How to Clean Your Toaster

Keeping your toaster clean will improve its performance, result in better toast, and ensure that the toaster has a long and productive life. Unsure how to go about it? The information below will help!

The first step is to clean the outside of your toaster. The easiest way to do this is with a soft cloth and some soapy water. Make sure to unplug the toaster and let it cool before cleaning, and don't ever immerse it in water. Just wipe down the outside and then rinse with a clean wet cloth and wipe dry. Use soft materials to prevent scratching the finish, particularly if it's a metal toaster. If the toaster has anything stuck to it, scrub very gently with a soft cloth wrapped over your fingernail- don't ever use steel wool or abrasive cleaners on a shiny toaster. If the plastic from the bread bag melted onto the toaster, a small dab of nail polish remover is a great way to remove it. Your toaster may have a crumb catcher beneath it. This is a small tray that should slide out of the bottom. Remove it carefully, shake out the crumbs, and wash the tray with soapy water in the sink. Dry thoroughly before replacing.

Now to tackle the inside of the toaster! Believe it or not, the easiest way to do this is the most common way. Pick up the toaster carefully, hold it upside down over the trash, and shake it to remove crumbs. Don't hit the toaster or shake it violently; the crumbs will come out on their own.

Once you've done that, use a soft small brush to carefully wipe inside the toaster vents. Small dusting wands (clean, of course) work well for this purpose. If you don't have something that fits, a soft cloth wrapped over the end of a toothbrush or spatula works well. Don't ever use anything metal to wipe inside the toaster, as even with the toaster unplugged, metal can damage the heating coils inside.

Once you've done this, your toaster is ready to be plugged in and put to use. For best results, clean the outside of the toaster regularly, and the inside at least once a month- more if you use the toaster often.