      2 Ways to Clean a Round Oscillating Fan
      How to
      Wash Dishes
      How to
      Clean a Deep Fryer
      How to
      Sanitize Wooden Utensils
      How to
      Clean Corningware
      How to
      Clean a Bamboo Cutting Board
      How to
      Clean a Rice Cooker
      How to
      Clean a Stain off Enamel Ware
      How to
      Clean Anodized Cookware
      How to
      Clean a Bamboo Steamer
      How to
      Clean a Copper Kettle
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-the-toaster-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-74452
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toaster/#.WThP4_rytPM
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toaster/#.WThP4_rytPM
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toaster/#.WThP4_rytPM
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-the-toaster-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-74452
      6. ↑ http://www.home-ec101.com/how-to-clean-a-toaster/
      7. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-toaster-without-electrocuting-yourself/
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-the-toaster-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-74452
      9. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-a-toaster-pop-up-and-toaster-oven/
      1. ↑ https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/8-easy-tips-for-cleaning-toasters-toaster-ovens/
      2. ↑ https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/8-easy-tips-for-cleaning-toasters-toaster-ovens/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean a toaster, first unplug the toaster. Remove the crumb tray, if there is one. The crumb tray should easily slide out of the front of your toaster. Dump out any crumbs. Wash the tray with soap and water. While it's drying, tip your toaster upside down into the garbage to remove any other crumbs. Then, dip an old toothbrush or cleaning brush in some vinegar. Brush the heating coils inside the toaster. Use a cloth dipped in vinegar to scrub and polish the outside of the toaster.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 254,064 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement