Many appliances often get neglected when it comes to cleaning, and my toaster is one such casualty. It faithfully churns out toast every day, but do I reciprocate its hard work with a good clean?

Regrettably, I don’t. So, this weekend, I decided it was high time for a thorough clean.

I’ve always found that the best remedy for removing stubborn rust marks on a toaster is something you likely already have in your kitchen cupboard….

Enter tin foil. This age-old wisdom was passed down from generations ago, so far back that I can’t recall where I first learned of this trick.

The interaction between the tin foil and stains triggers a chemical reaction that aids in dissolving the marks, reports the Mirror.

First and foremost, ensure your toaster is unplugged before you begin cleaning. Then, take a small strip of tin foil and gently buff it along the toaster’s metal surface in a circular motion.

You’ll find that it removes the marks effortlessly within minutes, no scrubbing required. I recommend tearing off a strip and folding it so the shiny side is inward, as the other side works better.

I used foil to clean my toaster
I used foil to clean my toaster (Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)

Simply rub the foil over the stained area, and watch as it lifts away. You’ll need to keep switching to fresh parts of the foil, as its mark-removing effectiveness diminishes once used.

I discovered with my toaster that I needed to use another piece of tin foil once the first had become compacted from rubbing.

Sometimes, the shiny side appears to leave tiny scratches on my toaster’s metal, which is why I prefer using the other side and opt for a fresh piece if it’s no longer effective at removing stains. After using this method, my toaster was so gleaming, I could see my reflection in it.

There are a few stubborn marks that might need another trick, but this method was straightforward and yielded excellent results. Some suggest crumpling up the tin foil and wetting it under the tap, perhaps this is what I need to do to get rid of those remaining stains.

Others recommend using baking soda with a soft cloth to tackle brown stains on your toaster, while some swear by The Pink Stuff cleaning paste.