The Home Fire Risk You Never Knew About

Today, I was cleaning the kitchen and realized it has been quite some time since we have cleaned our toaster. The little crumb trays underneath were basically overflowing with crumbs, and the bottom of the toaster was coated with crumb “residue.” I would venture to guess that cleaning the toaster isn’t real high on most people’s priority list. But, not doing this task on a regular basis could spell disaster….not only for the toaster, but your kitchen, and your entire home. Let me explain…….

Many years ago, my mother-in-law pulled her toaster halfway out of the built-in “appliance garage” in her kitchen. She put two pieces of bread in, started the toaster and walked away. A couple minutes later, she smelled smoke and heard a faint crackling sound. She ran into the kitchen and witnessed her corner kitchen cabinet on fire! She grabbed a fire extinguisher and put the fire out, but not until after the fire had already damaged the cabinet beyond repair. The black smoke from the fire had also damaged the ceiling. It was an expensive tragedy that could’ve been prevented, simply by routinely cleaning the toaster.

How often should you clean the toaster? Probably as often as you wipe down your countertops. Emptying the crumb tray(s) on a regular basis will not only keep your toaster functioning for the long haul, but will prevent a kitchen fire. 🔥