Crumbs Be Gone: How to Clean a Toaster in 4 Simple Steps

Making Toast Taste Better, One Clean at a Time

Let’s be honest, deep cleaning the toaster isn’t exactly top of the “to-do” list! But here’s the thing: a quick clean now and then can make all the difference.

It goes without saying that you are probably wiping down your bench multiple times a day. Keeping your toaster clean will actually help your bench stay cleaner, an overflowing crumb tray will spill mess every time the toaster gets a bump!

The occasionally freshen up also stops your kitchen from smelling like burnt toast (we've all been there!). Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing your kitchen appliances all lined up and looking shiny and fresh again.

So, let’s get stuck in and get your toaster back to its best with these easy steps!

How to clean a Toaster:

Unplug It and Free the Crumbs!

First up, unplug the toaster — let’s avoid any unintended zaps!

Now, pull out the crumb tray from the bottom. If you haven’t done this in a while, prepare yourself — crumbs will definitely go everywhere. I suggest doing this over the sink or some newspaper, or better yet, take it outside.

Once the tray is out, flip the toaster upside down and give it a good shake to dislodge any crumbs still lurking inside. You’ll be surprised at how many crumbs build up just with standard use!  

Clean up the Crumb Tray 

Now that the crumb tray is out, it’s time to give it a proper clean. A little warm water and Figgy Castile Soap will do the job. Scrub away any grime or grease that’s built up, dry it off, and slide it back in.

This step alone will stop those burnt toast smells from hanging around!

Freshen Up the Exterior 

Now onto the outside. Toasters deal with everything from fingerprints to cooking splatters.

Grab your Figgy Everyday Spray and give the exterior a solid wipe-down. For those tough spots around the toast slots, bring out the Figgy Cleaning Paste — it’s brilliant for those hard-to-shift marks.

And don’t forget the cord! It’s easy to overlook, but giving it a quick clean will make the whole thing look much tidier.

If you have managed to melt a bread bag onto your toaster, try a some cleaning paste on the spot to gently rub it off. If you have a stainless steel appliance, be sure to rub with the grain of the metal to minimise dulling from abrasion.

If your toaster has stainless steel parts, this is where it’ll really start to sparkle. Mix up a simple solution of vinegar and water (50/50), spray it on the steel, and buff it with a cloth. The vinegar will help get rid of any streaks, leaving a lovely shine.

Toaster Cleaning Tips

To keep your toaster running smoothly, regular maintenance is key.

Every couple of weeks, give it a quick once-over — wipe the outside, empty the crumb tray, and give the interior a shake to get rid of lingering crumbs. This simple upkeep prevents crumb build-up, which can interfere with its performance and even become a fire hazard if left unattended for too long.

Keeping the appliance clean ensures even toasting and extends its lifespan, meaning you’ll get the most out of your toaster for years to come.

Why regular toaster cleaning is important

Cleaning your toaster isn't just about keeping it looking neat—it's essential for several important reasons.

1. Fire Hazard Prevention Those innocent little crumbs? They can actually become first starters if left unchecked. Over time, crumbs and debris accumulate at the bottom of your toaster and can come into contact with heating elements. If those crumbs overheat, they might ignite, posing a fire risk in your kitchen. Regularly emptying the crumb try and shaking out hidden bits is a quick and easy way to keep things safe.
2. Improved Performance A clean toaster just works better—simple as that. When crumbs block the heating elements, you're left with unevenly toasted bread, or it takes forever for your toast to be ready. By giving your toaster a regular clean, you'll notice perfectly browned toast popping up in no time.
3. Odour and Taste Issues Nobody wants their fresh toast tasting like last week's burnt crumbs. A dirty toaster traps old bits of bread, which burn again and again, creating unpleasant smells and transferring that burnt flavour to your toast. Regular cleaning keeps your toaster fresh and ensures your food tastes great.
4. Unwanted Visitors A dirty toaster can attract unwanted visitors, like cockroaches and mice. These guys love feasting on old crumbs—but I'll bet they are the very last critters you want hanging around!
5. The Final Toast And just like that, your toaster is back in action and looking fabulous. It’s one of those easily forgotten tasks that makes a big difference in your kitchen. Did you manage to get your toaster sparkling? If so, go ahead, toast yourself a slice of bread to celebrate! You’ve earned it.

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