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Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab recommends unplugging a toaster or toaster oven and letting it cool completely before cleaning. The guidance focuses on removing crumbs and grease with appropriate tools while keeping water, cleaners and sharp tools away from heating elements.
Good Housekeeping’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab has published cleaning instructions for toasters and toaster ovens, advising people to unplug each appliance and let it cool completely before removing crumbs, washing removable parts or wiping surfaces. The guidance matters because cleaning around heating elements with water or sharp tools can damage the appliance, while toaster ovens can collect grease as well as crumbs.
For a standard toaster, the report recommends holding the unplugged appliance over a trash can, sliding out its crumb tray and emptying it, then gently shaking the toaster to dislodge loose debris. A small pastry brush or spatula can help remove remaining crumbs. The report cautions against using sharp tools in a way that could damage the heating elements.
Clean the crumb tray with a damp cloth or sponge. If it is removable and the manufacturer permits washing, it can be cleaned in warm, soapy water, rinsed and dried before being put back. Wipe the toaster’s exterior with all-purpose cleaner applied to a damp cloth or sponge, paying attention to knobs, the lever and crevices. Wipe away cleaner residue with a damp cloth and dry the surface; stainless steel can be polished with a cleaner made for appliances.
A toaster oven needs additional attention because its rack, pans and crumb tray can hold food residue and grease. Good Housekeeping advises removing crumbs, washing removable parts in warm, soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge, and allowing those parts to dry. To clean the interior, apply all-purpose cleaner to a sponge and wipe surfaces while avoiding the heating elements. The report says to let the appliance dry completely—at least five minutes, according to its instructions—before plugging it in again.
Safe Cleaning Starts Unplugged
The central safety instruction is straightforward: disconnect the appliance from power and wait until it is cool before cleaning. That reduces the risk of working around a hot appliance while also preventing the toaster or toaster oven from being energized during wiping. Good Housekeeping also warns that water and sharp tools can harm heating elements, so cleaning should focus on removable trays and accessible surfaces rather than scrubbing internal components.
Regular crumb and grease removal can also address the residue that builds up during everyday use. The report does not quantify fire risk or claim that its routine prevents a particular hazard. Its practical value is a clear cleaning sequence that separates washable removable parts from areas that should be wiped carefully and kept clear of liquid.
Products Worth Considering
Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W, Stainless Steel (TOA-70NAS)
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel (BES450BSS)
Cuisinart Chef's Classic 11-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
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Toasters Collect Different Residue
The report distinguishes between a basic toaster and a toaster oven. A pop-up toaster mainly requires attention to its crumb tray, slots and exterior. A toaster oven has a larger interior and removable cooking accessories; reheating pizza and cooking oily foods can leave grease behind, according to the report.
Good Housekeeping presents the steps as advice from its Home Care & Cleaning Lab, not as a product recall or a new appliance-safety rule. The supplied material does not identify a specific toaster model or replace instructions from an appliance manufacturer. Owners should check their manual for model-specific directions, especially before washing a tray or using a cleaner on a surface.
“Always unplug the toaster or toaster oven before cleaning it. Let it cool completely before you do anything else.”
— Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, as described in the report
Model Instructions May Differ
The source does not provide a publication date, identify appliance models tested, or say whether every manufacturer permits the same cleaners or washing methods. It also does not specify a universal drying time for standard toasters. The five-minute minimum is given for the toaster-oven procedure in the report, but appliance manuals may set different requirements.
The article offers household cleaning guidance, not a technical safety assessment. It does not establish that a particular cleaning schedule is necessary or that following these steps prevents appliance faults. Users should avoid wetting heating elements and consult the manual if a removable part’s cleaning instructions are uncertain.
Check the Manual Before Cleaning
Before starting, unplug the appliance, let it cool completely and check its manual for instructions on removable parts and approved cleaners. Empty crumbs into the trash, wash only parts that can be safely washed, and wipe interior surfaces without touching or wetting heating elements. Let cleaned surfaces and parts dry fully before reconnecting the appliance. The source report sets out no further action, regulatory change or follow-up announcement.
Key Questions
Should I unplug a toaster before cleaning it?
Yes. Good Housekeeping’s guidance says to unplug the toaster or toaster oven and let it cool completely before cleaning.
Can I wash a toaster crumb tray?
The report says a removable crumb tray can be washed in warm, soapy water, then rinsed and dried before it is reinserted. Check the appliance manual for model-specific instructions.
How do I clean inside a toaster oven?
Remove loose crumbs and take out removable racks, pans and trays for cleaning. Wipe the interior with a sponge carrying all-purpose cleaner, while avoiding the heating elements, then let it dry fully before plugging the oven back in.
Can I use water or a sharp tool near heating elements?
The report warns against damaging heating elements with water or sharp tools. Use a gentle brush or sponge on accessible areas and follow the appliance manual.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
