Hi all,

I’ve been in a weird spot the last little bit. I recently bought an air-fryer at the thrift shop for a decently cheap price. The thing works like a charm, and I’m excited to start using it on the regular to make recipes like falafel and beet and potato chips.

The issue I’m currently having is just cleaning the damn thing. Clearly it had a lot of use from the previous owner, and I while I want to do the same myself, there’s this tough to clean spot on the base that I can’t figure out how to clean.

The model is a T-Fal Actifry 2-in-1, so rather than being the typical air fryer I’ve seen with the basket, this one has a rotating piece in the centre that can either be used to stir ingredients to keep them from sticking using a paddle, or have a rotating pan attached instead which keeps things in place.

The area in question I’m having trouble cleaning is in the base here, behind the plastic filter:

I’ve tried using an all-purpose cleaner, as well as a stronger cleaner that claimed to have degreasing properties (Vim Pureboost Power Shine), and neither of them have removed any of the mess. It was suggested by someone I try baking soda and vinegar, but I’m not even going to think about that, as I’m worried about things getting behind the slots there and frying the circuitry.

Thanks in advance.

  • FuglyDuckEnglish
    1•1 month ago

    I would try hot water with vinegar. Depending on the need, 1:10 parts vinegar-to-water should be enough. The water can be as hot as you can stand.

    (I’ve used as high as 1:2, but that’s break-out-the-gloved territory, and be mindful of the fumes.)

    (Works great to strip seasoning on cast iron, too. Here just bring it to a boil in a pot and then let it cool off for soaking.)