If you own a countertop toaster oven, it can be very convenient when it comes to preparing and reheating meals. It may also save you some money on your energy bills since you don’t have to rely exclusively on your larger oven for heating up small meals. These little ovens see a lot of action, so they can get gunked up pretty quickly. Reheated pizza drips melted cheese on the bottom. Toasted bread leaves crumbs behind. Frozen meals bubble over. Although these splatters may be insignificant when they occur, they build up over time and char each time you cook, leaving a hard-to-clean crust all over the toaster. This buildup combined with the high temperatures in your toaster oven could potentially cause a fire.
To keep your toaster oven functioning safely and ensure this appliance lasts a long time, it is essential to clean it regularly. Unlike a conventional oven, most toaster ovens don’t have a self-cleaning function so you’ll need to tackle it yourself. Keep reading to discover the best ways to clean a toaster oven.
How to Speed-Clean a Toaster Oven
Wiping away the spills as they occur is ideal, but a quick cleaning once a week or so should keep grime in check.
What You’ll Need
- Bowl
- Dishwashing liquid
- Cloth or sponge
- Paper towel or cloth
- Unplug the appliance and make sure it is cool to the touch before you start cleaning.
- Remove the baking tray and crumb tray and discard the crumbs into the trash.
- Fill a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip a sponge or cloth into the soapy water, wring it out well, and wipe down the trays, rack, and the interior walls. Be very careful not to get water in the vents or on the heating elements. (Don’t worry if there is food residue on the heating elements, it will burn off with use.)
- Rinse the cloth or sponge and dip it in the soapy water again, wring it out, and then quickly wipe down the exterior, knobs, and buttons. Follow it with a paper towel or a dry cloth to eliminate water spots.
How to Deep-Clean a Really Dirty Toaster Oven
If your appliance is full of crumbs and baked-on food, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. Follow these steps.
What You’ll Need
- Dishwashing liquid with a degreasing agent
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Melamine sponges
- Cloth or sponge
- Spray bottle
- Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- If your model has a removable tray, remove it as well as the rack and discard the crumbs into the trash. Wash the tray and racks in the sink using dishwashing liquid. If necessary, allow the tray and racks to soak in warm, soapy water for up to 24 hours and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to remove caked-on grime. Likewise, if there is a removable glass door, soak this along with the removable tray. (You may also be able to place these removable items in the dishwasher. Check your appliance instructions to see if this is recommended.) If the tray is not removable, continue to the next step.
- If your model is light enough, hold it upside down over a trash can with the door open and shake out excess crumbs. Otherwise, lay down paper towels underneath the toaster oven to catch crumbs as you clean.
- Fill a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid with degreaser and about three tablespoons of vinegar. Dip a sponge or cloth in the solution, wring well, then wip down the interior of the toaster oven. Be very careful not to get water in the vents or on the heating elements. (Don’t worry if there is food residue on the heating elements, it will burn off with use.) Also, wipe away any dirt from the exterior of the toaster, including the controls.
- For caked-on grime on the interior of the toaster, prepare a paste made of baking soda and a few drops of water. Dip the melamine sponge into it and rub this into the residue to loosen it. Repeat as needed. Then, continue to wet the regular sponge or cloth and wipe away any residual soap or baking soda. Dry well with paper towels or a cloth.
- Scrub the trays, racks, and glass in the sink. Dry well, and then put them back in the toaster.
- Rinse the cloth or sponge and dip it in the soapy water again, wring it out, and then quickly wipe down the exterior, knobs, and buttons. Follow it with a paper towel or a dry cloth to eliminate water spots.
- If the glass door is not removable, add equal parts vinegar and water to a bowl and dip a clean cloth into the solution and then wipe the front and back of the window. For stubborn areas, wipe it clean with a melamine sponge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use oven cleaner to clean a toaster oven?
No. Although this is safe for use in a conventional oven, it is not an effective cleaning agent for countertop toaster ovens. The chemicals in these products can ruin the nonstick aluminum coating and aluminum interiors of a toaster oven. Additionally, residue from the cleaning spray may remain in the toaster oven, causing cross-contamination of your food or igniting a fire when the toaster oven is in use.
Should I use a scouring pad when cleaning a toaster oven?
No. Ideally, you should avoid using an abrasive scouring pad as this could scratch the interior of the toaster oven. Instead, it’s best to apply a gentle cleaning solution and let it sit on the surface for a few minutes to remove the caked-on grime. Finish by wiping away the excess with a damp cloth or sponge until all residue is gone.
Can I use glass cleaner on the window of my toaster oven?
Yes. However, glass cleaner may not get rid of all the caked-on grease and stains on the surface of the glass. A better option is a mixture of one part vinegar and one part. Wipe the interior with a cloth or a melamine sponge such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Repeat this process until the window is clean. For a sparkling finish, use a dry microfiber towel or paper towel to buff the glass.
