Antique Toasters

[lnx64]

I just bought an antique 1920's toaster at an Antique store when driving home with my girlfriend, and the elements are still showing good at 22 ohms (550 watts which it says it is). I'm working on trying to find a power cord for it as it has those thick rods that stick out.

Question though, how exactly do I clean that clear material the element is wrapped around? Or should I not even attempt to clean it? I'm not sure what material it is, being this old, or even if it's really safe to try and eat from, but it does appear to still be functional.