TL;DR
Get kitchen staples and gadgets delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab advises unplugging a toaster or toaster oven and letting it cool fully before cleaning. The recommended approach removes crumbs and grease with a brush, damp cloth and warm soapy water for detachable parts, while keeping liquid and sharp tools away from heating elements.
Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab has outlined a safe cleaning routine for toasters and toaster ovens, advising people to unplug the appliance and let it cool completely before removing crumbs or wiping surfaces. The guidance matters because cleaning with the appliance connected, or letting water or tools contact its heating elements, can create safety risks or damage the appliance.
For a standard toaster, the report recommends holding the unplugged appliance over a trash can, sliding out the crumb tray and emptying it, then gently shaking the toaster to dislodge loose debris. A small pastry brush or spatula can help remove remaining crumbs, but the guidance cautions against damaging internal heating elements. It does not recommend putting water inside the toaster.
Clean the tray with a damp sponge or cloth. If it is removable and suitable for washing, it can instead be cleaned in warm, soapy water, rinsed and dried before being put back. Wipe the toaster’s exterior using all-purpose cleaner applied to a damp cloth or sponge, paying attention to knobs, the lever and crevices. Wipe away cleaner with a damp cloth and dry the surface; stainless-steel cleaner is suggested for stainless-steel finishes.
A toaster oven has more removable parts and surfaces to clean. After unplugging it, empty crumbs into the trash, then wash removable racks, pans and the crumb tray in warm, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge. For the interior, spray cleaner onto a sponge rather than directly into the appliance and wipe while avoiding heating elements. The report suggests glass cleaner for glass doors and stainless-steel cleaner for stainless-steel exteriors. Let the appliance dry fully—at least five minutes, according to the instructions—before plugging it back in.
Cleaning Without Damaging Heating Elements
Crumbs and grease can build up in appliances used frequently for toast, reheated pizza and other foods. Removing that debris helps keep the appliance clean, but the method matters: unplugging and cooling it first reduces the chance of contact with a powered or hot appliance, while keeping liquids and sharp tools away from heating elements helps avoid damage.
The advice also distinguishes a toaster from a toaster oven. The latter has racks, pans and a larger cooking interior where grease can collect, so cleaning only the exterior or crumb tray may leave food residue behind. Using a damp, non-abrasive approach and allowing all surfaces to dry before reconnecting the appliance are practical steps readers can follow without treating the appliance like ordinary cookware.
Products Worth Considering
Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W, Stainless Steel (TOA-70NAS)
Ninja French Door Premier 10-in-1 Air Fry Oven, 20.3 Qt, Stainless Steel (FO101)
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel (BES450BSS)
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Different Appliances, Different Cleaning Steps
The report frames the task as routine kitchen maintenance rather than a response to a recall or newly announced safety rule. It notes that crumbs can be overlooked during ordinary kitchen cleaning and that toaster ovens may accumulate grease from foods such as pizza. Its steps come from Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, which provided the cleaning recommendations in the article.
The source lists example products, including all-purpose and stainless-steel cleaners, but presents the method around broader tool categories: a cloth or sponge, a small brush, and non-abrasive cleaning for removable toaster-oven parts. The instructions focus on cleaning once an appliance is cool and disconnected; they do not give a fixed cleaning schedule or claim that one branded product is required.
“Always unplug the toaster or toaster oven before cleaning it. Let it cool completely before you do anything else.”
— Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, in the report
Product Labels and Appliance Designs Vary
The report does not specify whether every appliance model permits the same cleaning methods or whether every removable tray is dishwasher-safe. Owners should check their appliance’s manual and cleaner labels, particularly before washing a part or using a product on a coated, glass or stainless-steel surface. The article also does not provide a cleaning frequency, a way to remove baked-on residue from heating elements, or guidance for appliances with damaged wiring or other faults.
The source offers general household cleaning advice, not a product safety test or a replacement for manufacturer instructions. It does not report an incident, recall or change in safety standards. Readers should not infer that a cleaner is safe for every appliance surface solely because it is listed as an example.
Check the Manual Before Reconnecting
For routine cleaning, the next step is to follow the appliance’s own manual alongside the report’s basic sequence: unplug, cool, remove crumbs and detachable parts, clean without wetting heating elements, and dry fully. Check that trays and racks are completely dry and correctly reinstalled before reconnecting the appliance. If residue cannot be removed without touching or wetting heating elements, the report does not provide a method for that job; consult the manufacturer’s instructions rather than improvising.
Key Questions
Should I unplug a toaster before cleaning it?
Yes. Good Housekeeping’s cleaning guidance says to unplug the toaster or toaster oven and let it cool completely before cleaning.
Can I wash a toaster’s crumb tray?
The report says to clean the tray with a damp sponge or cloth. If it is removable, it can be washed in warm, soapy water, then rinsed and dried before being reinserted. Check the appliance manual for model-specific instructions.
How do I clean inside a toaster oven?
Remove crumbs and detachable parts first. The report recommends applying all-purpose cleaner to a sponge and wiping the interior, while avoiding the heating elements. Do not spray cleaner directly inside, according to the described method.
When can I plug the toaster oven back in?
Wait until it is completely dry. Good Housekeeping’s instructions specify at least five minutes of drying before reconnecting; check the manual if it calls for a longer wait.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
