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My life wouldn’t be the same without my morning toast, and I mean it. Every morning I make some variation of avocado toast with an egg, which means I toast a piece of bread or two every morning. So I want to clean my trusty toaster (i toaster oven) once a week, to remove any leftover food that could cause a burnt taste that isn’t ideal – or even a fire.
The bottom of a toaster can quickly collect a surprising amount of dust, crumbs, lint, and even bugs if left dirty. Therefore, it should be cleaned regularly. Fortunately, there is an easy method and you won’t be electrocuted. I promise. For more cleaning tips, learn how to wash bed linen the right way and how to clean the kitchen in less than 15 minutes.
How to clean a toaster
If you use your toaster as often as I do (every day), you’ll need to clean it at least once a week. If you use it sporadically, you can get away with cleaning every few weeks or when you notice food residue building up. Here’s the best way to clean your toaster:
1. Turn off the toaster and do the usual shake upside down over the sink. No, just shaking the device over the sink is not entirely effective.
2. Pull out the crumb tray, if there is one, then wash it with warm water and dish soap.
3. While you let the crumb tray dry, moisten a cotton cloth with a little white vinegar and wipe the slots that hold bread, cakes or other treats.
4. If the heating elements have food residue from breakfast pastries stuck to them, gently brush them with an old toothbrush soaked in white vinegar.
5. Wipe the interior with a cloth dampened with water to remove any remaining vinegar.
6. Give the toaster another good shake upside down.
7. Wipe the outside of the toaster with another damp cloth. Allow the toaster to dry completely inside and out before turning it on again. It should only take a few hours to dry.
For more household tips, take a look how to kill washing machine mold and keep it away and how to clean cat pee from couch.
Frequently asked questions
Can you submerge the toaster in water to clean it?
No, you should never submerge any electrical device in water, as this can damage the internal components.
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