The 60-Second Cleaning Hack That Will Make You Love Your Air Fryer Again.
The Hot Water Rush
I almost stopped using my air fryer because I dreaded cleaning the baked-on gunk. Then I learned the 60-second “hot water rush.” The moment I plate my food, I take the still-hot basket to the sink, add a drop of dish soap, and fill it with hot water. I just let it sit on the counter while I eat. By the time I’m done dinner, the hot, soapy water has loosened everything. All it takes is a quick wipe with a soft sponge, and it’s perfectly clean. No scrubbing, no soaking for hours.
My Air Fryer Basket Looked Ruined. This $2 Hack Made It Look Brand New.
The Power of Powdered Dish Soap
After a year of use, my air fryer basket had a stubborn, brownish, sticky film that regular soap wouldn’t touch. I thought it was ruined. My grandma told me to try a powdered dishwasher detergent, like Cascade. I sprinkled a few tablespoons into the basket, filled it with hot water until the powder dissolved, and let it soak for an hour. I came back, and the grimy film wiped away with zero effort, revealing the clean, non-stick surface underneath. That two-dollar box of powder saved my one-hundred-dollar appliance.
The “Boil-in-the-Basket” Method for Eradicating Baked-On Grease.
The Stovetop Solution for a Countertop Appliance
I made a particularly greasy batch of chicken wings, and the grease baked onto the basket like cement. No amount of soaking worked. Desperate, I tried the “boil-in-the-basket” method. I placed the empty air fryer basket in my sink, added a squirt of dish soap, and then carefully poured boiling water from my kettle into it. The combination of the extreme heat and the soap broke down the polymerized grease in minutes. It’s my go-to move for the absolute toughest, most stubborn cleaning jobs.
Stop Scrubbing! The “Dishwasher Tab” Soak That Does All the Work for You.
The Lazy Genius Cleaning Soak
My roommate left a cheesy, saucy mess in the air fryer that sat overnight and became rock-hard. I had zero interest in scrubbing it. Instead, I placed one dishwasher detergent pod in the basket, filled it with hot water, and just walked away. I left it to soak for a few hours. When I came back and poured the water out, all the caked-on gunk slid out with it, leaving the basket perfectly clean. The powerful enzymes in the pod did all the hard work for me. It’s the ultimate lazy-genius hack.
The One Thing You’re Cleaning That You Shouldn’t Be (And It’s Hurting Your Air Fryer).
Don’t Wash the Machine Itself
When I first got my air fryer, I was so focused on hygiene that after one particularly messy cook, I took a soapy sponge and started wiping down the inside of the main unit, around the heating coil. This is a huge mistake. The internal components are not designed to get wet and you can easily damage the electronics or the fan. The basket and drawer are meant to be washed, but the main body of the machine should only ever be wiped down with a damp cloth when it’s completely cool and unplugged.
How to Clean the Heating Element (The Part Everyone Forgets).
The Upside-Down Approach
My air fryer started smoking, and it wasn’t the food. I looked up and saw that the heating coil above the basket was caked with old, splattered grease. Cleaning it seems impossible, but there’s an easy way. I make sure the machine is completely cool and unplugged, then I turn it upside down. This gives me easy access to the coil. I use a soft, damp cloth with a little bit of dish soap to gently wipe away the grime. This simple, often-forgotten step is crucial for preventing smoke and bad smells.
The “Vinegar Steam” Trick to Deodorize a Smelly Air Fryer Instantly.
Banishing the Ghost of Last Night’s Salmon
I cooked fish in my air fryer, and the next day I wanted to make cookies. The problem was, my whole machine still smelled like a fishing boat. The instant deodorizing trick is a “vinegar steam clean.” I put a small, oven-safe ramekin with a half-cup of water and a few tablespoons of white vinegar inside the basket. I run the air fryer at 400°F for about three to five minutes. The steam circulates, neutralizing the odors. After it cools, I give it a quick wipe, and the fishy smell is completely gone.
I Tested 5 “Viral” Air Fryer Cleaning Hacks. Here’s What Worked and What Was a Lie.
