How to Clean a Toaster (Inside and Out, Safely)

Toasters get grubby in two places: crumbs pile up inside, and the outside collects fingerprints, butter smudges, and that sticky film from cooking nearby. The good news is that cleaning one takes about ten minutes, needs no special products, and doesn't need a single paper towel.

Short answer: unplug it and let it cool, empty and wash the crumb tray, turn the toaster upside down over the sink and give it a gentle shake, then wipe the outside with a damp, well-wrung cloth and a drop of dish soap. Let everything dry fully before you plug it back in. Never put a wet cloth, a fork, or anything metal inside the slots.

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What you need

• A Swedish dishcloth (or two: one for washing, one for a dry buff)
• Warm water and a little dish soap
• A soft, dry pastry brush or clean, dry toothbrush for the slots (optional)
• Baking soda for stuck-on spots (optional)

How to clean a toaster, step by step

1. Unplug it and let it cool completely. This is the one step you can't skip. A toaster has exposed heating elements, so it should be fully off and cold before you touch the inside.
2. Empty the crumb tray. Most toasters have a tray that slides out from the bottom. Tip the crumbs into the trash or compost.
3. Wash the crumb tray. Wash it in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry it completely. Check your toaster's manual before putting the tray in a dishwasher, since not all trays are dishwasher-safe.
4. Shake out the inside. Hold the toaster upside down over the sink or trash can and give it a few gentle shakes. Loose crumbs fall right out.
5. Brush the slots (gently). If crumbs are stuck, use a dry soft brush to loosen them, then shake again. Don't scrape the heating wires; they're delicate.
6. Wipe the outside. Wet your cloth, add a drop of dish soap, and wring it out until it's just damp. Wipe the sides, top, lever, and buttons. Fold to a clean face as you go.
7. Rinse and give it a final wipe. Rinse the cloth, wring it hard, and wipe again to lift off any soap. On stainless steel, follow with a dry pass to prevent water spots.
8. Let it dry, then plug it back in. Make sure the crumb tray and every surface are fully dry before the toaster goes back to work.

Why a Swedish dishcloth works well here

The trick with any small appliance is getting it clean without getting it wet. A Swedish dishcloth holds a lot of water (up to 15× its weight) but wrings out to an even, barely damp sheet, so it lifts grease and smudges without dribbling water toward the slots or controls. It's thin enough to get around a lever and between buttons, and it leaves far less lint than a cotton towel.

It also replaces the paper towels most people grab for this job. One cloth can do the work of up to 15 paper towel rolls over its life.

Stainless steel, chrome, and painted toasters

• Stainless steel: wipe in the direction of the grain (the faint lines in the metal), then buff dry. Fingerprints come right off with a barely damp cloth. More tips: how to clean stainless steel appliances without scratching.
• Chrome and glossy finishes: a soft, damp cloth plus a dry buff is all they need. Skip anything abrasive.
• Painted or plastic toasters: mild soap and water only. Harsh cleaners can dull or discolor the finish.

Stuck-on spots and drips

Melted cheese, jam, or a splash of batter can bake onto the outside. Mix a little baking soda with water into a paste, dab it on the spot (on the outside only), wait a few minutes, and wipe it off with your damp cloth. Repeat if needed.

The cloth's sisal scouring corner is handy for a crusty crumb tray, but keep it off polished stainless, chrome, and painted finishes, where any scrubber can leave marks. Test a hidden spot first if you're unsure.

What not to do

• Don't put anything inside while it's plugged in. Not a knife, not a fork, not a cloth. Unplug first, every time.
• Don't push a wet cloth into the slots. Water and heating elements don't mix. The inside gets shaken and brushed dry, not wiped.
• Don't submerge the toaster or run it under the tap.
• Don't spray cleaner directly on it. Spray the cloth instead so nothing drips into the slots or controls.
• Don't use oven cleaner or steel wool on the outside. They can scratch or strip the finish.

How often to clean a toaster

• Weekly (if you toast most days): empty the crumb tray and wipe the outside.
• Monthly: do the full clean: wash the tray, shake and brush out the slots, and handle any stuck-on spots.
• Right away: if something drips or melts on the outside, wipe it once the toaster has cooled.

While you're at it, the rest of the counter crew could probably use a wipe too. Here's an easy way to clean a microwave and a guide to cleaning an electric stove top.

Caring for your cloth afterward

• Right after: rinse out the soap and crumbs until the water runs clear, squeeze gently, and hang dry open.
• Deeper clean: put it on the dishwasher top rack, or machine wash it with regular detergent. No fabric softener; it coats the fibers and makes the cloth less absorbent.
• Stiff when dry? That's normal. A quick rinse softens it right back up.

Full care steps: how to wash a Swedish dishcloth. Looking for more jobs it can handle? See practical uses for Swedish dishcloths.

What Giro cloths are made of

• 70% cellulose (plant-based wood pulp) and 30% cotton
• A sisal scouring corner for stuck-on messes
• About 8×7 in, absorbs up to 15× its weight
• One cloth can replace up to 15 paper towel rolls
• Lasts about 2–3 months with regular use
• Plastic-free and made from biodegradable plant fibers
• Care: rinse and hang dry, dishwasher top rack or machine wash, no fabric softener

When a cloth is finally worn out, you can cut it up and add the pieces to a home compost pile if you compost at home.

FAQ

Can you clean the inside of a toaster with a damp cloth?
No. Keep the inside dry. Unplug the toaster, let it cool, then shake out the crumbs and use a dry soft brush. Save the damp cloth for the outside.

How do you get crumbs out of a toaster without a crumb tray?
Unplug it, let it cool, then turn it upside down over the sink or trash and shake gently. A dry pastry brush helps loosen anything stuck.

How do you get fingerprints off a stainless steel toaster?
Wipe with a barely damp cloth in the direction of the grain, then buff with a dry cloth. A drop of dish soap helps with greasy smudges.

Is it safe to put the crumb tray in the dishwasher?
Some are, some aren't. Check your toaster's manual. When in doubt, hand wash it in warm, soapy water and dry it completely.

Questions?
Email us at help@thegirocompany.com. We ship from San Mateo, California.

Ready to retire the paper towels on cleaning day? Our Swedish Dishcloths with a sisal scouring corner come in 4 packs ($11.96), 8 packs ($19.98), and 16 packs ($34.96).