Regardless of which bread you're toasting, here are a few handy tips to get the best result:

Watch the first toast: Different toasters can vary in their heat levels. Always keep an eye on your first slice, especially when trying a new type of bread.

Re-toast in small intervals: If your bread isn’t quite crispy enough, resist the urge to crank up the heat. Instead, toast it for an additional 30 seconds to avoid over-toasting.

Keep it fresh: Stale bread can be harder to toast evenly, so make sure your bread is fresh or stored properly in the freezer if you're not using it immediately.

For a more comprehensive guide on making the perfect toast based on the bread being used please read our How to make the Perfect Toast Guide.

Under no circumstances should your toaster ever be submersed in water to clean.

If your toaster accidentally is submersed in water the item should no longer be used and safely disposed of to prevent electric shock and injury.

If your toaster has just been used please allow to cool before proceeding.

Unplug your appliance to remove the risk of electrocution.

1. All our Westinghouse Toasters have removable crumb trays on the base. Remove this tray by sliding out towards you, being careful to keep the tray level as it may have lots of debris built up depending on the last time it was cleaned. Also take note of the side the tray was taken from, in relation to four slice toasters as these will need to go back in the same side, also take note of the orientation of the crumb tray and the area in which you are removing it from. Once the tray has been removed the crumbs can be disposed of and the tray can be cleaned in warm soapy water with a wash cloth and then dry thoroughly with a tea towel or drying cloth.

Before replacing the crumb tray shake the toaster, upright, to remove any debris that has fallen away from the crumb tray and also turn the toaster upside down and also give the toaster a shake. These steps are best performed over a large bin, the kitchen sink or outside as the crumbs remaining in the toaster will make a mess. Before replacing the crumb trays complete the below steps.

2. To clean the inside of the toaster be careful not to damage the delicate heating elements or lift mechanisms.

To clean the inside, you can:

• Use A Damp Cloth: Wipe down the interior surfaces of the toaster with a damp cloth. You can also use a mild soap or a little bit of an all-purpose cleaner if needed.
• Use A Cleaning Brush: If there are any hard-to-reach areas, you can use a brush like a pastry brush or toothbrush to clean them. It's a great way to get in there and clean all the nooks and crannies.
• Baking Soda: Make a paste out of baking soda and water and lightly scrub the toaster's interior surfaces.
• White Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and use it to clean the interior surfaces of the toaster.

Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products such as steel wool as they can damage the toaster.

Once clean use a dry cloth to remove any left over moisture.

3. To clean the outside of your toaster use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild cleaning solution. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products to prevent damage from occurring to your toaster.

Once clean use a dry cloth to remove any left over moisture.

Once completed please allow sufficient time for your toaster to air dry so that any residual moisture has been allowed to dry before reuse. Re-insert crumb trays making sure that they are on the same side and in the same orientation as when you removed these.

Under no circumstances should your toaster ever be submersed in water to clean.

If your toaster accidentally is submersed in water the item should no longer be used and safely disposed of to prevent electric shock and injury in the future.

Some larger Electrical Appliance retailers offer this disposal service instore and some local councils have E-Waste Disposal drop off locations. If you dispose of the appliance through general waste please cut the power cord to prevent some one from trying to use the appliance.