Toasty and Clean

This is our toaster.  The Pie bought it from the grocery store back when he first moved out of his parents’ place, almost ten years ago.  I think that it is his favourite appliance.  He is a man after all.  Anyway, it’s scratched, it’s rusted, it’s old, and, being a kitchen appliance that is constantly touched, it gets covered in grime.  So before I pack it away, I’m going to give it a decent scrubbing.

Unplug the stupid thing first, that goes without saying. Then pull out the little crumb tray at the bottom.

Shake that out over the sink or the garbage can.

Give it a bit of a scrub with soapy water and set it aside somewhere to dry.

Take the toaster itself and flip it upside down and shake it into the sink or garbage can until all the crumbs fall out. I find banging on it helps to dislodge the more stubborn ones.

While it’s still upside down, take this opportunity to give the bottom a wipe and get rid of all the crud.

Use a dry dish brush to get into all the little crannies.

Now, mix up a thin paste of cream of tartar and water, and grab a scrubby sponge.

Rub the paste onto the toaster (being careful not to get any water near the electric parts) and scrub gently until all the goo is gone.

It will drip everywhere and make a huge mess.

You’re going to have to put some elbow grease into this, depending on how long it’s been since you cleaned your toaster, but it’s worth it. I’ll never get all the gunk off the top of my crappy cheap toaster but this is a definite improvement.

Wipe off the tartar paste with a damp cloth and buff with a dry tea towel to eliminate streaks.

I can see my face in it!