How To Clean A Toaster?

The first thing that comes to mind is that there is nothing hard in cleaning a toaster. However, when last did you clean your toaster? We all are guilty of leaving the toaster until it desperately needs cleaning. Not only are we going to give you the correct method on how to clean a toaster, but we are going to give you some tips that you might not know or thought about, earlier. Making cleaning so much easier, even if cleaning this appliance isn’t that hard, to begin with.

How often to clean a toaster

First things first. How often do you need to clean your toaster? Every time you are using it? Or, is there a guide to know when it is time to clean your toaster? The most common sign that you need to clean your toaster is when the toaster starts smelling like burned toast when you are using it.

The crumbs that are lying at the bottom of the toaster start to burn. The other thing that you need to consider is how frequently you are using your toaster. If this is something you are only using once in a while, then regular cleaning isn’t necessary.

However, when you are using it daily, then you might want to consider cleaning it at least once a week. If you have a toaster oven, and using it for more than just making toast, then you might want to clean it after each use.

What do you need to clean your toaster?

Before cleaning, you might want to get everything you need. To make cleaning easier and faster. Depending on the method you are going to use to clean the toaster, you might need a couple of things. These are some of the things you will find to assist with cleaning the appliance.

• A pastry brush or a new paintbrush will work as well
• Sponge or a dry dishcloth
• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar (depending on the method of cleaning)

The baking soda and white vinegar are used when you are cleaning your toaster oven. Don’t use anything wet inside your toaster. You should also not scrub the surface of your toaster or toaster oven. It will damage the coat on the tray.

Step-by-step guide in cleaning the toaster

These are the most common way of cleaning any type of toaster or toaster oven. Just a reminder that with a toaster oven, you might want to clean more thoroughly because you are using it for more than just making toast. You won’t go wrong by following this guide.
Unplug the toaster

This is always the first thing that you need to do. Unplug the toaster and the toaster oven. You never clean an electrical appliance with it plugged in. You will get electrocuted. It is also advisable that you should wait till the appliance is cooled down before cleaning. Toasters can get hot and it will be easy to burn yourself by cleaning a toaster that is still warm.

While cleaning the toaster, you need to keep the electrical cord away from any type of moisture or water. Don’t forget to keep the cord away from you while working.

Shake the toaster to loosen the crumbs

You can do this outside, in your dustbin, or the sink if you want. You should give your toaster a shake to loosen the crumbs a bit. Make sure that all the loose crumbs are out first, otherwise, you might end up with a big mess. You might not realize how many crumbs there are in that small toaster.

Brush the crumbs inside the toaster

You now take the brush that you already set aside and brush inside the toaster. Making sure that you reach all the small parts inside the toaster. Sometimes the crumbs are getting stuck in unusual places, and by shaking the toaster, you don’t always get everything out.

It is recommended that you are working from the bottom and the top of the toaster. If this is done, you are again shaking the crumbs out of the toaster like in the previous step.

Use a damp sponge or dishcloth for the outside

The inside of the toaster is now done. A toaster oven has other cleaning methods, then just shaking it. With the inside of the toaster done, you still need to wash the outside of the toaster. You should take a damp cloth or sponge and wash the outside. Dry the toaster, don’t leave the outside of the toaster wet. It will increase the chance of rust.

Now you can store the toaster away till the next time you are using it. The toaster might not be as filthy for you, but cleaning it is essential. To ensure that your toast tastes great and not like burned bread.

Toaster cleaning hacks you might want to know

You know now the basic method for cleaning a toaster. However, there are some hacks or shortcuts you can consider if you aren’t in the mood for a full toaster clean. You might want to test these hacks before you decide that this is now your new favorite cleaning method.

The hairdryer method. Did you know that instead of the whole process, we have given you here, you can always just use your hairdryer? You can blow all the crumbs out of the toaster without any problems. Then you don’t need to brush the inside so that the crumbs can become loose. Please, still unplug the toaster before you start using the hairdryer.

When your toaster needs a good clean, you can take a toothbrush and brush the crumbs away. This will leave your toaster brand new and you will not smell any burned bread anymore. This is just a longer process because you will need to take the toaster apart and know how to put it together again.

When you are shaking all the loose crumbs out after each use, you will not have a problem with hard cleaning your toaster. You just might want to spend time cleaning the outside of the appliance.

Things you should not do when cleaning a toaster

Believe it or not, there are a couple of things you should never do when cleaning a toaster. You should never put the toaster or the toaster cord in water. It will electrocute you and will ruin your toaster forever. Even if you are just wiping the toaster off, you should do it with a damp cloth, and not a soaking wet one.

Another thing that you never should do, is to get the electrical parts of the toaster wet. Not only will it be dangerous, but it will also risk breaking the toaster. Then, you will need to get it fixed or replaced.

You might not have thought about how to clean your toaster. Maybe you don’t even clean the inside of the toaster, but only the outside. Now you don’t understand why your toast is always smelling like burned toast, even if you didn’t burn it in the first place. You will learn how to clean a toaster to ensure tasty toast and a toaster that won’t replace anytime soon.