Toaster Deep Clean Reminder
When it comes to cleaning your toaster, are you someone who aggressively throws out the crumbs and calls it a day? Do you make the outside sparkle but leave the inside a dirty mess? Or are you just sitting here thinking, “Who cleans a toaster?”
Whether you’re new to using a toaster oven or a veteran who has no idea how to properly clean this frequently used appliance (my personal situation), join us on this journey to toaster cleaning knowledge.
It’s important to clean your toaster
First, let’s start with a good reason to put the extra effort into cleaning your toaster, beyond aesthetics and that nasty burnt smell. As you’ve probably noticed, toasters don’t have a door! (Not toasters , more on that later.) Because they have no barrier to the outside world, they collect not only crumbs, but also dust, lint and even insects and quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
They also pose a fire hazard: According to Consumer Reports , toasters and toaster ovens are the fifth leading cause of home fires, behind refrigerators. Therefore, cleaning them regularly not only looks beautiful, but is also safer.
How to clean a toaster
1. Be careful and turn off the power
Hopefully this is common knowledge, but just in case: To avoid accidents , unplug the appliance first (anything inserted into a toaster while it’s on can cause an electric shock or fire). And if it has been recently used, give it plenty of time to cool before cleaning.
2. Loosen the crumbs
If there is a crumb tray underneath, remove it and use an old toothbrush, pastry brush, or bottle brush to loosen the debris and empty the contents. (It’s good to see that we weren’t completely wrong with the reset.)
If you don’t have a tray, place the toaster over a trash can or sink disposal and shake vigorously to dislodge crumbs. Move the toaster to different inverted positions and shake to give all the crusty contents an equal chance to break free.
3. Clean the interior
If you have a crumb tray, soak it in warm, soapy water to loosen stubborn crumbs (dish soap with a degreaser works best and fastest). If all that’s left to do is clean up the toaster’s openings, use a spatula or small pastry brush to further clean the inside. (You can also wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and vinegar). Whenever possible, clean the top and bottom of the toaster to ensure better access to hard-to-reach areas.
4. Add shine to your appearance
Wipe the outside surface with a damp cloth or antibacterial wipe to keep it shiny, sweep or vacuum up any remaining crumbs, dry the tray with a microfiber cloth that won’t catch lint or cloth, and put it back in the toaster. .
How to clean a toaster
1. Disable it
Again, it all starts with unplugging, and I won’t stop saying that.
2. Peel and soak.
Remove the pan and rack, which will likely be covered in rough debris as well as the requisite toast residue. Soak the baking sheet and rack in warm, soapy water while you “pour and shake” the crumbs as above.
3. Clean the interior with gentle homemade solutions.
The inside of most toaster ovens is made of aluminum, so instead of using a harsh commercial oven cleaner that can damage it, make your own solution with two cups of warm water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Use a sponge soaked in this liquid (not wet) to wipe down the interior of the room and don’t forget the ceiling. To remove particularly stubborn stains, scrub a homemade paste of baking soda and water with a toothbrush or melamine sponge.
4. We carry out external and detailed work.
Use the same cleaning solution you used on the inside to wipe down the outside, then spray white vinegar to remove grease and streaks on the glass door. Carefully check to see if you can remove any knobs or dials to clean underneath. Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble the toaster and enjoy it sparkling clean for a few short moments until you use it again.