Baked-on grease can be tough to remove, but there are a few methods you can try to clean your toaster oven effectively. Since you mentioned that you've already tried baking soda and oven cleaner, here are some alternative approaches:
Vinegar and Baking Soda:
- Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water until it forms a thick consistency.
- Apply the paste to the greasy areas of the toaster oven.
- Spray or dab white vinegar onto the baking soda paste. It will create a foaming reaction.
- Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight.
- Use a sponge or scrubbing brush to gently scrub away the grease. Rinse with water and wipe clean.
Lemon Juice and Salt:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the greasy spots in the toaster oven.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the lemon juice.
- Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours.
- Scrub the grease away using a scrubbing brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Commercial Degreaser:
- Purchase a heavy-duty commercial degreaser specifically designed for kitchen appliances and tough grease.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the degreaser to the greasy areas.
- Let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Scrub away the grease using a sponge or brush, and then rinse thoroughly.
Steam Cleaning:
- If your toaster oven has a steam cleaning option, use it to loosen the baked-on grease.
- Wipe away the softened grease with a sponge or cloth.
Razor Blade (Caution: Be careful when using this method to avoid injury):
- After softening the grease with one of the above methods, you can carefully scrape off the residue using a razor blade at a shallow angle.
- Be cautious not to scratch or damage the surfaces.
Remember to unplug your toaster oven and let it cool down before attempting any cleaning. Always follow safety precautions and check your toaster oven's manual for specific cleaning recommendations.
If, after trying these methods, the grease still persists, it might be time to consider replacing any removable parts like trays or racks, especially if they are severely coated with grease.