The Verdict on the TikTok Tricks
I spent an afternoon testing five viral cleaning hacks. The “dishwasher pod soak” was a clear winner, melting away grease effortlessly. The “baking soda paste” worked well but required a bit of scrubbing. The “lemon and water steam” was great for odors but not for actual grime. The two that failed? Using a “Magic Eraser,” which felt like it was scratching the non-stick coating, and the “ketchup” trick for burnt-on spots, which did absolutely nothing. Stick to the dishwasher pod for heavy-duty jobs.
The Real Reason Your Non-Stick Coating is Peeling (And How to Stop It).
The Scratches and Sprays That Kill Your Basket
My first air fryer basket started flaking after six months, and I was furious. I realized I was making two critical mistakes. First, I was using metal tongs to get food out, which caused tiny scratches that eventually led to peeling. Now, I only use silicone-tipped tongs. Second, I was using aerosol cooking sprays like PAM. The chemical propellants in those sprays are terrible for non-stick coatings. Switching to a simple oil mister and silicone tongs has kept my new basket looking brand new for over a year.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Air Fryer (For When It’s Really Gross).
The Quarterly “Factory Reset”
Once a season, I give my air fryer a “factory reset” deep clean. Step one is the basket: I do a dishwasher pod soak to remove all grime. Step two is the heating element: I turn the cool, unplugged unit upside down and gently wipe the coil with a damp cloth. Step three is the interior: I use a soft brush and a damp cloth to wipe down all the internal surfaces. Step four is the exterior: I wipe down the outside with a microfiber cloth. This keeps it running efficiently and safely.
The “Clean-As-You-Go” Habit That Takes 10 Seconds and Saves 10 Minutes.
The Immediate Wipe-Down
The best way to clean your air fryer is to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place. I developed a “clean-as-you-go” habit. After I toss my vegetables in a bowl with oil and seasonings, I don’t just dump them in the basket. I take 10 seconds to wipe out that now-empty bowl with a paper towel and use it to serve the cooked food later. This means I don’t get another dish dirty. It’s a tiny, simple habit that reduces my final cleanup time significantly.
How a Tin Foil “Hat” Can Prevent the Messiest Splatters.
The Splatter Shield Secret
I love making sausages or juicy burgers in my air fryer, but the fat splatters upwards and makes a huge mess on the heating element. I created a simple “splatter shield” to prevent this. I take a piece of perforated parchment paper or a piece of foil that I’ve poked holes in, and I place it on top of a tiered rack accessory over the food. This “hat” allows air to circulate but catches the majority of the splatters, keeping the heating coil much cleaner.
The Best and Worst Soaps to Use on Your Air Fryer Basket.
Not All Bubbles Are Created Equal
When it comes to cleaning my air fryer basket, I’ve learned that the type of soap matters. The best is a classic, grease-fighting dish soap like Dawn. It’s designed to break down food grease without being too harsh on the non-stick surface. The worst options are abrasive powdered cleansers like Comet or harsh chemical degreasers, which can scratch and strip the coating. And while dishwasher pods are great for an occasional deep-soak, using them for daily scrubbing might be too aggressive in the long run.
The “Magic Eraser” Debate: Is It Safe for Your Air Fryer?
The Micro-Abrasive Risk
I saw a hack recommending a Magic Eraser to remove tough stains from an air fryer basket. I was tempted, but then I did some research. A Magic Eraser is essentially a block of super-fine sandpaper. While it works wonders on walls, it’s a micro-abrasive. Using it on a non-stick coating will create thousands of tiny scratches that will eventually cause the coating to degrade and peel. I decided it’s not worth the risk. I’ll stick to a soft sponge and a good soap.
How to Get Rid of That Lingering Fish Smell Before Baking a Cake.
The Neutralizing Power of Bread and Vinegar
I had a dinner party disaster in the making: I’d cooked salmon for a main course and needed to bake a dessert in the same air fryer an hour later. The whole machine smelled like fish. My emergency deodorizing method was two-fold. First, I ran it for five minutes with a ramekin of vinegar and water. Then, after wiping it out, I ran it again for three minutes with just a plain slice of bread inside. The bread acts like a charcoal filter and absorbs any remaining odors.
The Toothbrush Trick: The Only Way to Clean All the Vents and Crevices.
The Detailing Tool You Already Own
The basket and crisper plate are easy to clean, but I noticed gunk building up in the little cracks, vents, and seams of the drawer. A sponge is too big to get in there. The perfect tool for this job is a cheap toothbrush dedicated to cleaning. I use a little soapy water and the toothbrush to get into all those hard-to-reach places, especially around the handle and the vents on the side. It keeps the whole appliance looking and feeling truly clean.
