The essentials in 30 seconds
Switch off, unplug and let the toaster cool completely. Slide out the crumb tray, discard the crumbs, wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry it thoroughly before pushing it back until it locks. For crumbs left in the slots, follow your manual: Breville says to turn the toaster upside down over a sink or bin and shake, while Hamilton Beach says not to turn it upside down but to gently tap the sides. Wipe the outside with a slightly damp soft cloth and dry it. Never use metal scouring pads, never poke inside with a knife or metal object, and never put the toaster in water.
- Clean the crumb tray regularly; Hamilton Beach says daily if you toast daily.
- Never use the toaster without the crumb tray in place.
- Toaster oven: soft damp sponge inside, soak the crumb tray for baked-on grease.
How to clean a toaster
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01
Unplug and cool
Switch off at the outlet, pull the plug and let the toaster cool completely.
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02
Take out the crumb tray
Slide it out from under the toasting slots.
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03
Empty and wipe it
Discard the crumbs and wipe the tray with a soft, damp cloth.
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04
Dry it
Dry the tray thoroughly before refitting it.
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05
Remove loose crumbs
As your manual says: shake upside down over a sink or bin (Breville) or gently tap the sides (Hamilton Beach).
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06
Refit the tray
Push it in until it locks into place.
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07
Wipe the outside
Slightly damp soft cloth, then a dry cloth.
Shake it or tap it? Check your manual
Manufacturers disagree on one point. Breville tells you to turn the toaster upside down over a sink or bin and shake the crumbs free from the toasting carriages. Hamilton Beach says do not turn the toaster upside down: gently tap the sides to release crumbs, then empty the crumb tray. Both are writing about their own designs, so the instruction book for your model decides. If you have lost it, look it up on the manufacturer's website by model number.
Cleaning the outside of a toaster
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth and dry it with a soft, dry cloth. Hamilton Beach warns that abrasive cleansers can scratch the surface. Breville notes that cooking oils and cleaning chemicals can fade or discolour the body: if the toaster gets splashed, unplug it, wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it before using it again. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade the colour.
How to clean a toaster oven
| Part | How to clean it | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Crumb tray | After each use: discard crumbs, wipe with a soft damp sponge; baked-on grease: soak in warm soapy water, soft sponge or soft plastic pad | Metal scouring pads, abrasive cleansers |
| Interior walls (non-stick) | Soft damp sponge; non-abrasive cleanser on the sponge, not the oven | Touching or cleaning the quartz elements with cleanser |
| Heating elements | Only when fully cool: gently rub a soft damp sponge along them, no cleanser | Any cleaning agent |
| Glass door | Glass cleaner or mild detergent, soft damp sponge or soft plastic pad | Abrasive cleanser, metal pad |
| Outside and display | Soft damp sponge or cloth, cleanser on the cloth | Spraying the display, dry or abrasive cloths |
| Racks and pans | Warm soapy water, soft sponge or soft plastic pad; Breville does not recommend the dishwasher | Metal utensils, abrasives |
Let every surface dry thoroughly and refit the crumb tray before plugging the oven back in. Breville does not recommend putting its accessories in the dishwasher; other brands may allow it, so check your manual.
What not to do when cleaning a toaster
- Cleaning it plugged in, or while still hot.
- Knives, forks or any object inside the slots.
- Metal scouring pads and abrasive cleansers.
- Immersing the toaster, cord or plug in water.
- Using it without the crumb tray, or with crumbs piling up.
How to clean a toaster: frequently asked questions
How often should I clean a toaster?
Clean the crumb tray regularly. Hamilton Beach says daily if you use the toaster daily.
Can I turn my toaster upside down to get the crumbs out?
Only if your manual allows it. Breville says to shake it over a sink or bin; Hamilton Beach says not to, and to tap the sides instead.
Can I use a knife to get bread out of the toaster?
No. Unplug it first, and never use a knife or metal object: touching live elements can cause electrocution.
Can I wash a toaster in water?
No. Never immerse the toaster, cord or plug. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth.
Why clean the crumb tray?
Manufacturers warn that crumbs left to build up can become a fire hazard.
How do I clean a toaster oven crumb tray with baked-on grease?
Soak it in warm soapy water, then wash it with a soft sponge or soft plastic scouring pad, rinse and dry.
Sources
Manufacturer instruction books, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Breville · The ToastPro 4 slice instruction book (PDF) ↗Switch off, unplug and cool; clean crumb trays regularly to avoid a fire hazard; slide out, discard crumbs, wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry thoroughly; shake toaster upside down over a sink or bin; push trays in until locked; wipe outside with a damp soft cloth and dry; no immersion; no metal scouring pads; no knives or objects in the slots; oils and chemicals can discolour; avoid direct sunlight.
- Hamilton Beach · Toaster use and care (PDF, 840342202) ↗Unplug and cool before cleaning; do not dislodge food while plugged in; no immersion; crumb tray cleaned daily if used daily; do not turn the toaster upside down, tap the sides; wipe tray and outside with a damp cloth; abrasive cleansers can scratch; damaged cord or plug repaired by the manufacturer or a qualified agent.
- Breville · The Smart Oven instruction book (PDF, BOV800XL) ↗Toaster oven off, unplugged and cool; no abrasive cleansers, metal pads or utensils; crumb tray after each use, soak for baked-on grease; non-stick interior with a soft damp sponge and cleanser on the sponge; quartz elements with a damp sponge only, no cleanser; glass door; display; accessories by hand, not in the dishwasher; dry before plugging in.
Toaster sparking, smoking or not popping up?
Unplug it and stop using it; note the model number before contacting the manufacturer.