How to Clean and Maintain Your Toaster - Borneo Bulletin

Becky Crystal

THE WASHINGTON POST - While I don't turn on my regular oven every day, my toaster oven is a different story. Whether cooking or grilling, there is hardly a meal, let alone a day, without using this table appliance sensibly.

Of course, the more you use something, the dirtier it gets and the more it needs cleaning.

The toaster is no exception. A word of warning: before you begin work, make sure the unit is cool and unplugged. Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips to ensure your toaster stays in top condition (which you should take good care of, even if you only use it occasionally).

EMPTY THAT crumb tray

Have you ever turned something over to make a toast and felt something burn? Yes, me too. Check the crumb tray.

"It should be removed and cleaned regularly," said Mary Rodgers, director of marketing communications at Cuisinart.

In fact, Rodgers said he thinks many people don't even know there's a removable crumb tray, or drip tray, in the bottom of the toaster. In many cases, it's in a slot that you access from the bottom outside front edge. Just take it out and dust off the crumbs. If a little more work is needed due to grease or other drips, you can wash it with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Allow it to dry completely before re-attaching.

Don't neglect your toaster's crumb tray. PHOTO: WASHINGTON POST

CLEAN GLASS DOOR

If you can't see inside the oven, it's time to clean the glass door and maybe the entire interior. The door is a useful indicator, Rodgers said, because if the inside of the door is dirty, it likely means the rest of the oven is, too.

She uses a window cleaner like Windex on hers, although you can also go the soap and water route. America's Test Kitchen vouches for another option from appliance manufacturer Breville, which is hot water paired with a magic eraser. Again, stay away from abrasives to avoid scratching the glass.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR CLEANING

Warm, soapy water and a soft cloth work well on the inside and outside walls of the toaster oven, Rodgers said. Do not use scourers, which can cause scratches, and avoid anything containing metal that could come loose and possibly come into contact with the heating elements.

In fact, it's best to avoid heating elements in general as much as possible so as not to damage them.

Similarly, Consumer Reports uses a mixture of some vinegar, dish soap, and warm water, applied indoors with a damp sponge. The griddle and rack can also be cleaned with soap and water and soaked as needed to remove stubborn stains, he said.

If you choose to use a spray cleaner, Breville recommends applying it to the sponge rather than the oven surface.

Regardless of what you use, allow the oven to dry completely before plugging it back in and turning it on.

KEEP THE GAP

In the interest of your walls and your toaster, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how far the toaster should be from the wall.

Usually it's a few centimetres. This allows for proper ventilation and circulation of the oven and can also prevent debris from building up on the walls. Rodgers said some stoves have small plugs that prevent you from placing the units flush with the wall, but if not, check the gap from time to time. Over time, the unit can be pushed against the wall during use or when cleaning the counter.

USING BUTTERFLY FOR COOKING

A lot of what you can make in a toaster oven can be difficult. If you prefer not to clog the plate, you can line it with aluminum foil, but you'll need to check your device's manual to be sure; Some models may not recommend it. If you use aluminum foil, Rodgers said, make sure it doesn't come in contact with the heating elements.

Also, don't cover the crumb tray in the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil, Breville says, because it could overheat there.

STAY AT THE TOP

The best attack is a good defense, as the saying goes. I will not recommend cleaning the toaster after each use as I have seen from other sources. To roll one's eyes. Even Rodgers shook his head emphatically when I asked him for that advice. His top tip: Take a break every month, but focus on more pressing needs as they arise, like emptying the crumb drawer or cooking something particularly sour or smelly.

Rodgers cooks a lot of salmon and chicken thighs in his toaster, which can leave odors or splatter. These are the times that require immediate attention.

If you leave a mess in the oven, "it will cook through and become a little harder to clean out," he said.

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