I Didn’t Clean My Air Fryer for a Month. This is What it Took to Restore It.
My Month-Long Experiment in Grime
As an experiment, I didn’t clean my air fryer at all for one month. It was disgusting. A thick layer of black, polymerized grease coated everything. Regular soap did nothing. It took a multi-step restoration process. First, a 2-hour soak with a dishwasher pod to break down the worst of it. Second, a gentle scrub with a baking soda paste to remove the stubborn spots. And finally, an upside-down cleaning of the now-filthy heating element. It was a lesson I only needed to learn once: clean it after every use.
The Parchment Liner vs. Silicone Liner Debate: A Cleaning Perspective.
Convenience vs. Crispiness
From a purely cleaning-focused perspective, parchment paper liners are the undisputed champion. You use them once and throw them away, leaving behind an almost perfectly clean basket. They are the ultimate in convenience. Silicone liners, on the other hand, are reusable, but they themselves need to be scrubbed, and they can absorb odors over time. They also slightly inhibit airflow, which can lead to less crispy results. For the easiest possible cleanup, disposable parchment liners are the winner.
How to Season Your Air Fryer Basket to Make It More Non-Stick.
A Nod to Cast Iron Cooking
While you can’t truly “season” a non-stick surface like cast iron, you can help maintain it. After washing and thoroughly drying my air fryer basket, I put a few drops of a neutral, high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed) on a paper towel and wipe a very thin, almost invisible layer all over the inside of the basket. I then run the air fryer for a few minutes. This helps fill in any micro-scratches and keeps the non-stick surface performing at its best.
The Surprising Household Item That Cleans Burnt Sugar Like Magic.
The Fabric Softener Sheet Secret
I was making candied nuts and some of the sugar mixture dripped and burned onto the bottom of the basket, creating a rock-hard black mess. No scrubbing would remove it. I read about a bizarre hack and tried it. I placed a dryer sheet in the bottom of the basket, filled it with warm water, and let it sit for an hour. I came back, and the burnt sugar wiped away with a paper towel. The fabric softening agents in the sheet apparently help break down the stubborn bonds.
How to Properly Clean and Store Your Air Fryer Accessories.
Don’t Forget the Little Guys
I have a set of air fryer accessories—a tiered rack, a small pan, and some skewers. At first, I would just toss them in the sink. I quickly learned that the rack, with all its tiny wires, was the hardest part to clean. The best method is to soak it immediately after use. For storage, I resisted the urge to just cram them in the basket. I bought a small, clear bin that lives next to my air fryer. It keeps all the accessories organized and prevents them from scratching each other.
The “Pre-emptive Strike”: The One Thing to Do Before Cooking Bacon to Eliminate Grease Mess.
The Bread Slice Savior
Cooking bacon in the air fryer creates perfectly crispy results, but it also creates a pool of hot grease that can smoke and is a pain to clean. The ultimate pre-emptive strike is to place a single slice of plain bread in the drawer, underneath the crisper basket, before you start cooking. The bread soaks up all the rendered bacon grease as it drips down, preventing it from smoking and making cleanup as simple as throwing away a greasy piece of bread.
My Air Fryer Started Smoking. A Dirty Heating Element Was the Cause.
The Smoke Signal You Shouldn’t Ignore
I put some chicken wings in my air fryer, and a few minutes later, white smoke started billowing out. I panicked, thinking the machine was broken. I took the food out and looked inside. The problem was obvious: the heating coil at the top of the unit was caked with grease from previous meals. That old grease was burning and causing the smoke. It was a clear smoke signal that I had been neglecting a crucial cleaning step. A quick wipe-down (when it was cool) solved the problem completely.
The “Lemon and Water” trick for a fresh-smelling appliance.
The All-Natural Air Freshener
After cooking something particularly pungent like fish or broccoli, my air fryer can hold onto the smell. My favorite all-natural deodorizing trick is to use a lemon. I pour about a half-cup of water into the drawer, add a few slices of lemon, and run the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The steam circulates the fresh lemon scent throughout the machine, neutralizing any lingering odors. It leaves my kitchen smelling fresh and clean, and it’s completely non-toxic.
