Crumbs, oil splatters, and burnt cheese—if you own a Breville toaster oven, you’ve probably dealt with all three. I used to dread opening mine until I figured out how to clean a Breville toaster oven the right way—no harsh scrubbing, no damage. Regular upkeep not only keeps your meals tasting fresh but also helps your oven last longer and run better. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my simple method, real mistakes I’ve made, and answer all your top cleaning questions. Let’s get your toaster oven sparkling again—fast, safe, and stress-free.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters for Your Breville Toaster Oven
A dirty toaster oven doesn’t just look bad—it smells bad too. I’ve opened mine before and been hit with the scent of last week’s garlic toast mixed with burnt cheese. Regular cleaning helps prevent smoke and odors by removing leftover crumbs, grease, and food bits before they start cooking all over again.
A clean toaster oven uses less energy and cooks more evenly. When your oven is covered in burnt-on splatters, it takes longer to heat and sometimes even smokes. I noticed my Breville ran quieter and toasted faster once I wiped it down regularly.
One of the biggest reasons I stay on top of cleaning? It protects the non-stick coating on the interior and tray. Harsh buildup can wear that surface down fast. And once it’s scratched or peeling, it’s nearly impossible to fix.
Want proof it’s worth it? I took a photo of my toaster oven before I committed to weekly cleaning—and then again after a month. The difference was wild. A little effort each week made it look almost brand new. And I swear, even my toast tastes better now.
Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets or harsh chemicals to clean a toaster oven—just a few simple things you probably already have at home. To clean a Breville toaster oven safely, gather soft tools and food-safe cleaners that won’t damage the inside.
Start with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth—they’re gentle on the interior and perfect for wiping grease. I also use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to get into tight corners and crumb-filled crevices.
For cleaning power, baking soda and white vinegar are my go-to duo. They cut through grease naturally without leaving behind any weird smells. Mix them with warm water for a safe and effective homemade cleaner.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Breville Toaster Oven
Here’s the exact method I use after every few uses—it’s quick, safe, and keeps my Breville looking (and smelling) brand new. You don’t need to scrub like crazy or reach for harsh chemicals. Just follow these simple steps to clean your toaster oven the right way without damaging the finish or losing your weekend.
Step 1 – Unplug and Cool Down
Before anything else, unplug the toaster oven and let it cool completely.
This step may seem obvious, but I’ve learned the hard way that steam and heat can surprise you. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes after use before doing anything.
Step 2 – Remove the Crumb Tray and Racks
Slide out the crumb tray and any removable racks. Shake off loose crumbs into the trash and wipe away anything stuck. Cleaning these parts regularly keeps grease and crumbs from turning into smoke, and it makes your food taste better too. Even a small buildup can create odor or even trigger your smoke alarm.
Step 3 – Clean the Toaster Oven Tray
Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and let the tray soak for 10–15 minutes to loosen stuck-on bits. If grease is baked on, I mix baking soda and water into a paste, spread it over the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing with a soft brush. This works better than anything store-bought—and it’s safer for the non-stick coating.
Once it’s clean, rinse and dry the tray completely. Moisture left behind can lead to rust and weird smells once heated.
Step 4 – Wipe the Interior
Use a soft cloth dampened with a vinegar-and-water solution (equal parts). Gently wipe down the walls and corners. For tough grease spots, dab on some baking soda paste and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping again. Be extra careful around the heating elements—don’t touch or spray them directly.
Keeping the interior clean this way helps prevent smoke, keeps your food tasting fresh, and avoids that “burnt smell” that never seems to go away.
Step 5 – Clean the Glass Door
The door usually catches splatters and fogs up quickly. I like to spread a thin layer of baking soda and vinegar paste over the glass, let it fizz, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. It cuts through grime without scratching, and I always wipe in circles to avoid streaks. This is one of those oddly satisfying chores—you’ll literally see the shine come back.
Step 6 – Final Touches
Don’t forget the outside! Wipe down the handle, buttons, and sides with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and grease.
