Brits urged by experts to squirt washing up liquid into their air fryer

Air fryers have become a kitchen sensation, offering a cheaper and healthier alternative to traditional ovens. The compact gadgetsuse less oil and cook meals quicker, but like many cooking appliances, they come with a daunting cleaning task.

Cleaning the air fryer thoroughly is crucial for both hygiene and safety reasons. Neglecting this could even potentially lead to a dangerous fire. Despite their ease of use for cooking, air fryers can be tricky to clean. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.

Air fryer components such as baskets, trays, and internal elements tend to accumulate grease and food residue. These parts need to be removed and cleaned thoroughly, but they can't simply be tossed into the dishwasher. They're also sensitive to harsh cleaning chemicals, which could damage the non-stick coating.

READ MORE: 'I spent day diving into bins for hidden treasures and was floored by what I found'

READ MORE: Woman buys £2.67 Too Good To Go bag from bakery and contents leave her gobsmacked

Luckily, the cleaning experts at UK Cleaning Supplies have provided a simple solution to get your air fryer sparkling again. They recommend using warm water, mild washing-up liquid, and a soft sponge after each use.

This method ensures the non-stick coating isn't damaged while effectively removing grease and food debris. The experts also recommend using a gentle approach to cleaning air fryers, reports the Daily Record.

They advised: "Clean each part with warm water and washing-up liquid solution, using the soft side of the sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the non-stick coating. Ensure thorough cleaning by working into the gaps of the basket."

For those looking to give their appliance a more comprehensive scrub, they suggest: "For a deeper clean, hand-wash the main unit of the air fryer with water and washing-up liquid solution or an eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner for less harsh chemicals."

The cleaning expert highlights the importance of focusing on certain areas: "Pay special attention to the heating coil underneath, cleaning it with a sponge or cloth and ensuring it's well-rinsed."

They emphasise the final step: "Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling your air fryer." In addition, the cleaning gurus stress that keeping an air fryer spotless is not just about cleanliness but also safety, as it plays a vital role in minimising fire hazards.

Crusader Fires, specialists in fire safety, corroborate this by stating that routine cleaning can greatly reduce the risk of fires starting in air fryers. They cite Aviva home insurance data showing that claims for air fryer fires can soar up to £80,000.

Their key piece of advice is straightforward: "Regular cleaning: Clean the air fryer regularly to prevent grease build-up, which can ignite during use."

READ MORE: Primark's 'sleek' £16 shoes look 'just like' £120 Steve Madden flats