Most of us use our toaster daily, but when is the last time you remember cleaning it?
You likely can’t see clearly inside it like with an oven, so don’t even realise it needs attending to. Simply emptying the crumb tray is usually only done if there is a chunk of toast stuck and giving off a burning smell when it is switched on. But you know that you can’t exactly give it a wash in warm soapy water, so how do you do it?
Cleaning Your Toaster
For an appliance which is used regularly, toasters are very neglected. But it can also be a scary prospect to clean them, with their exposed grills/coils.
Here are some handy tips to get your toaster looking good as new again:
-
Prepare your toaster
Firstly, as with all electricals, make sure it is completely cooled if it has been used recently, and unplug it.
It can be a messy job, so make sure the area is cleared and you aren’t working too near any other appliances which could get dirty in the process. We like to clean ours over the sink to minimise clean up at the end, and also keep the bin close by.
-
Get all the crumbs out
If your toaster has a crumb tray, this can be pulled out and emptied into the bin. If not, simply tip it upside down and shake it to get them all out. It could be worth doing this even if your toaster does have a dedicated tray. Crumbs can get stuck in between the grill and not fall through.
Ensure the inside is completely clear by grabbing a long-handled pastry brush, dry toothbrush/paintbrush or a hairdryer. Try to remove any crumbs which may still be remaining in the corners or behind grills. If you use a hairdryer, always set it to cool but try and get it as powerful as it will go.
-
Wipe down the surfaces
Your crumb tray is probably a bit grubby, so soak it in warm soapy water for a little while to dislodge any dirt. Then, wipe down the exterior of your toaster with some water too. Focus on the dials and other switches which are constantly used. Try not to get any water inside the toaster.
If yours has any stainless steel surfaces, use a clean cloth or some kitchen paper to wipe some vinegar over them. Just as you would with a glass window. This will make them shiny again, looking as good as new.
-
Thoroughly dry the outer and crumb tray
You can do this with a cloth, but try to let them air dry for a bit as well. This prevents any annoying smudges and makes sure all corners are dry.
Once done, reassemble and plug the toaster back in and you’re good to go!
Remember to try and do this regularly – a well-maintained appliance will last longer and work much more efficiently. Fancy a change or want to start afresh with a new product? There is such a wide range of toasters available, so let us help you narrow your choice down by reading our reviews.
