Yes, yes yes! This is what I’ve been looking for!

Keeping your kitchen appliances clean is a great way to ensure they last a long time and stay safe to use. Cleaning a toaster can be surprisingly tricky, especially when it is covered in grease and crumbs from many breakfasts. While it is easy to forget about this small appliance during your regular cleaning routine, a dirty toaster can look messy and might even stop working as well as it should.

The good news is that you do not need expensive chemicals to fix this. My nana has a special method that she uses to clean grease with almost no effort, and today, I am sharing it with you! You do not need any fancy tools. The secret is likely sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now. Let’s look at Nana’s easy way to make your toaster look brand new.

The Best Natural Cleaners: Vinegar and Baking Soda

The secret ingredients are white vinegar and baking soda. These two items are famous for being able to clean almost anything in the home. They are a “dynamic duo for degreasing your toaster” because they work in different ways to lift dirt. The vinegar is acidic, which helps melt away oily grease. The baking soda is a very gentle powder that helps scrub off tough spots without scratching the metal. Best of all, they are safe to use around food and very cheap to buy.

Step 1: Safety First

Before you start cleaning, you must make sure the toaster is unplugged. It is very important to remember: “Safety first!” Never clean an appliance while it is connected to power. Once it is unplugged and cool, pull out the crumb tray from the bottom. Take the toaster over to a trash can or the sink and turn it upside down. Give it a gentle shake to get rid of any loose bread bits inside.

“Nana’s tip: Shake it gently to avoid damaging the inner heating elements.”

Step 2: Cleaning the Outside Grease

Now it is time to remove the sticky grease from the outside. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1/2 cup of warm water. Use a soft cloth or a sponge and dip it into the liquid. Make sure to squeeze out the extra water so it isn’t dripping.

Wipe the outside of the toaster carefully. You will see the vinegar start to break down the grease right away. If you find a spot that won’t come off, put a tiny bit of baking soda on your damp cloth and rub it gently. This provides just enough friction to lift the dirt without ruining the finish. Just be careful not to get any liquid inside the toaster where the wires are.

Step 3: Getting into Small Spaces

Toasters have lots of little gaps around the buttons and knobs. These “nooks and crannies” are hard to reach with a big cloth. Nana’s trick is to use an old, clean toothbrush or a cotton swab. Dip the brush into your vinegar mix and gently scrub those tight areas.

If your crumb tray is very dirty, you can let it soak in a sink filled with warm water and a splash of vinegar for about 1/4 of an hour. This softens the burnt-on bits so you can wipe them away easily with a bit of baking soda.

Step 4: Making it Shine

After the grease is gone, use a fresh, damp cloth with just plain water to wipe away any leftover vinegar or baking soda. To get a professional look, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface.

“Nana’s tip: If your toaster is stainless steel, use a small amount of olive oil or baby oil on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the exterior in the direction of the grain.” This little trick helps hide fingerprints and makes the metal look very shiny.

Step 5: Drying Everything Out

You must let the toaster dry completely before you plug it back in. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. It is best to wait at least 1/2 hour to be sure all the moisture has evaporated. Once it is totally dry, put the crumb tray back in, and your toaster is ready for breakfast!

Why This Simple Method Works

This cleaning hack works because of science. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is perfect for cutting through the oils found in kitchen grease. Baking soda is a base, and when the two meet, they create a bubbling reaction that helps lift dirt.

Using these items is much better than using harsh store-bought sprays. Many commercial cleaners have strong smells and chemicals that you might not want near your food. Vinegar and baking soda are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and they cost pennies compared to specialized cleaning products.

Benefits of Cleaning with Nana’s Trick

• No Chemicals: You can feel good knowing there are no “harsh chemicals” left on your counters.

• Saves Money: You likely have 1/1 gallon of vinegar in the pantry already, so you don’t need to buy anything new.

• Easy on the Hands: This method is gentle on your skin compared to strong degreasers.

• Great Results: Your toaster will look “as good as the day you brought it home.”

Keeping your kitchen tidy doesn’t have to be a chore. With these simple steps, you can keep your appliances sparkling and working perfectly. Next time you see a smudge on your toaster, just remember Nana’s vinegar and baking soda trick!