DIY Life

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of about 482,000 Hamilton Beach and Proctor-Silex toasters, due to the fact that the toasters can remain energized after popping up. This poses a fire hazard if a consumer covers or places a flammable object near the toaster that may ignite while the toaster is still "on". Although no injuries or fires have been reported, Hamilton Beach has received at least 63 reports of toasters that have remained energized, or "on", even though the lever was in the "up" position.

Manufactured in China and sold at mass merchandisers, department stores, grocery stores, home center stores, and other retail stores nationwide, as well as various online retailers from August 2007 through February 2008 for between $13 and $40, this recall is for 17 different models of toasters. Styles range from black, red, chrome, white, and brushed chrome, with 2 or 4 slice openings. Check the bottom of your Hamilton Beach or Proctor-Silex toaster for the model number and series code.

Stop using the recalled toaster immediately and contact Hamilton Beach at (800) 574-6800 for instructions to receive a free replacement toaster. If you have a Hamilton Beach toaster, you may also contact them at www.hamiltonbeach.com. If you have a Proctor-Silex toaster, you may contact them at www.proctorsilex.com.

It's shocking these days what maintaining your life actually entails. I clean daily, but behind every shiny surface lies a secret or two. Just take a look at my toaster. This is one of those small appliances that you get away with cleaning on the surface for a few months -- then one day you realize you better tackle it before something starts growing in there. Yes, you can clean the inside too.

Here's how:
First, make sure the unit is unplugged and completely cool. To get rid of those annoying crumbs stuck in the bottom of the toaster, slide the tray out (or pull it down) and wipe it thoroughly -- you may need to wash the tray if it's been longer than a few months -- then blast the interior with a hair dryer (or computer-keyboard cleaner). Do this over a trash bag or even bring the toaster outside.

Close the tray and hold it upside down to make sure you got everything. Don't forget to wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth that has been dampened a bit with water & dish-washing soap. The chrome surfaces can be wiped down with a little all-purpose cleaner sprayed on a cloth. Don't spray into the unit, just spray the cloth as you want to control where your cleaning solution goes.