⚡️Quick Answer: Remove the racks and tray and soak them in hot water with dish soap and vinegar, then clear the crumbs from inside. Skip harsh oven cleaners, which can damage the coated interior, and use a degreaser like Dawn PowerWash or a baking soda paste followed by vinegar instead. Scrub the interior with a non-scratch sponge, tackle stubborn grease with #0000 steel wool (keeping away from the heating elements), and wipe down the exterior. Reassemble, then run the oven empty for 15 minutes to burn off any residue.
A greasy toaster oven doesn’t just look bad, it can lead to performance issues and even safety concerns. Regular cleaning improves your toaster oven’s efficiency and keeps it safe and pleasant to use. Here’s the best method to get yours sparkling clean and ready for action.
Tools You Will Want to Have
Start by Removing the Removable Parts
The first step is to take out all the removable parts, like the racks and bottom tray, which collect food debris and grease, especially with frequent use. Once they’re out, soak them in a sink filled with hot water, a tablespoon of dish soap, and a cup of white vinegar. Let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes to loosen stubborn grime, since soaking breaks down the grease and means far less scrubbing later. While the racks and tray are soaking, clear out the crumbs and burnt food from inside the oven. You can vacuum the crumbs up, or simply shake them out and brush away the debris to prep the interior for cleaning.
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Avoid Harsh Oven Cleaners
As tempting as it may be to reach for a heavy-duty oven cleaner, it’s not recommended for toaster ovens. The internal surfaces are often coated to prevent rust, and harsh chemicals can damage that protective layer. Instead, opt for milder degreasers like dish soap, Dawn PowerWash, or a natural combination of baking soda and vinegar.
If you go the baking soda and vinegar route, never mix them directly. The fizzing reaction looks impressive, but it doesn’t boost cleaning power, it just leaves you with a saltwater solution. Use them in steps instead: mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply it to the greasy areas, and scrub with a sponge. Then wipe the baking soda away and spray the area with vinegar to disinfect and remove any remaining grime.
Deep Clean With Soap and a Scrub Daddy
For particularly grimy ovens, start with Dawn PowerWash or a similar degreasing dish soap. Spray the interior, focusing on the baked-on grease, and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease. Then scrub with a non-scratch sponge like the Scrub Daddy, which lifts dirt without damaging the oven’s surface. Keep in mind that cleaning a toaster oven, like any greasy appliance, often takes a few rounds of scrubbing. If some areas are still grimy after the first pass, don’t get discouraged, just reapply your cleaning solution and scrub again.
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Tackle Stubborn Grease
Some spots are especially tough, particularly near the heating elements or in tight corners. For these, use fine #0000 steel wool, which is gentle enough to scrub without scratching. Just make sure the surface is well lubricated with soap or water first to prevent any damage while you scrub. This works great on the most stubborn grease and baked-on food.
⚠️Be cautious around the heating elements. While it’s important to clean nearby, avoid scrubbing the elements directly, since they can be delicate and expensive to replace.
Clean the Exterior
Once the interior is done, turn to the exterior. Whether your toaster oven has a stainless steel, plastic, or painted surface, grease and fingerprints tend to build up on the outside. A quick spray with Dawn PowerWash or a vinegar and water mix cuts through that grime easily. For stainless steel finishes, use Bar Keeper’s Friend Soft Cleanser to polish the surface and restore its shine. Either way, finish with a microfiber towel for a streak-free look.
Scrub the Soaked Racks and Trays
After their soak, the trays and racks should be much easier to clean. Use the fine steel wool to gently scrub away any remaining grease or food particles, then rinse everything thoroughly to remove all soap residue. For extra protection and easier cleanups down the road, you can line the bottom tray with aluminum foil to catch drips and crumbs. Just replace the foil regularly and you’ll spare yourself a deep clean later on.
Reassemble and Run
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your toaster oven by placing the racks and trays back in position. To make sure no cleaning residue remains, run the empty oven for about 15 minutes. This burns off any leftover moisture or cleaner and gives you a fresh, clean start.
To keep your toaster oven from building up heavy grease again, make cleaning a regular habit and wipe up spills and food debris as soon as you notice them. A little regular maintenance saves you time and prevents grease from becoming baked-on and difficult to remove, so your toaster oven keeps serving you well for years.
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