How to clean a toaster inside & out

Why should you clean your toaster?

Cleaning your toaster isn’t just for its looks. It's about safety and getting the most out of your appliance. 

First off, toasters can become fire hazards if crumbs build up inside. Those little bits of burnt toast can ignite near the heating elements. Removing them is a small step that can prevent a big problem.

Beyond safety, a clean toaster just works better. Those crumbs? They’re messy, yes, but they can also interfere with how well your toaster heats up. Keeping it clean means your bread toasts evenly every time. No more burnt edges or undercooked middles – just golden, crunchy perfection ready for that melty butter.

And, of course, there’s the hygiene. Leftover crumbs can attract pests like ants or even mould in a damp kitchen. Keeping your kitchen tidy and pest-free begins with just a few easy steps. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and show you how to clean your toaster in about 10 minutes.

How to clean a toaster?

Cleaning your toaster doesn’t have to be a big deal. With just a few minutes and a handful of everyday items, you can keep it looking good and working well. Here’s how to do it without any fuss.

What you'll need

• A sink or bin

• A damp cloth

• Dishwashing liquid

• A soft brush (like a pastry brush or an old toothbrush)

• microfibre cloth (optional for a final polish)

Steps to clean a toaster

1. Unplug and let cool. Safety first – unplug your toaster and let it cool before you begin cleaning.

2. Remove the crumb tray. Slide out the crumb tray. Wash it with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely before putting it back. Most of the crumbs hide here, so don't skip this step.

3. Shake out crumbs. Take your toaster over to the sink or bin. Turn it upside down and give it a gentle shake to dislodge any remaining crumbs from inside.

4. Brush the interior. Use a soft brush to gently clean the inside of the toaster, focusing on dislodging crumbs without touching the heating elements. A pastry brush or a toothbrush works perfectly for this.

5. Wipe the exterior. Dampen a cloth with water and dishwashing detergent (or a mild cleaner) and wipe down the outside of the toaster. Pay extra attention to the high-touch areas like dials and buttons. Use a microfibre cloth for a final polish so it looks as good as new.

6. Reassemble and enjoy. Once everything is dry, put the crumb tray back in, plug in your toaster, and you’re all set! A quick clean, and you’re ready for that next crumbly slice of toast.

Easy, isn’t it? While we’re talking about dials and buttons, learn more about what toaster numbers mean and how a toaster works.

Can you wash a toaster with water?

Using water to clean your toaster? Not a good idea. Toasters are electric appliances, and water doesn’t mix well with electricity. 

Washing a toaster with water could cause serious damage, and it’s a major safety hazard – you don’t want water getting into the heating elements or the electrical components inside. 

Instead, stick to dry cleaning methods like shaking out crumbs, wiping with a damp cloth on the outside, and using a brush to clean the inside. Keep the toaster unplugged while cleaning, and avoid direct contact with water. 

Now you know how to clean a toaster, have you thought about how often you should do it?

How often to clean your toaster

It’s not just about learning how to clean a toaster, but also considering how often you should do it.

So, how often should you clean your toaster? It really depends how much you use it. If you're toasting daily, cleaning it every week or so is a good rule of thumb. This helps keep crumbs from building up, keeping your toaster in good shape and your fire risk low. For lighter use, once a month might do the trick.

Cleaning helps you spot issues early – like stuck toast or jam spills that attract ants. Think of it like any other quick kitchen tidy-up: a little effort goes a long way.

Set up a toaster cleaning routine

Why set up a routine? It's a smart way to keep things simple and manageable. It's like any other regular chore – making it part of your routine feels less like a hassle and more like a quick tick off your list. 

You could tie it into your kitchen habits, like wiping down benches or taking out the rubbish. Maybe add a quick toaster clean to your list every fortnight on bin day. 

It's one of those quick tasks that keep everything running smoothly. We're all about those small steps that keep your kitchen humming along nicely.

Tips to clean a toaster

Check the cord occasionally

Keep the toaster’s power cord clean and free from crumbs or grease. Wipe it down occasionally with a damp cloth, making sure it’s unplugged and dry before use. 