How to Polish a Stainless Steel Air Fryer Without Leaving Streaks.
The Microfiber and Vinegar Method
My stainless steel air fryer looked great until it was covered in fingerprints and greasy streaks. Wiping it with a regular cloth just made it worse. The secret to a perfect, streak-free shine is a two-step process. First, I use a damp microfiber cloth with a little bit of dish soap to wipe away all the grease and grime. Then, I take a second, dry microfiber cloth, spray a little white vinegar on it, and wipe the appliance down, always moving in the direction of the grain.
The “Bread Slice” Hack for Soaking Up Grease from Fatty Foods.
Your Disposable Grease Sponge
When I’m cooking something very fatty, like a batch of bacon or some 80/20 burgers, I know I’m going to have a lot of rendered fat in the bottom of the drawer. This can cause smoking and makes cleanup messy. The easiest way to manage this is the “bread slice” hack. I place a slice or two of cheap white bread in the main drawer, under the crisper plate. The bread acts like a perfect sponge, soaking up all the hot grease as it drips down.
Why You Should Never Put Your Hot Air Fryer Basket in Cold Water.
The Dangers of Thermal Shock
After cooking, it’s tempting to take the sizzling hot air fryer basket and plunge it directly into a sink of cold water to start cleaning. This is a terrible idea. The rapid change in temperature can cause “thermal shock,” which can warp the metal of the basket and, more importantly, can crack and degrade the non-stick coating over time. You should always let the basket cool down for at least a few minutes before introducing it to water.
The Dishwasher Warning: Are You Slowly Ruining Your Air Fryer Basket?
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Many air fryer baskets are labeled “dishwasher safe,” and I used to put mine in there all the time. But over time, I noticed the non-stick coating seemed to be getting less effective. The problem is that harsh dishwasher detergents and the high-heat drying cycles can be very aggressive and can slowly degrade the non-stick coating. While it’s okay in a pinch, I’ve found that a quick, gentle hand wash is much better for the long-term health and performance of the basket.
How to Disassemble Your Air Fryer Basket for a “Factory Reset” Clean.
Taking It Apart to Put It Back Together
Sometimes, gunk and grease can get trapped in the space where the crisper plate sits or behind the handle mechanism. Most air fryer baskets can be partially disassembled for a deep clean. There’s usually a button with a plastic cover that allows you to separate the inner basket from the outer drawer. Taking these two pieces apart allows you to soak and clean them individually, getting into all the nooks and crannies that are normally hidden. It’s like a “factory reset” for cleanliness.
The Ultimate Guide to Removing White Stains and Residue.
Banishing the Hazy Film
After many washes, I noticed a chalky, white residue building up on my black air fryer basket. This is usually caused by mineral deposits from hard water. Regular soap won’t remove it. The solution is a mild acid. I make a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water and use a soft cloth to wipe down the basket. The vinegar gently dissolves the mineral deposits, removing the hazy white film and restoring the basket to its original deep black color.
The “Baking Soda Paste” Method for Stubborn, Caked-On Food.
The Gentle Abrasive
I had a piece of cheese melt and burn onto the basket, and it was like black cement. I didn’t want to attack it with a steel wool pad and ruin the coating. The solution was a gentle, abrasive paste. I mixed a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. I applied the paste to the burnt spot and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, I used a non-scratch sponge to gently scrub the spot. The baking soda provided just enough grit to lift the grime without scratching.
How to Clean the Greasy Film Off the Inside of the Air Fryer Body.
Tackling the Interior Grime
Over time, the inside of the main air fryer unit—the part you’re not supposed to get wet—can develop a sticky, greasy film from cooking vapors. To clean it, I first make sure the unit is completely cool and unplugged. Then, I take a soft cloth or sponge, dip it in warm, soapy water, and wring it out until it is just barely damp. I use this damp cloth to carefully wipe down all the interior surfaces, avoiding the heating element. A final wipe with a plain water-dampened cloth removes any soap residue.
The “No-Scrub” Overnight Soak That Will Change Your Life.
The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Clean
For those nights when you are just too tired to even think about cleaning, the “overnight soak” is your best friend. After I’ve removed my food, I place the hot basket in the sink, add a good squirt of dish soap and a generous sprinkle of baking soda, and fill it with hot water. Then I just go to bed. In the morning, the combination of the soap and baking soda has broken down even the most stubborn, baked-on mess. It just rinses clean.
