Do not put your fryer in the sink or dishwasher. Immersion in water may cause an electrical short and damage the fryer.

Do not pour oil down your sink. It can clog your drain.

Stiff plastic utensils will scrape off the oil without scratching your fryer.

Some models have removable heating elements for easy cleaning, or elements that are attached to a hinge that can be pulled up nearer the fryer’s surface. Check your model’s manual to see if yours has this feature.

If your tap water isn’t that hot, you may heat some in a kettle or bring the water to a boil in the fryer by plugging it back in - be sure not to leave it unattended and do not allow it to boil dry. Unplug your fryer and wait 30 minutes for the water to cool. Boil for several minutes if there is a large amount of caked on residue. [10] X Research source

Once clean, rinse the basket to remove the remaining soap, blot off remaining water with a paper towel and leave it to dry on a dish rack or towel.

If any filters are not removable, you cannot immerse the lid in water. Instead, wipe with a damp cloth with a little detergent, then a plain damp cloth to remove the detergent and oil.

If the water contains a large amount of oil, you may need to put it in a container and throw it in the trash instead of pouring it down the sink.

Only use other abrasive or chemical substances to clean your fryer as an absolute last resort. If you do need to use an oven cleaner or other cleaning product, scrub with soapy water afterward and rinse several times to remove all traces of the chemical before using it to cook. [12] X Research source

If there is a stubborn grease film (run your bare hand over the surfaces to feel for any remaining greasy/sticky patches) rinse again with diluted vinegar. Add 1 part vinegar for every 10 parts water, or 1/2 cup for every quart of water (110 mL vinegar for each liter of water). [14] X Research source

Since commercial fryers tend to be large and deep, you should use a long-handled brush with soft bristles to scrub the pot, instead of a sponge.

Your oil will last longer at temperatures of 375ºF (191ºC) or below, and if you do not add salt directly to the oil. [18] X Research source

During the followup rinse, add 1 part vinegar for every 10 parts water to neutralize and remove the cleaning product. [21] X Research source