Breakfast is over, and you spot a line of toast crumbs beneath the toaster. Before you lift the appliance or pull out the tray, reach for the plug. Give the toaster time to cool while you clear the plates.
Unplug the toaster and let it cool before you empty the tray
The lever popping up ends the toast cycle. The toaster can still be hot and connected to power. The Oregon State Fire Marshal advises unplugging cooking appliances and letting them cool before cleaning. The U.S. Fire Administration notes that crumbs left in a toaster can catch fire.
Look for the tray tab near the base
Check the front, back or side for a small tab, or look up the manual if you can’t find it. On models with a slide-out tray, pull it out over the counter and tip the crumbs into the trash. The Hamilton Beach instructions for one slide-out model call for wiping the tray with a clean cloth before putting it back. If your manual calls for a damp cloth, dry the tray before reinserting it.
If a piece of toast is stuck in a slot, leave the toaster unplugged, let it cool and follow the manual’s directions for freeing it. Keep knives and forks out of the slots, and keep the toaster body out of the sink.
Check the tray when you wipe down the counter
Pick a regular moment to check for buildup. One Hamilton Beach manual suggests a weekly tray clean for a toaster used each day. Check sooner if crumb-heavy bread leaves a pile behind. Slide the dry tray back into place before the next batch of toast.
For a separate appliance that needs attention after breakfast, see where baking soda fits into a kitchen cleaning routine.