Crucial Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Toaster

Between burnt toasts and bagels, it's inevitable for our toasters to get dirty. And while cleaning a toaster isn't rocket science, there are a few things you should absolutely avoid when doing so. One such rookie mistake is not cleaning enough. Or worse, using water on the inside of the toaster when you do decide to clean it. These can quickly turn your seemingly harmless kitchen gadget into a ticking time bomb.

Not to scare you off, but careless cleaning (or lack thereof) can cause malfunctions from electric shocks to fire hazards. Just take it from Direct Line Group, who reported that toasters were linked to 1,370 fires from 2019 to 2020 and 941 fires from 2023 to 2024. These stats are for the UK alone — now imagine how many toaster-related fires happen worldwide. The takeaway here? Cleaning the kitchen toaster is more important than you think — and doing it the right way is even more crucial. Here's a closer look at what not to do.

You probably already know this (or maybe you need a reminder), but water and electricity are a deadly mix. Even if unplugged, direct exposure to water not only causes the internal parts to short-circuit, but also accelerates rusting. The only thing you should clean with water/submerge is the removable crumb tray if your toaster has one. Other than that, brushing the floor crumbs away with a pastry brush or toothbrush should be enough in most cases.

Not sure how often you should really be cleaning this particular kitchen appliance? Aim for weekly (or more often if you use your toaster daily). Additionally, don't forget to add a monthly or quarterly deep clean to your calendar. You'd be surprised what a quick cleaning session can do to prevent unpleasant odors and that burnt taste from tainting your breakfast. Plus, regular maintenance keeps residue, stains, and food particles from building up, and overall, ensures your appliance lasts longer.

Finally, you're better off skipping harsh chemical cleaners when cleaning your toaster. These tend to leave a non-food-safe residue that could transfer onto your toast. The wrong cleaners can also damage the toaster's exterior finish, especially when it comes to acidic cleaning products (like vinegar) and stainless steel surfaces. Fortunately, the solution is as simple as a drop of mild dish soap and a sponge for the most part.