3 Ways To Clean A Toaster - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

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• Food and Entertaining
• Breakfast
• Toast

How to Clean a Toaster Download Article Co-authored by Melissa Maker

Last Updated: April 29, 2025 References

Download Article

• Cleaning the Crumb Tray
|
• Cleaning the Rest of the Toaster
|
• Maintaining a Clean Toaster
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Melissa Maker. Melissa Maker is a Cleaning Expert based in Toronto, Canada. She has over 18 years of professional experience in the cleaning industry, and has created multiple businesses to educate others about cleaning and provide high-quality cleaning products. She is the founder of CleanMySpace, a YouTube channel and blog with over 2 million subscribers that has been creating cleaning content since 2010. She is also the owner of Maker’s Clean, a product line of premium, professional grade cleaning products that has been in business since 2016. Maker’s Clean sells a signature cleaning cloth design, mops, bath and beauty products, and cleaning guides and tutorials. This article has been viewed 258,254 times.

The toaster can sometimes be forgotten in the kitchen clean-up, yet it certainly deserves a regular cleaning. Crumbs build up in a toaster over time, so you should periodically deep clean your toaster so it works properly. To clean a toaster, remove the crumb tray from the bottom and clean that first. Then, clean the interior and exterior. When you're done, your toaster will be fresh, clean, and ready to use.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Crumb Tray

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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.
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] Advertisement
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]
   • 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]
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]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Rest of the Toaster

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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]
   • 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]
   • 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.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining a Clean Toaster

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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]
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]
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]
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Community Q&A

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• Question Why we should not put it directly in water? Community Answer Because it's electric. A plugged in electric device can electrocute you if it's wet. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 34
• Question Is there anything I should do before using a new toaster for the first time? Adrian Top Answerer Toast it once with nothing inside at the lowest heat setting to get rid of the smell. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 30
• Question Is it okay to bang on the toaster with my hand over a bin to remove stuck crumbs? Community Answer Usually that would be fine, but try to push it, not bang it. Also, if it is currently on, than this is a no-go. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7

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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. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 5

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Only clean a cool toaster. Cleaning a hot toaster is asking to be burnt. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 2
• Never stick a knife in a toaster. If the toaster is plugged in, you are risking electrocution. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2
• Do not immerse the toaster in water under any circumstances. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 4
• Only plug into the wall with dry hands. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 4

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Things You'll Need

• Toaster
• Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
• Sponge/gentle wiping cloth
• Newspaper
• Space to work in

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References

1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-the-toaster-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-74452
2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toaster/#.WThP4_rytPM
3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toaster/#.WThP4_rytPM
4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-toaster/#.WThP4_rytPM
5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-the-toaster-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-74452
6. ↑ http://www.home-ec101.com/how-to-clean-a-toaster/
7. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-toaster-without-electrocuting-yourself/
8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-clean-the-toaster-cleaning-lessons-from-the-kitchn-74452
9. ↑ http://cleanmyspace.com/how-to-clean-a-toaster-pop-up-and-toaster-oven/

More References (2)

10. ↑ https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/8-easy-tips-for-cleaning-toasters-toaster-ovens/
11. ↑ https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/8-easy-tips-for-cleaning-toasters-toaster-ovens/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Melissa Maker Founder, Clean My Space This article was co-authored by Melissa Maker. Melissa Maker is a Cleaning Expert based in Toronto, Canada. She has over 18 years of professional experience in the cleaning industry, and has created multiple businesses to educate others about cleaning and provide high-quality cleaning products. She is the founder of CleanMySpace, a YouTube channel and blog with over 2 million subscribers that has been creating cleaning content since 2010. She is also the owner of Maker’s Clean, a product line of premium, professional grade cleaning products that has been in business since 2016. Maker’s Clean sells a signature cleaning cloth design, mops, bath and beauty products, and cleaning guides and tutorials. This article has been viewed 258,254 times. 52 votes - 79% Co-authors: 18 Updated: April 29, 2025 Views: 258,254 Categories: Featured Articles | Cleaning Cookware | Toast Article SummaryX

To clean a toaster, first unplug the toaster. Remove the crumb tray, if there is one. The crumb tray should easily slide out of the front of your toaster. Dump out any crumbs. Wash the tray with soap and water. While it's drying, tip your toaster upside down into the garbage to remove any other crumbs. Then, dip an old toothbrush or cleaning brush in some vinegar. Brush the heating coils inside the toaster. Use a cloth dipped in vinegar to scrub and polish the outside of the toaster. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Melissa Maker Founder, Clean My Space 52 votes - 79% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 18 Updated: April 29, 2025 Views: 258,254

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