How To Clean Toaster Oven Inside: Quick and Easy Guide
If you’re someone who loves to cook, then you must know the importance of keeping your kitchen appliances clean and tidy. One of the most used kitchen appliances is the toaster oven, which is prone to get greasy and dirty over time. Not cleaning your toaster oven regularly can affect its performance and can even be a fire hazard. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to clean toaster oven inside, so you can extend the life of your toaster oven by keeping it clean and healthy.
Signs That Indicate Your Toaster Oven Needs Cleaning
Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s take a look at the scenarios that indicate that your toaster oven needs cleaning.
– Food particles get stuck on the glass door, making it hard to see inside.
– The toaster oven interior gets greasy and sticky, and you can see spots and stains inside.
– The toaster oven emits a burning smell when in use.
What You’ll Need
Cleaning your toaster oven requires a few simple household items:
– A cleaning solution (baking soda and vinegar mixture or commercial oven cleaner)
– A non-abrasive sponge or cloth
– A scrub brush or an old toothbrush
– A bucket or a sink
– Oven mitts
– A towel or rag
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Clean Toaster Oven Inside
It’s important to note that before you start cleaning, make sure your toaster oven is unplugged and has cooled down to room temperature. Once that’s done, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Remove Crumbs and Food Debris
The first step is to remove all the crumbs and food debris from the toaster oven. You can do this by removing the crumb tray and shaking it over a trash can. Use a dry towel or a soft bristle brush to clean the inside surfaces of the toaster oven.
Step 2: Remove the Racks
If your toaster oven has removable racks, take them out and place them in the sink or a bucket filled with warm soapy water. Allow the racks to soak for at least ten minutes.
Step 3: Clean the Interior
Create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water to form a paste. Spread the paste over the areas that need cleaning, avoiding the heating elements. Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes.
In case you don’t have baking soda, you can use a commercial oven cleaner spray. Apply the oven cleaner on the inside surfaces of your toaster oven and allow it to sit for the time suggested in the instructions.
Step 4: Clean the Racks
Remove the racks from the warm soapy water and use a non-abrasive scrub brush or an old toothbrush to remove the grime and dirt build-up. Rinse the racks thoroughly with water and let them dry completely.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Interior
Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the toaster oven. Remove any remaining cleaning solution or residue by wiping down once again with clean water.
Step 6: Dry the Interior
Using a dry towel or rag, wipe down the inside of the toaster oven thoroughly, ensuring that it’s completely dry.
Step 7: Reassemble the Toaster Oven
Once everything is dry, it’s time to put everything back in place. Reinsert the racks, plug the toaster oven back in, and you’re ready to use it again.
FAQs
Q. Do I need to clean my toaster oven after every use?
A. While it’s not necessary to clean your toaster oven after every use, it’s recommended to clean it every few uses or at least once per month.
Q. Can I use a steel wool pad to clean the toaster oven?
A. No, using steel wool pads may damage the interior surfaces of your toaster oven. Always use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to avoid any damage.
Q. Can I use an oven cleaner spray to clean my toaster oven?
A. Yes, you can use an oven cleaner spray. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the label as these sprays contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if not used correctly.
Q. How often should I clean the crumb tray?
A. It’s recommended to clean the crumb tray once every week or two.
Conclusion
Cleaning your toaster oven inside is a necessary task for every home cook and ensures that your toaster oven functions correctly. By following these simple steps and keeping up with regular cleaning, you can keep your toaster oven healthy and extend its life. Remember to always avoid abrasive cleaning materials and to use proper cleaning methods to preserve the integrity of your toaster oven.