How to Clean a Toaster: A Complete Guide

Toasters are a staple kitchen appliance, but yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. After the bread pops, many toasters are left to accumulate months’ (or years’) worth of crumbs, which can be a fire hazard. But with routine and proper cleaning, toasters can look—and smell—brand-new for many years. Let’s take a look at how to clean a toaster to keep your kitchen crumb-free.

How Often Should I Clean My Toaster?

Your toaster is probably one of the few things you forget to clean. However, you should clean your toaster weekly if you use it every day. After every use, some crumbs have likely made their way to the bottom of your toaster. These crumbs can accumulate over time (especially if you’re a fan of everything bagels) and become a potential fire hazard. Plus, the more often you clean it, the less you’ll have to clean it every time. 

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for how often you should clean your toaster:

1. Wipe the outside every day

2. Brush out crumb tray once a week

3. Deep clean your toaster once a month

4. Tackle stuck on food as needed

Signs It’s Time To Clean Your Toaster

Not sure whether you need to clean out your toaster? Look for these telltale signs.

• You can hear crumbs rattling around: If you hear a lot of noise every time you pull out your toaster, it’s safe to assume you need to clean it. 

• Your food cooks unevenly: When there’s too much build-up on the toaster coils, food can start to cook unevenly. If this is a new occurrence, it may signify that your toaster needs your attention. 

• There’s a burnt smell when you use it: If this is the case, you need to clean your toaster as soon as possible. This smell is a surefire sign there are too many crumbs left at the bottom of your toaster. If left untreated, you may find yourself in a hazardous situation.

How to Clean Out a Toaster

Cleaning a toaster is likely much easier than you think. It will only take about 10 minutes to clean the inside and the outside, and you hardly need any tools. Follow these steps and check cleaning a toaster off your to-do list today. 

Clean the Inside

1. Unplug the toaster and make sure it’s cool.

2. Remove the crumb tray and throw away its contents.

3. Gently shake out the crumbs over a trash can or sink. 

4. If there is a tray, fill your sink with warm water and add dishwashing liquid with degreaser. 

5. Add the tray to soapy water and wash well.

6. Lay the toaster on its side and brush away remaining crumbs inside the toaster with a pastry or small paint brush. Avoid using your fingers or other tools that could damage the interior components.

7. If food is stuck on the toaster, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape it off. If there is still residue on the metal bars, use a soft toothbrush to scrub it off.

8. Wipe crumb tray with a cloth and replace it when dry.

Clean the Outside

1. Dip a sponge in soapy water.

2. Wipe down the exterior of the toaster. If possible, remove dials and soak in the soapy water, too.

3. If any stains remain, dip a toothbrush in baking soda and scrub the stains until gone.

4. Remove the soapy residue with a clean wet sponge. 

5. Dry using a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Toaster

If you have a stainless steel toaster, follow these steps.

1. Wet a cloth with a mix of equal parts vinegar and water.

2. Wipe down the entire toaster, paying special attention to any stains.

3. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.

4. Polish it with a microfiber cloth or a stainless steel cleaner. 

DIY Toaster Cleaning Vs. Hiring a Pro

While it’s probably not the most exciting task on your to-do list, cleaning your toaster is an easy chore that you can tackle without professional help. However, if you’re planning to hire a house cleaning service to maintain other parts of your home, you can add cleaning the toaster to your pro’s list of responsibilities. Be sure to specify how often you’d like your house cleaner to clean your toaster inside and out.

3 Tips for Toaster Maintenance

Follow these helpful tips for easy toaster cleaning.

Always Unplug the Toaster 

Unplugging your toaster is the first step to follow when you’re cleaning an electrical appliance. Unplug it from the wall and wait for it to cool completely before you even think about how to clean out your toaster.

Don’t Use Excess Water 

Water and electricity don’t mix. When scrubbing your toaster, don’t get your washcloth or toothbrush too wet as it could be hazardous. 

Store It Thoughtfully

Take care when placing items near your toaster. The heat from your appliance can easily melt things like plastic bags, which can be a nuisance to clean up and a fire hazard.