Store your toaster covered

If you’re not using your toaster daily, consider keeping it covered or stored away. This reduces dust buildup and keeps crumbs from gathering, making your next clean much easier.

Place your toaster on a tray

A small tray under your toaster can catch crumbs and make for an easy clean-up. Just pull out the tray, dump the crumbs, and you’re done – no need to worry about messy counters.

Spot clean as you go

Notice a spill or a rogue crumb? Tackle it straight away rather than letting it build up. Just like tidying up after cooking, these little moments add up to less work later.

Give those toaster feet a wipe

Don’t forget the underside. Toaster feet can gather crumbs and grease, making your counters look messier than they are. A quick wipe-down now and then keeps everything clean.

Avoid harsh chemicals

When cleaning the exterior, stick to mild soap and water or even a bit of vinegar. You don’t need anything fancy, and it keeps your toaster looking sleek without damaging the finish.

Get in the habit of unplugging

Unplugging your toaster when it’s not in use is a great safety habit. It prevents any accidental starts and can even save a bit of energy. 

Go gentle on stainless steel

For a stainless steel toaster, stick to a soft cloth and a mix of dish soap and warm water. Avoid powders or acidic cleaners like vinegar or citrus – they can leave stains or damage the finish.  

Check your toast settings

After giving your toaster a good clean, double-check your toast settings. They might’ve shifted a bit while you were wiping down the exterior. 

How to remove melted plastic from a toaster

Sometimes, your bread bag is a little too close to your toaster while it's on, and you end up with melted plastic on your appliance. Don’t worry. You can usually clean it off. 

It can be a hassle, but it's doable with some patience and care. First things first – unplug your toaster and let it cool down completely. Never try to clean it while it's still warm or plugged in.

Once it’s cool, here’s a trick we’ve learnt. Place the toaster in the freezer for about an hour. This helps harden the melted plastic, making it easier to remove. After freezing, gently chip away at the hardened plastic using a wooden or plastic tool – something like a spatula or a blunt knife works well. Be gentle to avoid scratching the toaster or damaging the heating elements.

For any stubborn bits left behind, try using a cotton swab dipped in a little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Just dab it lightly on the plastic, and it should help lift the residue. Avoid direct contact with the heating elements. 

Once you've cleared all the plastic, wipe the toaster down with a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue or cleaner, let it dry thoroughly, and you're good to go.

Remember, patience is key here. Rushing can lead to damage, so take it slow, and your toaster will be back in action in no time.

Recap: How to clean a toaster

As you can see, cleaning your toaster doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it's quicker and easier than you might've thought.

Start by unplugging your toaster and letting it cool if need be. Safety first, always. Then, pull out the crumb tray (if your toaster has one) and wash it well with warm, soapy water. Don't skip this step; it's where most of the gunk hides. Set it aside to dry.

Next, give it a little shake over the sink or bin to dislodge those crumbs hiding inside. You know the ones – they might've been there a while.

For the toaster's interior, a gentle brush with a pastry brush or even a toothbrush can help dislodge any stubborn bits. Just be careful not to poke the heating elements.

Finally, return the crumb tray and wipe the outside with a damp cloth. A quick polish makes a world of difference. And there you have it – clean, crumb-free, and ready for your next perfect slice of toast. Easy, right?

Still have questions? Learn more with our toaster buying guide, or discover 6 ways to wake up tired toast.

FAQ

Can you put water in a toaster to clean it?

No. You should never put water in a toaster to clean it. Toasters are electric appliances, and using water can cause damage and pose serious safety risks, such as electrical shock or fire hazards. Always keep water away from the internal components of the toaster.

Can you wash your toaster in the sink?

No, you should not wash your toaster in the sink. Immersing a toaster in water or placing it under running water can damage its electrical components and is extremely dangerous. Toasters should be cleaned using dry methods, such as shaking out crumbs or wiping the exterior with a damp cloth while unplugged.

How do you clean the inside of a toaster?

To clean the inside of a toaster, unplug it and allow it to cool completely. Shake it gently over a sink or bin to remove loose crumbs, then use a soft brush (like a pastry brush or toothbrush) to dislodge crumbs from the slots. Avoid poking the heating elements, and never use water inside the toaster. Learn more about how to use a toaster.