How to clean a toaster oven with baking soda and vinegar

Ah, the toaster oven. It’s easy to see why this simple, affordable appliance has found its way into kitchens of all shapes and sizes. Toaster ovens are game for almost anything, from crisping up leftover pizza to cooking meats and vegetables. It’s a master of all trades for a reason!

Like many other kitchen appliances, a toaster oven can seem intimidating to clean. The idea of using liquid cleaner on something with electrical elements is understandably terrifying.

Fear not! Cleaning a toaster oven is pretty simple, once you know a few easy tips and tricks. With our guide, your toaster oven will be back to doing what it does best, minus all the grease and burnt crumbs.

For average use, you should clean your toaster oven about once a week. Like all kitchen appliances, a little bit of daily maintenance goes a long way to keep your toaster oven clean over the long term. For the toaster oven especially, daily maintenance is worthwhile, as rogue food bits can quickly turn into stubborn grime — or even a potential fire hazard.

During daily use, before you turn it on, peek inside and check for any crumbs or other food bits. See ‘em? Now take a dry kitchen cloth to remove and dispose of such scraps before they become a problem.

Ever wonder how often you should clean the nooks and crannies of your kitchen? Read our kitchen cleaning guide to get your space spick-and-span.

Grove Tip

Be gentle!

Toaster ovens are sometimes lined or made with non-stick coating. Abrasive cleaners and heavy scrubbing or scouring can damage the coating or the oven’s other components. To maintain the non-stick coating, avoid abrasive sponges, scouring pads, and intense cleaners while cleaning the inside.

Step 1: Unplug your toaster oven

Any time you’re cleaning an electrical appliance, unplug it from the outlet to avoid potential electrical shock, fire, or appliance damage. Be sure your unplugged electrical prong stays dry — keep it separate from the main cleaning action.

Step 2: Remove all trays and racks and soak them in soapy water

Fill either your sink or a large container with a mixture of lukewarm water and a couple of squirts of dish soap. Then, submerge all racks and trays in the soapy mixture. These can soak while you continue the rest of the cleaning.

Step 3: Remove all crumbs and residue from the inside of your toaster oven

Use a dry cloth or sponge to wipe out any crumbs or residues from inside your toaster oven. Be careful not to jostle or lean on the heating elements.

Step 4: Clean the interior of your toaster oven

Apply an all-purpose cleaner to a microfiber cloth or kitchen towel, or make a homemade cleaning paste with three tablespoons of water and a half-cup of baking soda. Scoop up a bit with your cloth and wipe the interior of the toaster oven, paying extra attention to grease and grime.

Try to avoid getting cleaner on the heating elements of your toaster oven. If you accidently do get them wet, gently dry them with a dry cloth or rag. Repeat if necessary until the grime is gone.

Step 5: Clean the exterior of your toaster oven with a soapy sponge

Apply a bit of lukewarm water and dish soap to a sponge. Wring it until it’s damp, and wipe the exterior of your toaster oven with it, avoiding any electrical ports or cables.

Step 6: Remove all trays and racks from their soak

Since they’ve been soaking, a quick scrub with a sponge should clear off any grease left on the toaster oven trays and racks. If not, use a scouring pad to remove tough spots.

Step 7: Allow the toaster oven, trays, and racks to dry

A combination of air drying and hand drying will do the trick. Make sure the toaster oven and the racks are dry before you put them back in.

Step 8: Plug your toaster oven in, and enjoy!

Once the toaster oven is clean and thoroughly dry, plug it back in. Admire your cleaning success, and feel confident that your next toaster oven bake will be grime-free!