Be honest, have you ever cleaned your toaster? Have you thought about it, but figured it was too complicated? The truth is, it’s a breeze of a chore, and more importantly it should be an essential part of your weekly kitchen deep clean routine. By incorporating toaster cleaning into your weekly kitchen deep clean routine, you’ll not only enjoy a safer, healthier cooking environment but also extend the life of this kitchen workhorse.
Make Better Toast
First and foremost, a clean toaster toasts evenly, reducing the risk of burnt or undercooked slices. Toast snobs seem to want their toast ‘just so’ when they’re out for brunch, but seem to forgo the delight at home.
Show Off Your Toaster
If you’ve splurged on a cute or handsome toaster, you need to help it perform at its best. Maintaining a clean toaster ensures its longevity and optimal performance.
Burnt Toast or Worse
Crumbs and residue from toasting build up over time, creating a fire hazard and diminishing the efficiency of your appliance.
It Doesn’t Take Like Toast
Beyond function and safety, cleanliness in the kitchen is paramount. Weekly maintenance promotes a healthier living space by preventing the accumulation of food particles and the potential growth of mold or bacteria. This is especially important if you have a family or roommates with varying dietary needs and allergies.
How to Clean Your Toaster
- Safety First: Always unplug your toaster before beginning the cleaning process.
- Remove Crumbs: Gently shake your toaster over a trash can. This should dislodge most loose crumbs and any burnt bread. You can also use a soft old toothbrush to remove stuck bread.
- Find the Crumb Tray: If your toaster has a removable crumb tray or parts, take them out for thorough cleaning.
- Wash and Dry: Wash removable parts with warm water and a sponge. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before reassembling them.
- Exterior Clean: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth, no fancy cleaning products are required.
- Safety Check: Only once everything is clean and completely dry should you plug your toaster back in.
