Has it been months? Maybe years? Maybe never...? If the thought of cleaning your oven toaster griller (OTG) makes you cringe, you're certainly not alone. Surprisingly, 53% of domestic fires are caused by dirty ovens. But don't panic! Today we're going to talk about how to clean a toaster oven thoroughly, making it safe, hygienic, and sparkling clean again. But remember, your oven toaster griller bakes, toasts, and grills for you - so when it's covering 3 appliances worth of functions, that's also how much of a cleaning it requires. The process is a bit tedious, but also therapeutic.
Get your oven from splattered to spotless, here's how...
Gather Your OTG Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, gathering all the cleaning supplies is always a good idea. As no one will like to stop halfway into the cleaning process. Here is what you need.
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Dish soap or oven-cleaning solution
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Water
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Sponge or rag
If you're wondering, “How to clean oven toaster using kitchen essentials?” Then here is a list of things you need.
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Baking Soda
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Salt
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Apple Cider Vinegar
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Lime
How To Clean OTG Oven In Simple Steps?
Now that you have all the supplies, it is time to guide you through the important steps on “How to clean a toaster grill from the inside out?” making it squeaky clean.
1) Before anything at all - unplug the OTG.
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Safety first: Always unplug and cool down the OTG before cleaning.
By this, you reduce the risk of smoke with toxic gases and keep your kitchen safe.
2) Disassemble all the removable parts.
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Take off the tray, the racks and other detachables.
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The trays and racks you removed, may possibly have grease on them.
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Soak them in soapy water so it's easier to scrub it off.
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Ensure you are not using an abrasive soap and the water is at room temperature.
Your trays and racks need to soak for at least 20 minutes before you get scrubbing. Scrub them with a scrubber.
3) Remove Crumbs
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Do so with a dry cloth.
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For any crumbs in corners, use a pastry brush or a small cleaning brush for easier access.
#TIP: Use an old toothbrush if you don't have specific cleaning equipment!
4) Begin cleaning the inside.
Natural Solution: Mix two cups of very warm water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar in a small bowl or dishpan.
OR
You can use our Hygenia's Multipurpose Kitchen Cleaner with grapefruit and kaffir lime more effective in cleaning your OTG.
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Dampen a cloth in the mixture (make sure it's not dripping), and wipe down the concave surfaces.
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Clean the ceiling and the walls while being mindful of any heating elements.
If your OTG has a convection fan, any water or soap seeping in can possibly cause damage. So clean the inside slowly and cautiously.
5) Clean the door and the outside.
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Use the previously made solution again.
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Dampen a cloth or a sponge, and gently wipe down the door and the sides. They should be easily cleaned!
With these steps, you'll master how to clean a toaster oven pan, tray, door effectively, giving your OTG new life!
6) Re-assemble
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The door, the outside, the buttons, the interiors, and the accessories are now squeaky clean and dry.
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Re-assemble all the parts together (just the racks and the trays, really) and there you have it, your OTG - as good as new!
#TIP: A little cleaning goes a long way, so wipe down the door and the outside regularly, and brush off crumbs after every use on the inside. By doing so, you'll take lesser time when you deep-clean next.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1) How to deep clean an OTG oven?
A) Baking soda has cleaning properties and can help remove spots. Spread this baking soda paste on the black spots and leave it for at least 30 minutes, allowing the baking soda to work on the spots.
Q2) Can we use Aluminium foil in an OTG oven?
A) Yes! You can use aluminum foil in your OTG. It is safe as it can help transmit heat readily.
Q3) Can we use glass in OTG?
A) Glass bowls made of borosilicate or tempered glass and marked as oven-safe can go in the oven and withstand high temperatures.
Q4) How to clean a toaster grill/OTG tray?
A) Mix half a cup of vinegar with baking soda into hot water and leave the baking tray to soak the mixture for 40 minutes. Scrub the tray using a scouring pad, and get a nice and clean tray ready.
Congratulations! You now know exactly how to clean a toaster oven thoroughly. After each use, clean the oven’s interior, accessories, heating elements, and fan blades to ensure optimal performance and safety. Additionally, wipe down the exterior to prevent dirt from transferring onto your hands or surfaces. These simple tips can help prolong the lifespan of your OTG oven and you can enjoy delicious, hassle-free cooking for years to come. You can also have a look at our blog on kitchen cleaning and degreasing here for more handy tips.