My #1 Tip for Preventing Food From Sticking in the First Place.
A Little Oil Goes a Long Way
The number one reason food sticks in an air fryer isn’t a faulty non-stick coating; it’s a lack of oil. While air frying uses much less oil than deep-frying, it is not an “oil-free” cooking method. Tossing your food—especially lean proteins or starchy vegetables—with a small amount of oil before cooking is the key. The oil creates a thin barrier between the food and the hot metal, which is the most effective way to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
A Visual Guide: When to Clean vs. When to Deep Clean.
Speaking the Language of Grime
I have a simple visual guide for my air fryer cleaning. If there are just a few crumbs and a little bit of oil after cooking, a “quick clean” (a simple soap and water wash) is fine. If I see visible, baked-on food particles or a noticeable layer of grease, it’s time for a “deep clean” soak. And if I ever see or smell smoke during cooking, that’s the signal that I’ve neglected the heating element and it’s time for an “emergency clean” of the coil.
How to Tell if Your Air Fryer’s Non-Stick is Damaged Beyond Repair.
Knowing When to Say Goodbye
A good non-stick coating is crucial. You can tell it’s damaged beyond repair if you see significant, deep scratches from metal utensils, or if the coating is actively flaking off into your food. Another sign is when food—even with proper oiling—starts sticking to everything, all the time. At this point, it’s not only a cleaning hassle but also a potential health concern. Many manufacturers sell replacement baskets, which is a cheaper option than buying a whole new machine.
The “Car Detailing Brush” Kit for Air Fryer Perfectionists.
For a Showroom Shine
As a bit of a clean freak, I was frustrated by the dust and crumbs that collected in the small seams and vents on the outside of my air fryer. I bought a cheap set of car detailing brushes online for five dollars. These soft-bristled brushes are designed to get into tight spaces without scratching. They are the perfect tool for getting into every single crevice of the air fryer body, ensuring it looks as clean as the day I took it out of the box.
How to Keep the Fan Area Free From Grease Buildup.
The Upstream Battle Against Grime
The fan is the heart of the air fryer, and it can get greasy over time from cooking vapors. The best way to keep it clean is preventative. First, I avoid cooking excessively greasy foods that splatter a lot. Second, I regularly clean the heating element, as this is the barrier between the food and the fan. Finally, once every few months, when the machine is cool and unplugged, I use a can of compressed air to blow any loose dust or debris out of the fan vents from the outside.
The “Lazy Person’s” Guide to a Mostly-Clean Air Fryer.
The Good-Enough Cleaning Method
Okay, let’s be honest. Sometimes you just can’t be bothered. The laziest-yet-still-effective cleaning method is this: use a disposable parchment paper liner for every single meal. This eliminates 90% of the mess. After cooking, throw away the liner. If there’s any grease in the drawer, just wipe it out with a paper towel. Is it a perfect, deep clean? No. Is it good enough to prevent a major disaster and keep you from having to scrub? Absolutely.
What to Do Immediately After an “Explosion” (Like Berries or Cheese).
The Damage Control Protocol
I once had a cheese-filled pastry explode, sending molten cheese all over the inside of my air fryer. The key is immediate damage control. First, I unplug the machine and let it cool down enough to be safe. I remove the basket and scrape out as much of the solid mess as I can. For the heating element, I let it cool completely and then gently scrape off the cooled, hardened cheese with a plastic spatula. Trying to wipe hot, melted cheese is a recipe for a smeared mess and a bad burn.
How to Clean an Air Fryer Oven with Racks and a Drip Tray.
The Multi-Level Mess
An air fryer oven is more versatile but also more of a pain to clean. My system is to tackle it in pieces. The wire racks and the drip tray go straight into the sink to soak in hot, soapy water. They are the dirtiest parts. While they soak, I use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior walls and the glass door of the oven. By the time I’m done with the interior, the racks are easy to scrub clean.
The Natural, Non-Toxic Cleaners That Work Just as Well as Chemicals.
The Power of Your Pantry
I prefer not to use harsh chemicals where I cook my food. My all-natural cleaning toolkit is simple, cheap, and effective. For grease, I use a basic dish soap. For stubborn grime, I make a paste of baking soda and water. For odors and mineral deposits, I use a spray bottle of 50/50 white vinegar and water. And for a little extra scrubbing power, I’ll use a coarse salt paste. These four items from my pantry can tackle almost any air fryer mess.
