Using Pink Stuff In Your Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

The Pink Stuff by Star Drops is a popular cleaning product that has been praised for its ability to cut through grease. However, some people are unsure if it is safe to use on their air fryer baskets due to the Teflon coating. While some people have used The Pink Stuff on their air fryers with positive results, others have expressed concerns about its potential to damage the coating. So, can you use The Pink Stuff on your air fryer?

Cleaning an air fryer basket with pink stuff

The Pink Stuff by Stardrops is a popular cleaning product that can be used to clean an air fryer basket. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean your air fryer basket using The Pink Stuff:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before applying any cleaning products, it is important to prepare the air fryer basket. Start by removing any loose crumbs and oil from the basket. You can use a paper towel or a soft brush to gently wipe away any excess grease or debris. This step will make the cleaning process more effective and help prevent a buildup of grime.

Step 2: Soak the Basket in Pink Stuff and Water

In a sink or a large container, fill it with warm water and add a generous amount of The Pink Stuff cleaning paste. Stir the water and cleaning paste until it is fully dissolved and combined. Then, place the air fryer basket in the sink or container, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the cleaning solution. Let the basket soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it soaks, the more effective it will be at breaking down the grease and grime.

Step 3: Scrub the Basket

After the soaking period, remove the basket from the cleaning solution and begin scrubbing it with a soft sponge or cloth. Gently scrub all the surfaces of the basket, paying close attention to any areas with caked-on residue or stubborn grease. The Pink Stuff is known for its grease-cutting abilities, so it should effectively remove the buildup. Rinse the basket with warm water as you scrub to see the cleaning progress.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Basket

Once you have thoroughly scrubbed the basket and are satisfied with the results, rinse it with clean, warm water to remove any remaining cleaning product. Ensure that all surfaces are rinsed and free of soap residue. After rinsing, dry the basket with a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely before reassembling your air fryer.

Additional Tips:

• Always consult your air fryer's user manual for any specific cleaning instructions or precautions.
• It is recommended to clean your air fryer basket after each use to prevent a buildup of grease and grime.
• For extremely tough grease or burned-on food residue, you can create a baking soda and lemon paste or use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a brush.

Soaking an air fryer basket in boiling water

One method is to fill the basket with hot water and a small amount of dish soap, then start the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Most of the grease should wipe away easily after this process. Another method is to pour boiling water into the sink, add a few dishwasher detergent tabs, and place the basket in the sink to soak until the water cools to room temperature. This will help to remove stuck-on food and grease.

It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and perform a spot test before cleaning an air fryer basket. Additionally, it is important to avoid soaking the basket for an extended period, such as several days, to prevent potential damage.

While soaking the air fryer basket in boiling water can be effective, there are also other methods for cleaning. For example, a paste made from baking soda and lemon juice can be applied to the basket and scrubbed with a soft toothbrush or sponge. This method is abrasive enough to remove stuck-on food and grease without causing scratches. Another option is to fill the basket with water and a few drops of dish soap, then turn on the air fryer for 2 minutes. This simple method utilizes the grease-cutting power of dish soap to effectively clean the basket.

Using dishwasher detergent tabs to clean an air fryer

A dirty air fryer can be a pain to clean, especially when baked-on and burnt food gets stuck and scrubbing doesn't seem to work. While there are many methods to clean an air fryer, such as using baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar, another method that has gained popularity is using dishwasher detergent tabs.

To use this method, fill the air fryer basket with enough boiling water to cover it, and add a few dishwasher detergent tabs. Let the basket soak until the water cools to room temperature, and then scrub off any remaining residue. This method is suggested by a user on a Reddit forum for cleaning tips.

However, another user on TikTok tried this method and reported disappointing results. They filled the air fryer basket halfway with boiling water and added a dishwasher tablet. After waiting 15 minutes, they poured out the hot water, only to find that their air fryer basket was dirtier than before. The powdered residue of the dishwasher pod had turned into a paste that stuck to the walls of the basket.

Therefore, while the dishwasher detergent tab method may work for some people, it is not guaranteed to be effective for everyone. It is important to exercise caution when trying new cleaning methods, especially on appliances with non-stick coatings, as some detergents may be too harsh and damage the coating.

For a gentler approach, it is recommended to wash the air fryer basket and tray with warm, soapy water in the sink and wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush can be used. Always ensure that the air fryer is unplugged and cooled down before cleaning and that all components are completely dry before reassembling.

Cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is a highly effective cleaning product that can be used on a variety of surfaces to combat tough stains, rust, and grime. Here are some tips for cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend:

Know When to Use It

Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleanser that is safe for most hard, nonporous surfaces. It is particularly effective on stainless steel, copper, chrome, porcelain, and ceramic. It can be used to clean and polish these surfaces, removing rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food, and other tough stains.

What Not to Use It On

However, it is important to note that Bar Keepers Friend should not be used on certain surfaces. Do not use it on non-stick cookware, cast iron, granite, marble, wood, fabric, leather, or painted surfaces. While some users have reported success using it on mirrors, gold, and silver, the manufacturer advises against it. Always test on a small area first if you are unsure.

How to Use It

When using Bar Keepers Friend, always wear gloves to protect your skin. The product should not be left on the surface for too long, as it can cause discolouration and scratches. Rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning, and never leave it unrinsed or use it dry. Do not mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.

User Reviews

Bar Keepers Friend has been praised by many users for its effectiveness in cleaning a variety of surfaces and removing tough stains. Users have reported success in cleaning stainless steel appliances, copper pans, porcelain sinks, cooktops, and even vintage brass doorknobs. It is also recommended for cleaning sports equipment, tools, and grimy wheels.

Additional Precautions

Even when wearing gloves, avoid touching your eyes during and after use. If eye irritation occurs, rinse your eyes with water and seek medical advice if needed. If Bar Keepers Friend comes into contact with your skin, wash the area with soap and water, and seek medical attention if skin irritation occurs.

Removing baked-in soap smell from an air fryer

To remove a baked-in soap smell from an air fryer, you can try using natural ingredients like lemon juice and vinegar, which can help neutralise odours. Fill a small dish with 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1 ounce of white vinegar and place it in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes, then turn it off and allow it to cool before wiping it out with a damp cloth. Repeat this process as needed until the smell is gone.

Alternatively, a deep clean of your air fryer may be necessary to remove the baked-in soap smell. Here are the steps to do this:

• Allow the air fryer to cool down completely before beginning.
• Unplug the air fryer from the power outlet.
• Remove all removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan, and set them aside.
• Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. You can also place these parts in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.
• Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding the use of abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Clean the heating element with a soft brush or toothbrush if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components, and ensure it is completely dry before reassembling.
• Reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring everything is properly aligned and secure.
• Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use.

You can also try sprinkling a good handful of baking soda into the basket and letting it stand overnight to absorb odours. Give it a good rinse before using it again.

It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your air fryer, as these can damage the non-stick coating and other parts.

Frequently asked questions