Yes, your toaster can still have surprises in store for you with this hidden but very practical compartment.
In our kitchens, the toaster is often an essential element to start the day with a delicious breakfast. Unfortunately, it is too often poorly maintained. Often neglected during household chores, the toaster nevertheless deserves to be cleaned regularly for reasons that are both hygienic, aesthetic, and above all safety.
If you do not remove the crumbs from the bottom of the appliance often enough, they will accumulate and burn during successive uses of the appliance, and ultimately lead to the toaster catching fire. How to clean it properly, including the countless small holes and gaps? There is a simple trick that might make your job easier when maintaining the toaster.
How to clean it properly, including the countless small holes and gaps? There is a simple trick that might make your job easier when maintaining the toaster. Few people know about this part of the toaster, usually located below the appliance, called the crumb drawer, an often overlooked but extremely useful compartment.
On most models, this is a small removable tray located under the toaster, designed to collect crumbs and small debris that fall during the toasting process. It is most often sliding and you can remove it with a simple push. Moulinex, Seb, Tefal, Kenwood or Krups, the “crumb drawer” is available on many models and brands.
Thanks to it, you will be able to get rid of crumbs and bits of bread that have fallen to the bottom easily, and thus prevent them from charring. Remember to empty this compartment after each use. Then, for regular maintenance of the toaster, here is how to proceed. Unplug the appliance before cleaning. Remove the crumb drawer and empty it regularly to prevent crumb buildup and reduce the risk of fire.
Then clean the inside of the toaster. Use a soft paintbrush or brush to remove crumbs and food residue stuck inside the toaster. You can also turn the toaster over and shake it gently to knock out the crumbs. Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with mild soap and water to clean the exterior of the toaster. Avoid using abrasive or corrosive products that could damage the surface. After cleaning the exterior of the toaster, use a dry cloth to wipe the metal surfaces to avoid water or soap marks.