One of my biggest pet peeves is wiping down my kitchen counters only to cover them in crumbs when I lift and wipe under my toaster. When this happens, I know I’m past the point of needing to clean the crumb tray.
If you’ve never cleaned your toaster before, the steps are easy, and the more you do it, the less you’ll have to deal with annoying bread crumbs spilling onto your counter.
How to Clean Crumbs from a Toaster: Step-by-Step
Clean your toaster anywhere from once per week to once per month, depending on how often you use it. (The more often you use it, the more frequently the crumb tray needs to be dumped.) Some signs you need to clean your toaster include a burning smell or excess crumbs on the countertops.
Step 1: Unplug the Toaster
Unplug your toaster. Never attempt to clean a toaster while it’s still plugged in.
Step 2: Empty the Crumb Tray
The majority of modern toasters will have a crumb tray on the bottom. Hold your toaster over the trash can, slide the crumb tray out of place, and dump the contents in the trash. Use a pastry brush or slim cleaning brush to dislodge any visible crumbs that didn’t dump out.
Step 3: Shake the Toaster Over the Trash Can
Hold the toaster upside down and shake over the trash can. Do this until crumbs start falling out.
(Tip: If your toaster is severely crumb-encrusted, use a blow dryer to blow out the crumbs.)
Step 4: Wash the Removable Crumb Tray
If your crumb tray is removable, wash it with water and mild dish soap, then dry thoroughly. (If the crumb tray isn’t fully removable, wipe it with a damp cloth and then dry it.)
NEVER submerge your toaster in water.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Outside
Use a damp, soapy microfiber cloth to wipe down the outside of the toaster. Don’t forget to wipe down the dials and handles. If crumbs are lodged in the toaster dials, use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge them before you wipe them down. Rinse the soap with a cloth dipped in water only. Dry with a fresh towel.
Step 6: Put the Crumb Tray Back in Place
With everything fully dry, you can place the crumb tray back in your toaster.
How to Clean a Toaster that Doesn’t Have a Crumb Tray
If your toaster has no crumb tray, you’ll need to clean it more often to prevent a burning smell and excess crumb buildup. Do this by unplugging the toaster and shaking it upside down over the trash can to remove crumbs. Then, use a pastry brush or other dry, soft-bristled brush to dislodge any crumbs or debris that didn’t come out from shaking it.
Wipe down the exterior with a damp rag soaked in soapy water and then rinse it with a damp cloth soaked in fresh water. Dry with a clean towel.
