A toaster can look perfectly normal on the outside while hiding years of crumbs, dust, and carbon buildup inside. But when people call a toaster “gross,” they usually aren’t talking about dangerous bacteria. The real problem is old crumbs that repeatedly get exposed to high heat. Over time, they burn down into hard carbon, which can absorb moisture from the air and create the stale, unpleasant smell many people notice when using an older toaster.

The good news is that you don’t need expensive cleaners or a new appliance. Start by unplugging the toaster completely. Remove the crumb tray, wash it with warm water and dish soap, and allow it to dry fully. Then take the unplugged toaster over a trash can, turn it upside down, and give it a few gentle shakes to remove loose crumbs and dust.

For stubborn buildup, a clean, dry pastry brush can help. Gently brush around the heating elements to loosen trapped crumbs and carbon. The article warns: “Never, ever stick a knife, a fork, or a metal skewer inside the toaster to scrape the elements.” Metal objects can damage the delicate heating wires and create an electrical hazard.

If the outside is greasy or dull, a small amount of baking soda mixed with water can be used as a gentle cleaning paste on stainless steel. Wipe it away with a damp cloth and dry the surface afterward.

If a stale smell remains, the article recommends placing the clean toaster somewhere well ventilated and running it empty briefly to help burn away remaining particles. Finally, make cleaning a monthly habit. Emptying the crumb tray and giving the toaster a quick shake takes very little time and can prevent buildup from becoming a bigger problem.

A toaster isn’t necessarily “gross”—it simply handles crumbs and very high temperatures every day. A little regular maintenance can keep it cleaner, fresher, and working properly.