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Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab advises unplugging a toaster or toaster oven and letting it cool completely before cleaning. Its guidance focuses on removing crumbs and grease without wetting or scraping heating elements, and drying parts and surfaces before reconnecting the appliance.
Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab has outlined a step-by-step way to clean toasters and toaster ovens, emphasizing that both appliances should be unplugged and fully cooled before cleaning. The guidance also warns against getting water on or using sharp tools near heating elements, where careless cleaning could damage the appliance.
For a standard toaster, the report recommends holding the unplugged appliance over a trash can, sliding out its crumb tray and emptying it, then gently shaking the toaster to dislodge loose crumbs. A small pastry brush can help remove remaining debris. The report says to use a brush or spatula carefully, without damaging the heating elements.
Clean the tray with a damp cloth or sponge, or wash a removable tray in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry it before putting it back. Wipe the toaster’s exterior with a little all-purpose cleaner applied to a damp cloth or sponge, paying attention to the knobs, lever and crevices. Wipe the surface again with a damp cloth and dry it; stainless-steel cleaner can be used on stainless-steel exteriors.
To clean a toaster oven, first remove crumbs and food particles, then take out removable racks, pans and trays. Wash those parts in warm, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse and let them air-dry. For the interior, the report recommends putting all-purpose cleaner on a sponge and wiping the surfaces while avoiding the heating elements. Clean glass doors with glass cleaner and stainless-steel exteriors with an appropriate stainless-steel cleaner. Let the appliance dry completely—at least five minutes, according to the report—before plugging it in again.
Keeping Heat Elements and Crumbs Safe
Crumbs and grease can accumulate in appliances used for everyday cooking and reheating. The report notes that oily foods, including pizza, can leave grease inside toaster ovens, which have more interior surfaces and removable parts to clean than a basic toaster. Regularly removing food residue can help keep those areas cleaner.
The safety guidance matters because these appliances combine electrical components and heating elements with food debris and cleaning products. Unplugging first, avoiding liquid on the elements, and waiting until all cleaned parts are dry before reconnecting are the report’s central precautions. The instructions are practical household advice, not a product recall or a change to manufacturer safety rules.
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Two Appliances, Different Cleaning Steps
The advice comes from a Good Housekeeping report that says it consulted cleaning professionals from the brand’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. It distinguishes a pop-up toaster, where crumbs are typically cleared through a removable tray and slots, from a toaster oven, which may have a rack, pan, crumb tray and glass door to clean.
The report names examples of all-purpose, glass and stainless-steel cleaners, but its core method relies on general practices: apply cleaner to a cloth or sponge rather than spraying directly into the appliance, use non-abrasive materials on toaster-oven parts, and keep moisture away from heating elements. Users should also follow the care instructions for their specific model; the supplied report does not set out manufacturer-specific procedures.
“Always unplug the toaster or toaster oven before cleaning it.”
— Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, as summarized in the report
Model-Specific Care Still Varies
The supplied report does not identify a publication date, provide model-by-model instructions or say whether every appliance manufacturer permits the same cleaners. It also does not specify a single cleaning schedule. Users should check their appliance’s manual for instructions about removable parts, approved cleaning products and surfaces that should not get wet. The report’s advice is general guidance, not confirmation that a particular method is suitable for every model.
Check the Manual Before Reconnecting
After cleaning, allow the tray and other removable parts to dry fully, wipe the appliance dry and confirm that no cleaning liquid or debris remains near the heating elements. For toaster ovens, the report specifies waiting at least five minutes after cleaning before plugging the unit back in. Before using the appliance again, check its manual for any additional care requirements; the source does not announce a follow-up study, deadline or further update.
Key Questions
Should I unplug a toaster before cleaning it?
Yes. The Good Housekeeping guidance says to unplug the toaster or toaster oven and let it cool completely before cleaning.
How do I get crumbs out of a toaster?
With the appliance unplugged and cool, remove and empty the crumb tray over a trash can. Gently shake the toaster to loosen crumbs, then use a small pastry brush to clear remaining debris without touching or damaging the heating elements.
Can I wash a toaster oven rack and tray?
The report recommends washing removable racks, pans and crumb trays in warm, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse and let the parts air-dry before putting them back.
Can I spray cleaner inside a toaster oven?
The report advises spraying all-purpose cleaner onto a sponge, then wiping the interior while avoiding the heating elements. It does not recommend spraying cleaner directly into the appliance.
When can I plug the toaster oven back in?
Wait until the appliance and its cleaned parts are dry. The report specifies that a toaster oven should dry completely for at least five minutes before it is plugged in again; check the manufacturer’s manual for any model-specific directions.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
