How to Clean a Toaster Oven: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
A toaster oven can make life so much easier—until you open the door and realize just how much has been building up inside.
Burnt crumbs at the bottom. Grease on the glass. Bits of old food stuck to the tray. And sometimes, that unmistakable smell of something that was probably forgotten in there a few days ago.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend hours scrubbing or buy a cupboard full of expensive cleaners.
With the right approach, you can clean a toaster oven with a few basic supplies and get it looking—and smelling—much better.
The important part is knowing what you can safely clean, what you should never touch, and which cleaning products to avoid.
Safety Note: Unplug It Before You Clean
Always unplug the toaster oven and let it cool completely before cleaning. Never spray water or cleaning solution directly into the heating elements, electrical controls, vents, or other electrical parts.
Your toaster oven’s manufacturer should always take priority because cleaning instructions vary by model. For example, Breville recommends unplugging and cooling the appliance before cleaning and advises against harsh abrasive, caustic or oven cleaners. Its official guidance also warns against metal scouring pads because pieces can break off and contact electrical parts. Breville Official Toaster Cleaning & Safety Guidance
Never immerse the toaster oven in water, and don’t use metal tools to scrape around heating elements.
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What You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these at home:
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Soft sponge
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Small bowl
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Paper towels
- Non-scratch sponge
- Kitchen gloves if needed
You may also want a wooden or plastic utensil for gently loosening stubborn food—but avoid anything that could damage the oven’s interior or heating elements.
Step 1: Unplug the Toaster Oven
This is the first step every time.
Unplug the toaster oven from the wall and move it to a safe, stable area if necessary.
Don’t start cleaning while it’s still connected to electricity.
Step 2: Let It Cool Completely
Even if the toaster oven looks cool from the outside, internal parts can remain hot.
Give it enough time to cool completely before removing trays or wiping the interior.
This also makes cleaning safer because you’re not trying to wipe grease and food from hot surfaces.
Step 3: Remove the Tray, Rack and Other Parts
Take out all removable components, such as:
- Crumb tray
- Oven rack
- Baking tray
- Air-fryer basket
- Other removable accessories
Place them near the sink.
Check your user manual before putting any component in a dishwasher. Some parts may be dishwasher-safe, while others aren’t.
Hamilton Beach, for example, states that the removable rack and baking pan on one of its toaster-oven models are dishwasher-safe, while recommending a damp cloth for the oven walls, bottom and glass door.
Step 4: Shake Out the Crumbs
Before adding water or soap, deal with the loose crumbs.
Take the removable crumb tray out and empty it over the bin.
You can gently turn the toaster oven slightly if your manufacturer’s instructions allow it, but don’t shake it aggressively.
Loose crumbs can hide underneath racks and trays, so removing them first makes the rest of the job much easier.
Step 5: Clean the Crumb Tray
The crumb tray usually gets the dirtiest.
Wash it with warm water and a little mild dish soap if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
For stuck-on food:
- Soak the tray in warm soapy water.
- Leave it for several minutes.
- Gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge.
- Rinse it.
- Dry it completely.
Don’t use a sharp knife to scrape the tray.
Step 6: Clean the Oven Rack
Wash the rack separately using warm water and mild dish soap.
If food is stuck to it, let it soak rather than immediately attacking it with a metal scrubber.
A soft brush or non-scratch sponge is usually enough for ordinary buildup.
Dry the rack completely before putting it back.
Step 7: Wipe the Inside of the Toaster Oven
Now comes the main part.
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water.
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring it out well.
You want the cloth damp—not dripping wet.
Wipe:
- Interior walls
- Bottom surface
- Door area
- Corners
- Areas with grease or food residue
Breville’s official Smart Oven cleaning guidance recommends a soft cloth or sponge with a mild cleaning solution for cleaning the oven interior.
Step 8: Be Careful Around the Heating Elements
This is where you need to slow down.
Don’t scrub the heating elements aggressively.
Don’t bend them.
Don’t pull them.
Don’t spray cleaning solution directly onto them.
If crumbs are stuck nearby, gently remove loose debris with a soft, dry brush or cloth where your manufacturer’s instructions permit.
The goal is to clean around the elements without damaging them.
Step 9: Clean the Glass Door
A dirty glass door can make an otherwise clean toaster oven look terrible.
Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
Wipe the inside and outside of the glass.
For stubborn grease, allow the damp cloth to sit against the residue for a short time to soften it.
Then wipe again.
Avoid abrasive pads that could scratch the glass.
Step 10: Remove Stubborn Burnt Food
Sometimes a simple wipe isn’t enough.
If you have a stubborn burnt patch:
- Dampen a soft cloth with warm soapy water.
- Place it over the residue for a few minutes.
- Let the moisture soften the food.
- Gently wipe the area.
- Repeat if necessary.
Don’t immediately reach for a knife or metal scraper.
Scratching the interior can create a bigger problem than the original burnt food.
Step 11: Clean the Outside
The outside is usually much easier.
Use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth.
Wipe:
- Top
- Sides
- Door handle
- Control panel
- Front surface
For the control panel, use very little moisture.
Never allow water to run into buttons, switches, vents or openings.
Step 12: Clean Around the Vents
Toaster ovens need proper airflow.
Dust and food particles can collect around external vents.
Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to clean accessible areas.
Don’t push objects deep into the vents.
Don’t block the ventilation openings when the appliance is in use.
Step 13: Rinse Away Soap Residue
If you’ve used a mild soapy solution inside the oven, wipe the surfaces again with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
This removes leftover soap.
Then use a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture.
Step 14: Let Everything Dry Completely
This step is easy to rush.
Don’t.
Leave the removable parts out until they are completely dry.
Allow the inside of the toaster oven to air-dry as well.
