Toaster ovens are usually used to prepare easy breakfast meals, warm frozen foods, and roast vegetables. Additionally, they can also be used to make small batches of sweets like cookies and brownies.

A toaster oven proves to be very useful in the kitchen. Over time, it will inevitably accumulate grease and food residues as it is doing so much work.

We will share tips on how to thoroughly clean your toaster oven tray and the entire appliance for your benefit. Learn as you read on.

Why Clean Your Toaster Oven?

Equipment that is well-kept and organized ensures safer and more energy-efficient kitchen operations.

In your toaster oven, if you haven't cleaned it for months, you probably have noticed a thick layer of grease inside. Your food may also smell charred due to food residues that may have accumulated during each cooking process.

You also risk food contamination if you leave food residues hanging around your oven for a long time.

How Do You Clean a Toaster Oven?

You will find detailed instructions on proper care and maintenance in the user's manual for each appliance. Before cleaning, always consult the manual.

This method can be followed even if you don't have access to the manual. You should clean your toaster oven weekly to keep it in good condition.

Interior Cleaning

1. Unplug your toaster oven before cleaning it. Allow it to cool before cleaning it.
   
   
2. Remove the oven tray and baking rack.
   
   
3. Ensure your toaster oven is free of loose food residues. Brush or wipe the residues off.
   
   
4. You can use an old toothbrush or pastry brush to brush away crumbs and food residues from tight spots and corners.
   
   
5. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar and ½ cup of hot water.
   
   
6. Pour the mixture into a sponge. Make sure the sponge is damp.
   
   
7. Use the smoother side of the sponge to wipe the interior of your toaster oven. Do not use hard brushes or other tools that could scratch the interior. Avoid touching the heating elements.
   
   
8. To air dry the interior of the toaster oven, leave the door open.

Cleaning The Crumb Tray

Scrub baked-on grease and stubborn residues off the toaster oven tray with a soft sponge dipped in soapy water.

Soak your tray in soapy water for a few hours if you cannot remove stubborn grime with a sponge. Scrub it again. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly.

Exterior Cleaning

1. Dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge with water.
   
   
2. Your toaster's glass door should also be cleaned.
   
   
3. Be sure the spray-on cleaner you use fits the purpose before using it. Don't use products with harsh chemicals.
   
   
4. Clean the exterior of your toaster oven with a commercial cleaning product by applying it to the sponge or cloth first.

Conclusion

In this section, you have learned how to clean toaster oven trays, interiors, and exteriors. Make sure your oven is clean and safe by using the information you have learned in this section.