When it comes cleaning your kitchen, there’s bound to be something that you forget, whether you’re a cleaning noob or an expert, and whether that negligence is intentional or not. For one particular appliance, it’s most likely a combination of forgetting to clean it in the first place and not knowing how exactly to clean it.
I’m talking about your toaster — and you should know, a dirty, crumb-filled toaster isn’t just an eyesore.
Why You Should Clean Your Toaster
As Vera Peterson, president of Neighborly brand Molly Maid explains, improperly cleaned toasters “can be hazardous and cause fires.” What’s more, leaving all those crumbs in the toaster can also be pretty unhealthy, as Ron Shimek, president of Neighborly company Mr. Appliance points out. “It’s extremely susceptible to storing bacteria and germs,” Shimek says.
A slightly unkempt kitchen is one thing, but a dangerous fire hazard or an opportunity for bacteria to grow is a whole other ball game. Luckily, there’s good news: “Cleaning your toaster is a quick and easy process,” Shimek adds. It can be as simple as unplugging, shaking your toaster out, and cleaning the crumb tray.
Here’s how to get it done: