The kitchen appliances are probably the most overlooked objects in our household. We intend to clean the kitchen almost every day, yet do not pay much attention to cleaning the kitchen appliances. Yet, these products are used daily and require cleaning more often.
Toaster ovens serve a job as greasy kitchen products in which we heat or bake our quick meals and snacks. However, we rarely think about cleaning these toaster ovens as it may require some time and elbow grease to do so.
Why do we need to Clean the Toaster Oven?
Toaster ovens may look clean from the outside. But they collect more residue such as bread crumbs and leftovers from your sandwiches. Too many crumbs and bits may hinder the performance of the toaster oven. Therefore, it may require replacement. There is also a high risk of a fire hazard since we deal with oily and greasy stuff inside the toaster oven.
Different Methods to Clean a Toaster Oven
The cleaning process of the toaster oven only requires about 10 minutes, and it is not as complicated as it seems. You can easily find cleaning tools in your kitchens, such as a sponge or soft cloth. Here are some of the best ways to clean a toaster oven.
It is not safe to clean a toaster oven plugged in as a person may get electroshocked. You should also make sure that the toaster oven is cooled off before you start the cleaning procedure.
The cleaning process should begin with the interior first. You should make sure to use the soft side of your sponge and not the green scouring side, as it may leave scratches on the inside of a toaster oven.
You can wipe down and clean the interior with the help of vinegar or baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda can help to remove the stubborn stains on the inside of your toaster oven.
How to get Stains out of a Toaster Oven Tray?
A toaster oven contains trays and racks, which are easily removable to assist the cleaning process. The crumb tray handles most of the residue beneath the toaster oven. Wipe off the remains and throw them in the sink or trash can. You can wash the greasy residue tray with a sponge and dishwashing cleaner.
If the stains appear to be more stubborn, you can soak the crumb tray in soap water for better cleaning and leave these parts to dry while you focus on the rest of the oven.
Cleaning with Vinegar or Baking Soda
To prepare the cleaning mixture, you need a half cup of water and two tablespoons of vinegar. Dip your sponge well in the vinegar mixture and squeeze it well to let go of all the drippings.
Use the soft side of your sponge and gently wipe the interior of the toaster oven. Make sure to clean stains and residue on the interior walls and ceiling of the toaster oven.
Cleaning the toaster oven interior with baking soda could be a bit time-consuming. For that, you need to make a paste with water and baking soda and apply it to the inside of the toaster oven. Then, let it sit for almost 1 hour at least before you can remove it gently with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Heating Elements?
Cleaning the heating elements is a delicate process. Using any cleaner directly may damage the heating elements. Instead, use a damp rag to wipe off the stains gently. Next, apply baking soda paste on a soft brush to remove any baking residue and rinse off thoroughly.
How to Clean a Toaster Oven Glass Door?
You can use the vinegar and water solution to clean the exterior of your toaster oven as well. Apply a bit of vinegar and water mixture on a washcloth. Lightly moisturize it with the blend and wipe the glass door from the inside and outside.
For exterior cleaning purposes, you can also use a spray cleaner. Apply the cleaner on a clean cloth and wipe the exterior of the toaster oven, including the control panel and door handle. Avoid using a damp cloth as it may scratch the surface of the control panel.
Re-Attaching the Parts
After cleaning the interior and exterior cleaning process, make sure to fit in the crumb tray and baking rack after drying them, leaving no moisture on any of the parts. Assure that the interior is also dry before you make your toaster oven operational.
Preventive measures:
The cleaning procedure of electrical appliances could be a hazardous process, and therefore you should always make sure to take safety measures before engaging in such activity.
Using irrelevant methods or equipment can do permanent damage to your product. Here are some of the safety measures to take while performing the cleaning procedure:
- Ensure that there is no electrical supply in the toaster oven; otherwise, it may cause a hazardous accident like getting electro shocked.
- Make sure that you are cleaning your toaster oven in a different location than usual to clean off the crumbs and residual stuff easily.
- Make sure to remove all the baking soda residue after cleaning.
- Carefully clean the heating elements as they may get
- DO NOT use stainless steel scrubbing pads either inside or outside your toaster oven, as they may leave scratches on the surface.
- DO NOT cover your toaster oven with water. Always soak out the water before wiping or cleaning the interior.
- DO NOT apply tin foil on the crumb tray as it may cause a fire hazard.
Cleaning sprays like Easy-Off are not suitable for toaster oven cleaning. The chemical in Easy Off cleaning spray may discolor the aluminum and possibly react to the aluminum. In addition, the interior of the toaster oven is made of aluminum, which may cause severe damage to the toaster oven.
You can easily remove burnt stains with the help of baking soda and water mixture. Take half a cup of baking soda and a half cup of water. Mix them well to make a paste mixture. Let it sit for at least an hour and remove it by removing it with a moist cloth. You can add baking soda according to your requirements.
A toaster oven should be cleaned once a week for proper functioning and reliable performance. It may depend on your usage of the stove and how much residue it collects daily as well. If you are cooking too much greasy food, it may require cleaning daily or after every use.
Final Thoughts
The kitchen appliances are being used more often and are expected to stay in service all the time. Similarly, a toaster oven requires cleansing and maintenance as well for long-lasting functioning. The cleaning procedure is simple yet effective to maintain durability and avoid any technical issues as well.