Make sure everything is dry before reconnecting the appliance.
How to Clean a Very Greasy Toaster Oven
If your toaster oven has accumulated months of grease, don’t try to clean everything in one aggressive session.
Start with the removable parts.
Soak the rack and tray in warm soapy water.
For the interior, use a damp cloth with mild dish soap and work in small sections.
Repeat rather than using stronger chemicals.
Your goal is to loosen the grease gradually, not damage the oven trying to remove it in five minutes.
How to Remove a Burnt Smell From a Toaster Oven
If your toaster oven smells every time you turn it on, old food and crumbs may be responsible.
Start by cleaning:
- Crumb tray
- Bottom of oven
- Rack
- Baking tray
- Door area
- Accessible corners
Then let everything dry completely.
If the smell continues even after cleaning, don’t automatically assume it’s leftover food.
A persistent electrical or burning smell could indicate a problem with the appliance.
In that situation, stop using it and follow the manufacturer’s troubleshooting or service guidance.
Can You Use Oven Cleaner in a Toaster Oven?
Don’t assume that you can.
Some toaster oven manufacturers specifically advise against harsh, caustic or oven cleaners.
Breville, for example, says not to use harsh abrasive, caustic cleaners or oven cleaners when cleaning its toaster products.
That’s why the safest approach is:
Check your manufacturer’s instructions first.
If the manual recommends mild soap and water, stick with that.
Can You Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is sometimes used for household cleaning, but you should still check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying it inside your toaster oven.
If your manufacturer allows it, a small amount mixed with water can create a gentle paste for stubborn residue.
However, don’t spread any cleaning paste over heating elements, electrical components, vents or areas where it could become trapped.
What You Should Never Do
Avoid these common cleaning mistakes:
Don’t clean it while plugged in
Unplug it first.
Don’t pour water inside
A toaster oven is an electrical appliance.
Don’t spray cleaner directly inside
Apply an appropriate cleaner to a cloth or sponge if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
Don’t use metal scouring pads
They can scratch surfaces and may leave metal fragments.
Breville specifically warns against metal scouring pads because pieces can break off and contact electrical components.
Don’t use a knife to scrape food
You can damage the interior coating.
Don’t bend heating elements
They’re not designed to be pushed around during cleaning.
Don’t reconnect it while wet
Everything should be completely dry first.
How Often Should You Clean a Toaster Oven?
It depends on how often you use it.
If you use it every day, a quick crumb cleanup several times a week can prevent buildup.
A deeper clean can be done when you notice:
- Grease buildup
- Burnt food
- Bad smells
- Smoke
- Dirty glass
- A full crumb tray
Regular cleaning is also important because accumulated crumbs can become a fire concern. Breville’s safety guidance warns that allowing crumbs to build up in the crumb tray can create a fire hazard.
A Simple Toaster Oven Cleaning Routine
You don’t need to wait until your toaster oven looks terrible.
After cooking
Let it cool and remove obvious crumbs.
Every few uses
Empty the crumb tray.
Weekly
Wipe the interior and clean the removable tray and rack if you use the oven frequently.
When needed
Give the glass door, interior and accessories a deeper clean.
This small routine can save you from having to fight months of baked-on grease later.
Quick Toaster Oven Cleaning Checklist
Save this simple checklist:
- Unplug the toaster oven
- Let it cool completely
- Remove rack and trays
- Empty the crumb tray
- Wash removable parts
- Wipe the interior
- Clean the glass door
- Clean the outside
- Avoid heating elements
- Avoid harsh cleaners
- Wipe away soap residue
- Let everything dry completely
- Reassemble the toaster oven
When Should You Stop Cleaning and Get Help?
Cleaning can solve a dirty toaster oven, but it can’t fix an electrical fault.
Stop using the appliance if you notice:
- Burning electrical smell
- Damaged power cord
- Sparks
- Smoke that isn’t caused by food
- Damaged heating elements
- Melted plastic
- Controls behaving strangely
- Repeated electrical problems
Don’t try to repair electrical components yourself unless you are properly qualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a toaster oven?
Unplug it, let it cool, remove the rack and crumb tray, clean removable parts with appropriate soap and water, and wipe the interior with a soft damp cloth and mild cleaning solution if the manufacturer permits it.
Can I use oven cleaner inside a toaster oven?
Don’t assume it is safe. Some manufacturers specifically advise against oven cleaners. Check your model’s manual before using any chemical cleaner.
How do I clean burnt food from a toaster oven?
Soften the residue with a damp cloth and warm soapy water, then gently wipe it away. Avoid knives and aggressive metal scrubbing.
How do I clean the glass on a toaster oven?
Use a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge with warm water and mild dish soap, if permitted by the manufacturer. Wipe away residue and dry the glass.
Can I wash the toaster oven with water?
No. Never immerse the appliance or pour water into it. Use a slightly damp cloth for appropriate surfaces.
How do I get rid of a bad smell from my toaster oven?
Clean the crumb tray, rack, tray, interior and door thoroughly. If an unusual burning or electrical smell remains after cleaning, stop using the appliance and check the manufacturer’s service guidance.
How often should I clean my toaster oven?
Empty crumbs regularly and give the appliance a deeper clean whenever grease, food residue or odors begin to build up. Frequent users may need to clean it weekly.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a toaster oven doesn’t have to become a weekend project.
The trick is not letting small messes turn into baked-on disasters.
Empty the crumbs regularly, wipe up grease before it hardens, keep the glass clean and give the removable parts a proper wash when needed.
And remember: your toaster oven contains electrical and heating components, so gentle cleaning is always better than aggressive scrubbing.
A few minutes of maintenance now can save you from that smoky, greasy toaster oven later—and make your next batch of toast, pizza or leftovers a lot more pleasant.