Once every part is clean and fully dry, reassemble the racks and plug it back in.
Drying everything before putting it back prevents rust and keeps odors from creeping in the next time you cook.
Can You Use Oven Cleaner in a Toaster Oven?
It’s a common question—and one I wondered myself early on: can you use oven cleaner in a toaster oven? The short answer? You really shouldn’t. Most commercial oven cleaners are packed with strong chemicals that can be too harsh for Breville’s interior.
Breville’s user manual actually warns against using abrasive or caustic products. The non-stick coating inside their toaster ovens isn’t built to handle those kinds of cleaners, and using them can cause peeling, discoloration, or even release fumes the next time you heat it up.
I tried a name-brand oven spray once (before I knew better), and the smell alone made me regret it. Since then, I’ve stuck with my go-to DIY mix: baking soda and white vinegar. It’s safe, cheap, and works surprisingly well on grease and burnt crumbs—plus it leaves behind a fresh, clean scent instead of that chemical fog.
If you’ve ever wondered whether toaster ovens themselves are safe or release toxins, check out my detailed guide — Are Toaster Ovens Toxic? It explains what materials are safe and how to keep your appliance chemical-free.
My Weekly Cleaning Routine – Quick and Easy Tips
I’ll be honest—keeping a toaster oven clean used to feel like one more thing on my already-too-long list. But once I built a simple weekly routine, it became second nature. Now my Breville toaster oven stays shiny, odor-free, and always ready to use.
Each morning (or right after I use it), I do a quick daily wipe-down. I unplug it, then use a soft cloth to wipe the door and interior walls with just warm water or a drop of vinegar. This daily step takes under 2 minutes and stops grease from building up.
Once a week, I pull out the crumb tray and racks for a more thorough clean. I let them soak while I wipe the inside. I’ve found that doing this regularly means I never have to scrub like crazy later.
At the end of each month, I do a deep clean—like the full method I shared earlier in this post. I also check for any food buildup around the heating elements and gently brush it off with a dry toothbrush.
One of my favorite hacks? Keep a small spray bottle with vinegar and water near the kitchen sink. That way, it’s always within reach for a quick clean when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Breville Toaster Oven
When I first started cleaning my toaster oven, I made more mistakes than I’d like to admit. Some were harmless. Others… not so much. If you want to keep your Breville working like new, here are a few things to avoid.
Never use metal scrubbers or harsh chemicals—even if you’re dealing with stubborn grease. They can scratch the non-stick coating inside your oven, and once that’s damaged, there’s no going back. Stick with soft sponges and natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.
Don’t spray water or cleaner directly inside the oven. It’s tempting to spritz and wipe, but liquid can seep into the heating elements or electronics. Instead, always dampen your cloth first and wipe gently.
Always unplug your toaster oven before cleaning. It sounds obvious, but when you’re in a rush, it’s easy to forget. I once cleaned mine while it was still warm—big mistake. The steam alone was enough to fog up the kitchen and sting my hands.
FAQs
Can I use baking soda and vinegar inside my toaster oven?
Yes, both are safe and effective for breaking down grease and stains. They’re also non-toxic and won’t damage the non-stick interior.
How do you clean a toaster oven tray with baked-on grease?
Soak the tray in warm soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a paste made from baking soda and water. Rinse well and dry before putting it back.
What’s the safest way to clean the heating elements?
Let them cool fully, then gently brush off debris using a soft, dry brush. Avoid any liquid or cleaner near the heating elements to prevent damage or electrical issues.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your Breville toaster oven clean doesn’t have to be a chore. Just unplug it, empty the crumb tray, wipe it down with vinegar and water, and deep clean once a month. That’s really all it takes.
It might feel like a lot the first time, but trust me—it gets easier every time you do it. You’ll start noticing fewer smells, faster heating, and food that tastes the way it’s supposed to.
If I can do it (and I used to avoid cleaning this thing like the plague), then so can you. It’s one of those small habits that pays off big over time.
