Toaster ovens accumulate crumbs, grease, and baked-on residue faster than most appliances. A neglected toaster oven smokes during use and is a fire hazard. A thorough clean takes about 20 minutes.
Preparation
- Unplug the toaster oven and allow it to cool completely
- Remove the rack, baking pan, and crumb tray
- Take the toaster oven to the sink or place newspaper underneath to catch crumbs
Crumb Tray
- Slide out the crumb tray and tap it over the bin to empty loose crumbs
- Wash with warm soapy water and a sponge
- For stuck-on residue, let it soak for 10 minutes then scrub
- Dry thoroughly before reinserting — moisture in the crumb tray can damage the heating elements
Rack and Baking Pan
- Soak in hot soapy water for 15–20 minutes to loosen baked-on grease
- Scrub with a non-scratch pad or old toothbrush
- For heavy build-up: make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, let sit 15 minutes, then scrub
- Rinse well and dry completely
Interior Walls and Ceiling
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste
- Apply to the interior walls and ceiling with a damp cloth, avoiding the heating elements
- Let sit 15 minutes
- Wipe off with a damp cloth, then follow with a clean dry cloth
- For grease splatter: a cloth dampened with white vinegar cuts through oil effectively
Never submerge the toaster oven body in water or spray cleaners directly onto heating elements.
Door Glass
- Spray the inside of the door glass with a vinegar-water solution (equal parts) or a small amount of dish soap
- Scrub with a non-scratch pad to remove baked-on residue
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and buff dry
- Clean the outside of the glass the same way
How Often
Empty the crumb tray weekly. Full clean every 1–2 months if you use it regularly. Immediately if you notice smoke or burning smells during use.