Air fryer grease will wipe away in 3 minutes if you ditch vinegar for 1 household item
One Mrs Hinch fan asked for the best way to clean her air fryer basket, as she was struggling to remove grease that wouldn't shift, and other cleaning fans shared their top tips
Cleaning air fryers is a relatively straightforward process, despite some difficulties with the basket. With most being a simple combination of a heating element, plastic casing, wiring, and a cooking basket, households usually resort to soaking baskets in hot soapy water or using baking soda and white vinegar.
However, one Mrs Hinch fan struggled with both methods and sought alternative solutions.
Vanessa Martin posted on the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook page: "What's the best thing to clean the basket of my air fryer with? Without damaging the non-stick, obviously."
She had already tried various methods, including Fairy washing up liquid, boiling water with vinegar and baking soda, Elbow Grease spray, and scrubbing with a Scrub Daddy, but was unable to remove stubborn grease, reports the Express.
Some group members suggested adding water and dish soap to the baskets and turning the air fryer on for several minutes.
Nevertheless, food hygiene expert Dr. Richard Anderson strongly advises against this method: "Despite being a popular internet trend, never fill a running air fryer with water to clean it, as this can damage the appliance. Always ensure your air fryer is completely dry before using it again, as moisture in the wrong places can cause your air fryer to malfunction.",
Air fryers, with their exposed electrical elements, are at risk of damage from splashes and spills, which can spell disaster for the appliance.
Some air fryer enthusiasts recommend popping the baskets into the dishwasher for a "thorough clean" but Dr Anderson warned that despite some air fryers being marketed as dishwasher-safe, "dishwashers can strip the non-stick coating" on the components.
For those looking to safely and effectively spruce up their air fryer baskets, one popular tip involves using a dishwasher tablet in boiling water.
Christie Wilson advised: "I soak mine in hot water and a dishwasher tablet. Works great, just wipes away."
Suzie Deeney shared her method: "Platinum Dishwasher tablet to soak for a few minutes. Depending on the buildup of grease, you may need to do this two or three times."
Zoe Mitchell also chimed in with her cleaning hack: "I pop a dishwasher tablet into mine! Leave for three minutes then wipe it away, comes off straight away."
The reason dishwasher tablets are so effective for cleaning air fryers is due to their enzymes and surfactants, which are adept at tackling tough, baked-on food remnants and grease.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners can 'kill ivy for good' with natural solution using just three items
Gardeners are often left frustrated by the rapid growth of English ivy, but there is a simple and all-natural way to get rid of it using just three household items Home gardeners across the UK are all too familiar with the resilience of English ivy, even if they haven't intentionally planted it. This evergreen climber is common throughout the country, notorious for its ability to latch onto walls, fences, and trees, forming dense coverings of leaves. While it does provide some ecological advantages, such as offering shelter for birds and facilitating pollination, its propensity to overwhelm other plants, damage older walls, and block sunlight can be a nuisance for gardening enthusiasts. When dealing with rapid-growing weeds like ivy, one might assume that strong chemicals are the solution. However, specialists at Drip Works propose a homemade remedy using three common kitchen items to permanently eliminate "serious and invasive" ivy. The approach to managing unwanted ivy varies depending on its location within the garden. For ivy-covered walls, Drip Works experts suggest a vinegar-based spray, as reported by the Express. "If you want an ivy-free garden wall, this is an effective and natural way to achieve it," the experts at Drip Works recommend. They advocate for a mixture consisting of apple cider vinegar, salt, and washing-up liquid, which they claim has been "proven to be the best solution to kill ivy", reports Nottinghamshire Live. Preparing this ivy-killing spray is a breeze; simply mix three easy-to-find ingredients in a spray bottle. Blend one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and about two tablespoons (or one ounce) of washing-up liquid. You can use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to tackle ivy, with apple cider vinegar possibly packing a bigger punch for some due to its extra compounds beyond acetic acid. The effectiveness of either vinegar in killing ivy depends on the acetic acid concentration, which varies between different types of vinegar. If you don't have any apple cider vinegar at home, you can easily pick up a bottle from your local supermarket. Sainsbury's sells 500 ml of Apple Cider Vinegar for just £2.10. Before applying the mixture, make sure to secure the lid and give it a good shake. It's also crucial to wear gardening gloves, long sleeves, and boots to protect yourself during the process. How to kill ivy plants Irrigation experts recommend letting the vinegar solution coat the ivy plants for at least five days before evaluating its impact. This liquid mixture acts as a natural herbicide, dehydrating ivy leaves and helping break down their protective waxy layer. The team from Drip Works advised: "After five to six days, use garden shears and a pruning saw to remove dead ivy that is clinging firmly to the building." If any leaves resist the herbicide, you may need to repeat the process until the English ivy is completely eliminated. After the leaves have died off, it's vital to physically remove the roots, as ivy is tenacious and will regrow from even a tiny root fragment. Although ivy can offer nesting spaces for wildlife within its thick growth, unchecked spread can threaten trees by adding weight and competing for light and moisture.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned wartime village frozen in time where empty terrace houses rot
