How to Clean a Toaster

Steps

Method 1

Cleaning the Crumb Tray

1. 1

   Unplug the toaster and move to a workspace.

   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.

   http://ift.tt/2u0aSEf

   http://ift.tt/2twHMsx

   /5/53/Clean a Toaster Step 1 Version 2.360p.mp4

2. 2

   Remove the crumb tray.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2twuiNC

   http://ift.tt/2tZMzq4

   /e/e1/Clean a Toaster Step 2 Version 4.360p.mp4

3. 3

   Shake out the crumb tray.

   Turn the crumb tray upside down. Give it a good shake to remove any loose crumbs, dirt, dust, or debris.

   ^[3]

   http://ift.tt/2u010KU

   http://ift.tt/2tw83Yj

   /2/2d/Clean a Toaster Step 3 Version 4.360p.mp4

   • 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. 4

   Clean the crumb tray in warm, soapy water.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2twmT0L

   http://ift.tt/2u08mOv

   /c/cb/Clean a Toaster Step 4.360p.mp4

5. 5

   Clean a non-removable crumb tray.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2u0fBpm

   http://ift.tt/2twgKBy

   /a/a5/Clean a Toaster Step 5.360p.mp4

Method 2

Cleaning the Rest of the Toaster

1. 1

   Swipe away crumbs from the interior.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2twdtlU

   http://ift.tt/2tZRaZe

   /f/f0/Clean a Toaster Step 6.360p.mp4

   • It's usually a good idea to turn your toaster upside down and shake it again after removing interior crumbs.

2. 2

   Wipe down the interior slots.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2u0asxX

   http://ift.tt/2twmWtt

   /3/3f/Clean a Toaster Step 7.360p.mp4

   • 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. 3

   Clean the exterior of the 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.

   http://ift.tt/2twduX0

   http://ift.tt/2u011hW

   /a/a3/Clean a Toaster Step 8.360p.mp4

Method 3

Maintaining a Clean Toaster

1. 1

   Deep clean your toaster once a month.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2u0aSUL

   http://ift.tt/2twjQWh

   /6/60/Clean a Toaster Step 9.360p.mp4

2. 2

   Empty out the crumbs once a week.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2twHYIp

   http://ift.tt/2u0fA4M

   /c/cc/Clean a Toaster Step 10.360p.mp4

3. 3

   Wipe down the exterior each day.

   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]

   http://ift.tt/2u012T4

   http://ift.tt/2tw6wS0

   /e/e9/Clean a Toaster Step 11.360p.mp4

Community Q&A

Add New Question

• Is there anything I should do before using a new toaster for the first time?

  Toast it once with nothing inside at the lowest heat setting to get rid of the smell.

• Why we should not put it directly in water?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Because it's electric. A plugged in electric device can electrocute you if it's wet.

Ask a Question

If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.

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.

Warnings

• Only clean a cool toaster. Cleaning a hot toaster is asking to be burnt.
• Only plug into the wall with dry hands.
• Do not immerse the toaster in water under any circumstances.
• Never stick a knife in a toaster. If the toaster is plugged in, you are risking electrocution.

Made Recently

Loading...

Did you try these steps?

Upload a picture for other readers to see.

Upload error

Article Info

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 77,806 times.

Did this article help you?