Cleaning hacks tend to spread like wildfire on social media, so it’s important to know all the facts before trying them at home.
A newly used air cooker cleaning method was recently deemed the “dumbest” way to start a fire, and one cleaning expert advised users not to use it.
A trend that spread on TikTok involves filling the bottom of the machine with soapy water and turning it on for a few minutes.
According to videos made online, a simple method can effectively get rid of stubborn fat without scrubbing.
While this technique seems effective, one concerned expert from consumer advice website Which? has taken to Instagram a warning.
The professional warned that trying this technique could potentially cause serious damage or even “set the house on fire.”
Instead, the expert suggested a different approach involving salted caramel, which some users may find quite surprising.
“This right here, it’s the dumbest way to clean a fryer and burn the house down,” says Andrew Laughlin, technical expert at What?.
“That TikTok hack where you try to air fry half a jug of soapy water is a surefire shortcut to a broken air pressure cooker.”
The reason for this is that there is a risk of short-circuiting and overheating of the device when the water gets too hot.
As for the correct method, he noted that it’s unfortunately not as effortless as that hack, stating, “But cleaning is sometimes boring and takes a bit of effort.
“As with salted caramel, little and often is best. Cleaning up after each use may seem like a chore, but it’s the least amount of effort in the long run.
“Unplug it first and let everything cool, but don’t let it sit too long. This gives the oils a chance to solidify, bond with the basket, and the starch starts to dry out—locking the surfaces.”
The expert further elaborated on his cleaning method: “Wipe off the oil with a paper towel so it doesn’t clog the plumbing. Then submerge the basket in warm, soapy water.
“Remember to check the inside of the appliance, as grease and food can stick to the walls. Wipe it off with a damp cloth or a gentle sponge.”