How Often You Really Need to Clean Your Air Fryer, According to Experts.
The Daily, Weekly, Monthly Rule
The expert consensus on air fryer cleaning can be broken down into a simple schedule. Daily (or after every use): The basket and drawer should be washed with soap and water. This prevents buildup. Weekly: Give the interior of the main unit a good wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated grease film. Monthly: Unplug the unit, turn it upside down, and gently clean the heating element to remove any splatters. Following this simple routine will keep your machine running safely and efficiently for years.
The “Dry Wipe” vs. “Wet Wipe” Debate for Daily Maintenance.
The Post-Cook Paper Towel Test
For daily cleaning, there are two schools of thought. If I’ve cooked something relatively clean and dry—like toasting bread or roasting simple vegetables—a quick “dry wipe” with a paper towel to remove crumbs is all that’s needed. However, if I’ve cooked anything with oil or fat, like chicken or bacon, a “wet wipe” with a soapy sponge is non-negotiable. You have to remove the grease residue, or it will build up and burn during the next use, causing smoke and bad flavors.
I Tried Using Oven Cleaner on My Air Fryer. It Was a Huge Mistake.
A Cautionary Tale of Caustic Chemicals
My air fryer basket had some seriously baked-on grease, and in a moment of frustration, I grabbed the can of heavy-duty oven cleaner from under my sink. I sprayed it on, and it instantly started to work on the grease. Unfortunately, it also started to work on the non-stick coating. The harsh, caustic chemicals are designed for durable porcelain enamel, not for the delicate non-stick surfaces of an air fryer. It left my basket with a weird, discolored, and permanently damaged finish.
The “Paper Towel” Liner: A Good Idea or a Fire Hazard?
Don’t Do It. Seriously.
I saw a “hack” online where someone lined their air fryer basket with a regular paper towel to soak up grease. This is an incredibly dangerous fire hazard. Unlike parchment paper, which is treated to be oven-safe, a paper towel is highly flammable. The intense, circulating heat of the air fryer can easily cause it to ignite, especially if it’s covered in grease. Never, ever put a regular paper towel or wax paper in your air fryer while it’s turned on.
How to Get Rid of Rust Spots on Your Air Fryer Basket.
The Gentle Rust Removal Method
After a year of heavy use, I noticed a few small rust spots appearing on my basket where the coating had been scratched. To treat them, I made a thick paste of baking soda and a little bit of water. I applied the paste to the rust spots and used a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub in a circular motion. The mild abrasive action of the baking soda was enough to remove the surface rust without further damaging the surrounding coating.
The Final Step Everyone Skips: Drying Your Basket Properly to Prevent Damage.
The Enemy is Lingering Moisture
After washing my air fryer basket, I used to just place it in the dish rack to air dry. I noticed that sometimes, water would get trapped in the crevices and seams, especially around the handle, which could lead to rust or weird smells. Now, I always take the extra 30 seconds to thoroughly dry the basket and drawer with a clean dish towel. It’s the final, often-skipped step that ensures the longevity of the appliance and prevents any moisture-related issues down the line.
Building a “Cleaning Caddy” with Everything You Need for Your Air Fryer.
The Organized Cleaner’s Toolkit
To make cleaning my air fryer as painless as possible, I created a dedicated “cleaning caddy” that lives under my sink. It’s a small plastic bin that contains all my tools, so I’m not hunting for them. Inside, I have: a non-scratch sponge, a bottle of dish soap, a box of baking soda, my cleaning toothbrush, a microfiber cloth, and a small spray bottle of my vinegar-water solution. Having everything in one place removes any friction and makes me more likely to clean the machine properly.
My “End of Life” Air Fryer Was Revived with This One Deep Cleaning Technique.
The Dishwasher Pod Lazarus Effect
I was convinced my old air fryer was ready for the trash. It was caked in a year’s worth of black, sticky grease, and the non-stick was non-existent. As a last-ditch effort, I tried the dishwasher pod soak. I put the basket in the sink, dropped in a pod, and filled it with the hottest water from my tap. I let it sit for six hours. I came back, and the water was black. The gunk that I thought was permanent just sloughed off, revealing a surprisingly clean surface underneath.