How to Clean a Toaster Safely: Crumb Tray, Slots and Exterior
Crumbs aren't just messy: built-up crumbs can smoke and even ignite. Here's the safe way to clean a pop-up toaster, and what never to put inside it.
To clean a toaster, unplug it and let it cool completely, slide out and empty the crumb tray, then hold the toaster over the sink or trash and gently tap the sides to release loose crumbs. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and dry it. The whole job takes about 10 minutes. Never put a knife, fork or any metal into the slots, and never submerge a toaster in water.
Why it matters
Crumbs that collect on the bottom of a toaster can burn, smoke and, in some cases, catch fire. Toaster manufacturers and fire safety guidance commonly recommend emptying the crumb tray regularly. If you toast every day, a quick empty every few days or weekly is a good habit, and some manufacturers recommend more often for heavy use. Check your model’s manual for its specific schedule.
What you need
- A soft, dry pastry brush or clean, dry paintbrush
- Soft cloths or a non-scratch sponge
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- A dry towel
- Optional: baking soda for a gentle paste on the exterior, stainless steel cleaner for stainless models
Step by step
- Unplug the toaster and wait until it is completely cool. Never clean a hot or plugged-in toaster.
- Remove the crumb tray. Most slide out from the bottom or the back. Shake it into the trash.
- Wash the tray in warm soapy water, or wipe it with a damp cloth if the manual says not to submerge it. Dry it completely.
- Release loose crumbs. Hold the toaster over a sink or trash can and gently tap the sides. Many manuals advise against turning it upside down and shaking hard, which can damage the delicate heating elements.
- Brush the slots lightly with a soft, dry brush to dislodge crumbs stuck along the guides. Do not touch or scrape the heating wires.
- Clean the exterior. Wipe with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water, wrung out well. Keep water away from the slots and controls.
- Dry everything, reinsert the tray, and make sure the toaster is completely dry before plugging it back in.
Cleaning the outside by finish
| Exterior | How to clean | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Damp soapy cloth; wipe with the grain; dry; a stainless cleaner for streaks | Steel wool, abrasive powders |
| Painted or enamel | Damp soapy cloth, then dry | Abrasives that dull color |
| Plastic | Damp cloth; a gentle baking soda paste for marks | Solvents |
| Chrome or high-gloss | Soft microfiber, mild soap | Scouring pads |
Melted plastic bag or wrapper on the outside? Let it cool and harden, then ease it off with a plastic scraper. Don’t use solvents on the housing unless the manufacturer allows them.
Stuck food: what to do and what never to do
If a piece of bread or a bagel is stuck:
- Unplug the toaster first and let it cool.
- Try gently tapping the sides over the sink.
- If needed, use wooden or plastic tongs designed for toasters to lift it out.
Never reach into a plugged-in toaster with a metal utensil. The heating elements are electrically live parts, and touching them with metal while the toaster is plugged in can cause a serious shock. Also avoid toasting items that drip, such as pastries with heavy icing or cheese, unless the toaster is designed for them, since drips land on the elements and can smoke or ignite.
Fire safety habits
- Keep the toaster on a heat-safe, uncluttered counter, away from curtains, paper towels, cabinets that overhang closely, and cords.
- Don’t leave it running unattended.
- Unplug it when you’re done, and before cleaning.
- If you see smoke or flames, unplug it right away if you can do so safely, as toaster manuals advise. Don’t throw water on it or reach inside. Keep the door closed on a toaster oven. If the fire doesn’t go out quickly or spreads, get everyone out and call 911.
- Check whether your model has been recalled. The CPSC lists appliance recalls at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Signs of a faulty toaster include a lever that won’t stay down or won’t pop up, a burning plastic smell, sparking, or a frayed cord. Stop using it if you notice any of these.
Toaster ovens are different
A toaster oven has a door, racks, and often a baking pan. Clean it with the same unplug-and-cool rule, then wash the racks and tray in warm soapy water, empty the crumb tray, and wipe the interior walls with a damp cloth. Avoid oven cleaners unless the manual permits them, and keep cleaners off the heating elements. Like air fryers, toaster ovens collect grease; our guide on how to clean an air fryer covers similar techniques.
How often to clean
| Task | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Empty crumb tray | Every few days to weekly with daily use; check your manual |
| Wipe exterior | Weekly, or after spills |
| Brush slots and wash tray | Monthly |
| Inspect cord and plug | Each time you clean |
Cleaning a few countertop appliances at once? Our guides on descaling a coffee maker and removing limescale from an electric kettle fit into the same monthly routine.
Bottom line
Unplug, cool, empty the crumb tray, tap out loose crumbs and wipe the outside. Keep metal out of the slots, never immerse the toaster, and empty the tray often, because built-up crumbs are a fire risk. A toaster that sparks, smells of burning plastic or has a damaged cord should be replaced.
FAQ
Can I put a toaster crumb tray in the dishwasher?
Only if the manual says it’s dishwasher-safe. Many trays are thin metal and are better hand-washed and dried.
Is it safe to shake a toaster upside down?
Gentle tapping over the sink is safer. Hard shaking can damage the heating elements, and some manuals specifically advise against turning it upside down.
Why does my toaster smell like burning?
Usually crumbs on the bottom or drips on the elements. Empty and clean it. If the smell is burning plastic or it continues after cleaning, stop using it.
Can I use compressed air to clean a toaster?
Some people do, on an unplugged, cool toaster. Use short bursts and keep the can upright; tapping and a soft brush are usually enough.
