Do you need to clean the inside of a toaster and what will happen if you don’t remove the crumbs?

Sooner or later there will come a time when your toast making unit will need cleaning. There are many ways to clean a toaster. Cleaning external surfaces is not difficult. To rid the device of crumbs and carbon deposits inside, you will have to be creative. However, there are already several ways to help cope with this task.

After what period of time should cleaning be carried out?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the frequency of use of the device. If you regularly use your toaster, for its flawless operation, the procedure should be carried out 2 times a month. Doing this much less often or not doing it at all can provoke a number of negative consequences:

• combustion of crumbs inside;
• the appearance of soot if cheese or sausage was placed in the appliance along with bread;
• overheating of the coil, shortening the life of household appliances;
• the appearance of insects or harmful bacteria due to non-compliance with hygiene requirements.

Before starting cleaning, you must disconnect the device from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket. The cord can only be pulled out with dry hands. The unit must have cooled down by this time; cleaning heated surfaces will lead to burns on your hands.

Can the inside of a toaster be washed with water?

It’s good if you asked yourself this question before you decided to start washing the toaster under running water.Like any other electrical appliances, this type of equipment cannot be exposed to moisture in any form (washing in the sink or dishwasher, soaking is excluded). Failure to follow the instructions for use may result in the toaster being damaged.

In addition, in this case the device becomes unsafe. All manufacturers include this item in the instructions for use, but, unfortunately, not everyone takes the trouble to read the manufacturer’s recommendations.

In case of severe contamination, you can wipe the internal surfaces with a damp cloth and then dry with paper towels. To be on the safe side, it is better not to use the toaster for some time, allowing it to dry completely.

To avoid contact with moisture, the device should not be installed near a sink. Accidental splashes on the toaster while it is on may cause a short circuit, which may result in a fire.

Methods for cleaning internal surfaces

It is most convenient to clean the toaster on a table previously covered with a piece of film or newspaper. No matter how dirty the equipment is, you should not use sharp or metal objects (knives, screwdrivers, knitting needles, skewers).

How to clean the device from crumbs

It is imperative to remove bread crumbs from the inside. They tend to stay in the toaster after each use and accumulate quickly. Even if the model has a retractable tray, this does not help to 100% get rid of bread residues in the appliance.

Crumbs get stuck between the bars of the grill and stick to surfaces, creating a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, attracting ants and cockroaches into the house.In addition, when the next batch of toast is toasted, the remains of the old bread burn out, causing smoke and an unpleasant odor.

Step-by-step cleaning at home:

1. Turn the toaster upside down and shake out the crumbs onto the countertop. Most of them will fly out on their own.
2. Remove stuck particles using a toothbrush or a small laundry brush with a long handle.
3. If there are still crumbs left in some places, you can get rid of them using a powerful stream of air from a hairdryer that is turned on.

Some people use a vacuum cleaner to clean the toaster, claiming that this is the fastest and easiest way. You can try this option, perhaps it will suit you best.

How to clean the inside of a toaster from carbon deposits

If there is carbon deposits inside the toaster, cleaning becomes more difficult. In this case, you will additionally need rock salt or soda.

In the first case, you need to act like this:

1. Pour coarse salt inside, leaving 2 cm to the edge.
2. Cover the bread slots with strips of tape or self-adhesive paper.
3. Shake the device for about half a minute. During this time, the dirt will peel off.

Salt will absorb grease and dirt. After this, all that remains is to shake the crystals out of the unit. Grains of salt should not remain inside; remove any remaining residue with a toothbrush. When using this method, the toaster will also be disinfected.

Baking soda will help clean the device even more effectively. This method can be used if salt does not cope with heavy carbon deposits. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Using a toothbrush, apply the mixture to dirty areas and rub gently.After such a thorough cleaning, the internal surfaces should be wiped with a damp cloth, and then any remaining moisture should be removed with a dry microfiber cloth.

Now all that remains is to wipe the outer surfaces of the toaster. If its walls are made of metal, a cloth soaked in table vinegar will help to restore shine. The plastic case is wiped with a cloth soaked in ordinary water or soap solution. After wiping the toaster dry, allow it to stand and dry completely before further use.