How to Clean a Toaster Oven: Inside, Outside, and the Crumb Tray

Toaster ovens work hard — roasting, broiling, baking, and toasting — and they accumulate grease and burnt food residue faster than almost any other kitchen appliance. A dirty toaster oven smokes, smells, and can even become a fire hazard. Here's how to clean every part thoroughly.

How Often Should You Clean Your Toaster Oven?

• Crumb tray: After every use, or at least weekly.
• Interior wipe-down: Weekly.
• Full deep clean: Monthly, or whenever you notice smoke or burning smell.

Safety First

• Always unplug before cleaning.
• Let cool completely — at least 30 minutes after last use.
• Never spray liquids directly onto heating elements.
• Never submerge the toaster oven body in water.

What You'll Need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloths
• Non-scratch sponge
• Old toothbrush
• Dish soap
• Kitchen degreaser spray (for heavy grease)

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Crumb Tray

1. Slide out the crumb tray and empty over the trash.
2. Wash with warm soapy water and a non-scratch sponge.
3. For baked-on grease, soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub.
4. Rinse and dry completely before replacing.

Step 2: Remove and Clean the Racks

1. Remove all racks and baking pans.
2. Soak in warm soapy water in the sink for 15-20 minutes.
3. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge and rinse clean.
4. For stubborn baked-on residue, apply a baking soda paste, let sit 15 minutes, then scrub.

Step 3: Clean the Interior Walls and Floor

Baking Soda Method (Natural)

1. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste.
2. Apply to the interior walls, floor, and ceiling — avoid the heating elements.
3. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Scrub with a damp non-scratch sponge.
5. Spray with white vinegar from a spray bottle to neutralize the baking soda and lift remaining residue.
6. Wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Repeat until no residue remains.

Degreaser Method (For Heavy Grease)

Spray Lysol Pro Kitchen Degreaser onto a cloth (not directly inside) and wipe all interior surfaces. Let sit 3-5 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Follow with a plain water wipe to remove all residue.

Step 4: Clean the Heating Elements

The heating elements require a very gentle approach:

1. Use a barely damp cloth to gently wipe the elements — wring out thoroughly so no water drips.
2. For baked-on residue, use a dry soft brush to gently brush away debris.
3. Never apply paste or spray directly to the elements.
4. After cleaning, run the toaster oven empty at 350°F for 5 minutes to burn off any remaining residue.

Step 5: Clean the Glass Door

1. Apply baking soda paste to the inside of the glass door.
2. Let sit 10-15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge.
4. Spray with white vinegar and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
5. Clean the outside of the glass with a damp microfiber cloth and a little dish soap.

Step 6: Clean the Exterior

Wipe the outside of the toaster oven with a damp microfiber cloth and dish soap. For stainless steel, wipe in the direction of the grain. Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use oven cleaner in a toaster oven?

Avoid commercial oven cleaners in toaster ovens — the fumes are intense in a small space and can damage the interior coating. Use baking soda paste or a kitchen degreaser instead.

How do I remove burnt-on grease from a toaster oven?

Apply baking soda paste and let sit for 20-30 minutes before scrubbing. For very stubborn buildup, apply a second layer and let sit overnight.

Why does my toaster oven smoke?

Smoke is almost always caused by grease or food residue on the heating elements, interior walls, or crumb tray. Clean all these areas and run an empty cycle to burn off remaining residue.

How do I clean toaster oven racks?

Soak in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge. For heavy buildup, apply baking soda paste and let sit before scrubbing.