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If there are any extra stubborn spots, dip the cloth in some baking soda and use it to lightly scrub the area. The baking soda will work as a gentle abrasive without scratching the toaster’s surface. Make sure you avoid the heating elements or any electrical components.

Step 3: Clean the Nooks and Crannies

The crevices of your toaster can collect grease and crumbs over time, making it hard to reach them with just a cloth. For this, Nana uses an old toothbrush or a cotton swab. Dip it in the vinegar solution and gently scrub around the knobs, buttons, and any tight spaces.

For the crumb tray or removable parts, you can soak them in warm water with a splash of vinegar for about 10–15 minutes. This loosens any stubborn grease or crumbs. After soaking, scrub lightly with baking soda and rinse with clean water.

Step 4: Polish It Up

Once you’ve removed all the grime and grease, wipe down the entire toaster with a clean, damp cloth to remove any vinegar or baking soda residue. To make it shine, you can finish with a microfiber cloth to polish the exterior. This step gives the toaster a nice gleam without any streaks.

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 trick helps prevent fingerprints and gives it a professional, shiny finish.

Step 5: Let It Dry and Reassemble

After everything is clean, allow the toaster and its components to dry completely before plugging it back in. Moisture and electricity don’t mix well, so be sure to give it at least 30 minutes to air dry or dry it off with a towel if you’re in a hurry. Once it’s dry, reassemble the toaster, and you’re good to go!

The combination of vinegar and baking soda is a classic cleaning hack, and for good reason. Vinegar’s acetic acid helps break down grease and grime, while baking soda’s mild abrasiveness works to lift stuck-on gunk. Plus, the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda (remember those school science volcanoes?) creates bubbles that help loosen dirt from hard-to-reach areas.