How to Maintain Toasters

Toasters and what you toast in them have evolved over the years. Toaster pastries joined bread in the pop-up toaster. Pop-up toasters morphed into toaster ovens. And you can cook anything in a toaster oven as long as it fits. Care for your toaster with these steps and keep it around for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Allow an unplugged toaster to cool down before any maintenance care or cleaning.

2. Remove crumbs by pulling out the crumb tray at the bottom of the toaster. Dump the crumbs and wash the crumb tray in mild soap. Rinse clean. When completely dry, insert the crumb tray back into the toaster.

3. Turn pop-up toasters upside down to shake out loose crumbs.

4. Wash removable parts, such as toaster oven trays and wire racks, in soap and water. Rinse thoroughly. Replace these items in the toaster when everything is completely dry.

5. Wipe all plastic and stainless steel parts with a clean, damp cloth. Mild soap can be used on stubborn stains, but rinse soap off with a wet cloth. More expensive toaster ovens feature an easily cleaned enamel interior. Others contain self-burning interiors that burn off drips. Never put your toaster in water or clean the heating elements with water.

6. Make certain all parts of your toaster are completely dry before plugging it in. Water on or around a toaster can produce a shock.

Tips & Warnings

• Unplug your toaster from the outlet before removing a stubborn piece of toast. Sticking a fork into a toaster can deliver a shock and damage wires.