The whole village of Tyneham in Dorset was evacuated during the World War II, but today the abandoned village still remains and visitors can explore its deserted street and the memories left behind Tucked away on the Dorset coast lies a village where time stopped in 1943 and never restarted. Tyneham in Dorset was evacuated during World War II in December 1943, when the War Office took over the land to make space for Army training. Around 225 people were told to pack up and leave their homes within days. The residents believed it would only be temporary and they would return one day. Residents left a note on the church door reading - "Please treat the church and houses with care; we have given up our homes where many of us lived for generations to help win the war to keep men free. We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.' Despite the war ending in 1945, the residents were never allowed to reclaim their homes, and Tyneham remained under Army control - and it still is. The village became part of a British Army training site, used to test tanks and weapons. To this day, it's owned by the Ministry of Defence and forms part of the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School. However Tyneham isn't the only local village absorbed into a Army training ground; Worbarrow Bay and Lulworth ranges are grounds that remain active to this day. The land is still used for the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Gunnery School, a live fire training school - which is why the area is only open to the public on selected weekends and bank holidays. When they allow visitors to explore what remains of the village, it's like stepping back in time. Although many of the buildings have crumbled, there are still preserved fragments of Tyneham's past. The old schoolhouse and church have been carefully restored and today holds exhibitions about the people who once lived there with photos and letters. A row of terraced cottages, known as The Row, still stands near the church. Some buildings have crumbled, but others remain hauntingly still - like they're waiting for their owners to come home. There's also a restored farm area with picnic benches, surrounded by broken walls and fading signs of village life. Tyneham is often called 'Dorset's lost village', and it's easy to see why. It's quiet, eerie, and frozen in the past - a snapshot of a community that vanished almost overnight. Tyneham is more than a village lost to war. It's a time capsule - a stark reminder of the sacrifices of war and what's left behind when history moves on without you. For those planning a visit, it's best to check the opening times online. The village, nearby Worbarrow Bay and the Lulworth Ranges are all part of a live military zone. The exact dates are listed on the Government website. If you're after a day out that's a little different and don't mind a few goosebumps - Tyneham offers a rare glimpse into wartime Britain, frozen in time. Although visitors often say it gives them goosebumps, especially when reading notes left behind by children or seeing the school's original blackboard.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Chef explains how to cook 'perfect' poached egg in microwave in 90 seconds
A professional chef has shared his simple recipe for cooking a 'perfect' poached egg in the microwave in just 90 seconds - without the need for a pan or vinegar Poached eggs, praised as a breakfast favourite, often intimidate home cooks due to the risk of them falling apart or turning rubbery when not made correctly. The common tip of adding vinegar to water for poaching eggs might protect their shape, yet can infuse an unwanted acidic taste that many disdain. But a professional chef has let slip the secret to crafting a flawless, "perfect" poached egg using only a microwave. Mike, a connoisseur of ramen and brains behind Mike's Mighty Good range, advocates microwaving poached eggs over traditional methods which can cause the whites to spread too thin, especially when cooked in the same pot as noodles or doused with vinegar. His advice is straightforward: "You can poach [an] egg with nothing more than a mug, a microwave, and a few ounces of water....a microwaved poached egg is one of the simplest foods you'll ever make." Talking through the steps for making the dream poached egg in a microwave, Mike expressed: "Also, make sure the mug is nice and dense. A lightweight mug can get almost as hot as the water inside it." To reduce cooking time, start with warming the water in your chosen mug, but keep some room on top, considering the egg's volume. Although vinegar is optional, he stresses it's truly redundant for this technique, reports the Express. Mike explained: "A lot of poached egg recipes call for a splash of vinegar to help the egg white maintain its shape. In the small confines of a mug, vinegar won't make a noticeable difference, so it's not worth the effort." He also recommends cracking one egg into the mug and cooking them individually to prevent uneven results which could leave you with one overdone and one undercooked. Before microwaving, Mike advises gently piercing the yolk with a fork: "This will allow the yolk to release pressure slowly, not catastrophically. Just in case, it's still wise to put a small saucer or even some cling film over the top of your mug." Adding a protective measure he notes, "On the off chance that your yolk does explode, this will keep the mess inside the mug." The cooking time is roughly 90 seconds, but adjustments may be necessary based on the power of your microwave. Mike emphasised consistency: "Once you've found the perfect cooking time, remember to keep the variables the same. "Use the same amount of water every time, and even the same mug if it's practical. That way you'll get a consistent egg every time." Finally, he suggests leaving the freshly cooked egg in hot water for an additional minute for firmer whites and a creamier yolk. However, if you're a fan of a more liquid yolk, this step isn't necessary. Next, place your egg on a paper towel or give it a gentle dab to dry off any excess water. Your perfectly poached egg is now ready to be enjoyed with a slice of buttered toast.
