What You’ll Need
- Soft cloths or paper towels
- Dish soap or baking soda
- Warm water
- A toothbrush or small cleaning brush
- Cotton swabs
- Vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
Step 1: Unplug and Empty
Before cleaning your toaster, always make sure it is unplugged and cooled down. Empty the crumb tray and remove any excess debris from within the toaster. This will prevent the mess from spreading further during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Remove and Clean Crumb Tray
Most toasters have a removable crumb tray. Take it out, clean it with warm soapy water, and leave it to air dry. If your toaster doesn’t have a detachable crumb tray, flip it upside down and gently shake out any crumbs.
Step 3: Wipe Down Exterior
Using a soft cloth or paper towel dampened with warm soapy water, gently wipe down the outside of your toaster. Be careful not to let any water seep inside the toaster. For stubborn stains, sprinkle a little baking soda on the cloth or paper towel and gently scrub.
Step 4: Attack the Caked-On Interior
To clean the caked-on interior, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, using a toothbrush or small cleaning brush, scrub the interior in circular motions. For hard-to-reach spots, use cotton swabs. Once done, wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Deodorize and Shine (Optional)
If your toaster has a lingering odor or you want to give it a sparkling finish, here are two optional steps:
- Vinegar: Soak a cloth in vinegar or lemon juice and wipe down the interior of the toaster. This will help neutralize odors. Don’t forget to remove any vinegar residue afterward.
- Shine: To make your toaster shine, create a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice. Apply it to the exterior with a cloth and give it a final wipe down.
Step 6: Properly Reassemble
Make sure the crumb tray is completely dry before reinserting it into the toaster. Once dry, carefully place it back into its slot. Ensure all parts are properly aligned before plugging the toaster back in and using it.
Now that you have foolproof tips and tricks for cleaning a caked-on toaster, it’s time to put them into action. Regularly cleaning your toaster will not only improve its performance but also prolong its lifespan. So grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to enjoy a cleaner, more efficient toaster in no time!