Why you need to take care of your toaster regularly
Burnt crumbs and ash accumulate in the appliance, especially if the toaster is top-loading. Because of them, over time, toast acquires the taste of burnt bread.
When excess food is constantly left in the toaster, it heats up. This affects the operation of the equipment: the bread begins to warm up unevenly, and the device itself wears out.
Moreover, if the crumbs left after cooking get into the heater or get stuck between the compartments of the toaster, there may be a risk of fire.
How often should you clean your toaster
Basically, the device becomes dirty due to crumbs. Therefore, the more often you use the toaster, the more often it will have to be cleaned.
In any case, dispose of the crumb tray after each use. It is better to clean the internal and external parts of the appliance every week so that soot and burnt food do not accumulate in the toaster. A more thorough cleaning, for example with soda, which will help get rid of an unpleasant odor, is enough to do once a month.
How to properly clean a toaster
This must be done carefully. Incorrect cleaning can lead to an unpleasant smell in the kitchen and malfunction of the appliance.
First of all, unplug the toaster and let it cool down. Turn the appliance upside down, for example over a sink or towel, and shake well to get rid of crumbs.
Then pull out the crumb tray and remove everything that has accumulated on it. Then wash it thoroughly with dishwashing detergent, rinse with water and let dry.
If you have a top-loading toaster, the next step is to clean out the innards. Prepare the tools and ingredients for a remedy that will make the appliance shine again. For this you will need:
- old toothbrush;
- a small, lint-free cloth;
- white vinegar;
- soda;
- dishwashing liquid.
Mix white vinegar with water, dip a toothbrush into the solution, and go over the basket and holders inside the toaster.
Then, use a cloth to wipe the large internal parts of the appliance. The outer part can also be treated with the same solution. For a more thorough cleaning, it is best to use a mixture of equal proportions of baking soda and dishwashing detergent.
During the procedure, try not to wet the heating elements. It is better to wipe them with a dry towel or microfiber cloth.
Be careful and carefully study the device of your toaster before cleaning. For example, aluminum models are sensitive to chemicals in detergents that can ruin the appearance of the appliance. Therefore, it is better to follow the instructions and take care of the device as the manufacturer advises.