Toaster ovens are versatile appliances, but over time they accumulate grease, crumbs, and grime, leading to bad odors and even performance issues. Regular cleaning not only improves the efficiency of your toaster oven but also keeps it safe and pleasant to use. Here’s the best method to get your toaster oven sparkling clean and ready for action.
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Start by Removing Removable Parts
The first step in cleaning your toaster oven is to remove all removable parts, such as the racks and bottom tray. These parts often collect food debris and grease, especially if the oven is used frequently. Once removed, it’s best to soak them in a sink filled with hot water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a cup of white vinegar. Let them soak for about 15–20 minutes to loosen any stubborn grime. Soaking allows the grease to break down, making scrubbing easier and reducing the need for excessive elbow grease.
While the trays and racks are soaking, remove any crumbs or burnt food from the inside of the oven. You can use a vacuum to remove crumbs or simply shake them out and brush away debris.
Avoid Harsh Oven Cleaners
Although it may be tempting to use a heavy-duty oven cleaner, this is not recommended for toaster ovens. The internal surfaces of toaster ovens are often coated to prevent rust and harsh chemicals can damage that protective layer. Instead, opt for milder degreasers like dish soap, Dawn Powerwash, or a natural combination of baking soda and vinegar.
If you choose to use baking soda and vinegar, remember to never mix them directly. Although the reaction is impressive, it doesn’t enhance the cleaning power—you’re just left with a saltwater solution. Instead, apply them in steps. First, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply this to greasy areas and scrub it with a sponge. After scrubbing, wipe the baking soda away and spray the area with vinegar to disinfect and remove any remaining grime.
Deep Clean with Soap and Scrub Daddy
For particularly grimy ovens, start with Dawn Powerwash or a similar degreasing dish soap. Spray the interior of the oven, focusing on areas with baked-on grease. Let the soap sit for a few minutes to allow it to break down the grease. After the soap has had time to work, scrub the interior with a non-scratch sponge, which is ideal for removing dirt without damaging the oven’s surface.
It’s important to note that cleaning a toaster oven, or any greasy appliance, often requires a few rounds of scrubbing. If you find that some areas are still grimy after the first clean, don’t get discouraged—just reapply your cleaning solution and scrub again.
Tackle Stubborn Grease
Some spots may be particularly tough to clean, especially near the heating elements or in tight corners. For these areas, use fine steel wool (Grade #0000), which is gentle enough to scrub without scratching. Ensure the surface is well-lubricated with soap or water to prevent damage while scrubbing. This method works well to remove the most stubborn grease and baked-on food particles.
Be cautious around the heating elements. While it’s important to clean nearby, avoid scrubbing the elements directly, as they can be delicate and expensive to replace.
Clean the Exterior
Once the interior is clean, it’s time to focus on the exterior. Depending on your toaster oven, you might have a stainless steel, plastic, or painted surface. Regardless of the material, grease and fingerprints tend to accumulate on the outside. A quick spray with Dawn Powerwash or vinegar and water will cut through this grime easily. For stainless steel finishes, use Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser to polish the surface and restore its shine. Finish off with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free look.
Scrub the Soaked Racks and Trays
After soaking, the trays and racks should be much easier to clean. Use the fine steel wool to gently scrub away any grease or food particles. Rinse the trays thoroughly to remove all soap residue. For extra protection and to reduce future cleaning, you can line the bottom tray with aluminum foil. This will catch any drips or crumbs, making clean-up quicker next time.
Final Step: Reassemble and Run
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your toaster oven by placing the racks and trays back in position. To ensure that no cleaning residue remains, run the toaster oven for 15 minutes. This step will burn off any leftover moisture or cleaner, giving you a fresh, clean start.
To prevent your toaster oven from accumulating heavy grease and grime in the future, make cleaning a regular habit. If you notice any spills or food debris building up, clean them as soon as possible. Regular maintenance will save you time and prevent grease from becoming baked-on and difficult to remove.
A great pro tip is to line the bottom tray with aluminum foil. This catches spills and crumbs, making it easier to clean next time. Just replace the foil regularly, and you’ll save yourself from a deep clean down the line.
Now your toaster oven is sparkling clean and ready to use! Keep it maintained by cleaning up spills promptly, and it will continue to serve you well for years to come.