How to Clean a Toaster Safely

  1. 1

    Unplug the toaster and let it cool completely

    Never clean a toaster that is plugged in or still warm. Unplug it from the wall. Wait at least 10 minutes after last use before cleaning. This is not negotiable — toasters can store heat and electricity-related cleaning accidents are preventable.

  2. 2

    Remove and empty the crumb tray

    Most toasters have a removable crumb tray on the bottom (slides out from the side or base). Pull it out and shake crumbs into the bin. Wash the tray with warm soapy water. Dry completely — do not reinsert a wet crumb tray.

  3. 3

    Shake the toaster upside down over a bin

    Take the toaster (still unplugged) to the bin or outside. Hold it upside down and shake gently to dislodge crumbs from inside the slots that the tray did not catch. A soft brush (a pastry brush or clean paintbrush) can be used inside the slots to gently loosen any stuck crumbs. Never use anything sharp or metallic inside the toaster.

  4. 4

    Wipe the exterior

    Wipe the outside of the toaster with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. For stainless steel exteriors: wipe with the grain (direction of fine lines) using a cloth with a small amount of dish soap, then wipe with a clean damp cloth, then dry. For plastic: a damp cloth is sufficient.

  5. 5

    Clean baked-on grease on the exterior

    For sticky residue or grease on the outside: make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the affected area with a cloth, leave 5 minutes, wipe off. Or use a small amount of dish soap on a damp cloth. Never spray cleaners directly into the toaster slots or vents.

Never do these with a toasterDo not submerge in water or put in the dishwasher. Do not insert wet cloths or brushes into the toaster slots. Do not use a knife or fork to retrieve stuck bread (even unplugged — dangerous habit to form). Do not clean while plugged in. Crumbs are a fire hazard — regular emptying of the crumb tray reduces fire risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Empty the crumb tray weekly if you use the toaster daily — or whenever you notice crumb buildup. A full clean (shake out, wipe exterior) monthly is sufficient for regular use. Crumbs left in a toaster are a genuine fire hazard as they can ignite from the heating elements over time. The crumb tray is specifically designed to contain and make removing crumbs easy — use it.
A toaster oven requires more thorough cleaning than a pop-up toaster. Remove the rack and crumb tray and wash separately with soapy water. Wipe the interior walls with a damp cloth and mild dish soap or a baking soda and water paste for grease. The interior can handle more moisture than a standard toaster but avoid getting the heating elements wet. The glass door can be cleaned with glass cleaner on the exterior and a damp cloth on the interior.