Crumbs, grease, and food splashes can build up inside a toaster oven. Cleaning starts with the instructions for your particular model: interior coatings, heating elements, and removable accessories do not all tolerate the same treatment.
The steps below provide a general approach. Follow your appliance manual whenever its instructions differ.
Before You Start
Turn the toaster oven off, unplug it, and let it cool completely before cleaning or removing accessories. Do not rely on a fixed waiting time—the appliance must be cool enough to handle.
Never immerse the oven, cord, or plug in water. If you notice a damaged cord, cracked heating element, or another sign of damage, stop using the appliance and contact the manufacturer.
Gather soft cloths, a nonabrasive sponge, and the cleaning products permitted by your manual. Avoid metal scouring pads.
Empty the Crumb Tray
Open or remove the crumb tray as directed. Some trays slide out; others remain attached, so do not force yours.
Dispose of loose crumbs. Clean the tray using the method specified for your model, taking care of any protective coating. Do not assume it can be soaked or placed in a dishwasher.
Dry it thoroughly before reinstalling it.
Wash Removable Racks and Pans
Check the instructions for each accessory. Where hand-washing with warm water and mild dishwashing liquid is permitted, use a soft sponge, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
Only soak accessories or put them in a dishwasher if the manufacturer allows it. A rack and a coated baking pan may have different care requirements.
If food remains stuck, repeat the approved cleaning method rather than scraping aggressively or switching to a stronger product.
Wipe the Interior Walls
Use the cleaner and cloth recommended for the interior finish. Apply cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying it into the appliance, and use controlled amounts of moisture.
Wipe accessible surfaces gently, keeping clear of heating elements and electrical openings. Remove cleaning residue as directed by the manual.
Do not assume baking soda paste, vinegar, or standard oven cleaner is suitable. For example, Breville warns that some cleaning methods can damage its oven surfaces. “Natural” does not automatically mean compatible with an appliance coating.
Clean the Glass Door
Allow the glass to cool fully. Use a soft cloth and a cleaner approved for the door, avoiding abrasive pads and scraping tools.
Keep liquid away from openings and the spaces between glass layers. Do not take the door apart to remove trapped residue unless the manufacturer provides instructions for doing so.
Leave Heating Elements to the Model’s Instructions
Heating elements require special care. Do not scrape them with a skewer, brush them aggressively, or apply cleaning paste.
If food is stuck to an element and the manual does not explain how to remove it, contact the manufacturer. Do not run the oven deliberately to burn off a heavy deposit.
Check Everything Before Reassembly
Make sure cleaned surfaces and accessories are completely dry. Refit the racks, pans, and crumb tray in their correct positions.
Remove cleaning cloths and other supplies from the appliance and its surroundings before reconnecting it.
Prevent Buildup Between Cleanings
Check for crumbs and splashes regularly, especially after cooking foods that drip. Clean them once the oven is unplugged and fully cool, following the manual’s recommended frequency.
Use the recommended baking pan and rack position to catch drips. Do not add foil or liners without checking the instructions for your exact model; some manufacturers prohibit covering the crumb tray or other oven parts.
What If an Odor Remains?
Once the appliance is unplugged and cool, check accessible areas for remaining food or cleaning residue. Avoid heating lemon peels or bowls of vinegar as a general deodorizing method.
If unusual odors, smoke, or signs of damage persist, stop using the oven and seek manufacturer guidance. Further cleaning may not address an appliance fault.
Need Help with Kitchen Cleaning?
Contact Aquastar Cleaning Services to discuss your kitchen cleaning needs and confirm which tasks are included. If you want help with a countertop appliance, mention its make, model, and condition when requesting an estimate.
Call (678) 581-9951 or request an estimate.
Manufacturer References
These references illustrate manufacturer guidance; use the manual for your own model.