# How can I clean my deepfryer?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [February 20, 2006, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284 "2006-02-20T03:55:18Z")
**Posts on this page:** 12
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/1 "2006-02-20T03:55:18Z")
I have a small deepfryer. I usually use it to cook fries and such.
It’s filthy. I swap out the oil on a pretty regular basis.
But the outside is coated in dried up oil and crud, and it’s also coating part of the inside (above where the oil usually sits).
I’ve tried scrubbing it, and I’ve tried soaking it in hot water.
Nothing.
So… how do I go about fixing this issue? Advice, suggestios?
Thank you, o teeming millions!
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### Author:  [@ombre3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ombre3)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/2 "2006-02-20T05:14:13Z")
Is it stainless steel?
I think stainless steel could hold up under any type of cleaner—no matter how strong. So use whatever will work —no matter how strong the cleaner. There are cleaners out there that will remove just about any type of goop.
Altho I could be wrong about stainless steel being impervious to damage. So don’t ruin your deep fat fryer on my account.
Waiting for more input.
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### Author:  [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/3 "2006-02-20T05:22:00Z")
There are all sorts of commercial degreasers out there. Check your local hardware store. Spray on, let soak, wipe off.
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### Author:  [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/4 "2006-02-20T06:22:35Z")
Try acetone…great for dissolving all kinds of gums and varnishes.
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### Author:  [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/5 "2006-02-20T06:36:45Z")
How about a spray-on oven cleaner (Easy-Off, for instance)?
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### Author:  [@ombre3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ombre3)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/6 "2006-02-20T06:38:09Z")
True-------
Acetone===(ordinary fingernail polish remover, but much stronger) will take just about anything off, including paint. So if you are dealing with any type of painted surface and are even thinking about the paint staying there-----don’t use acetone.
If you want an even more serious solvent than acetone--------try lacquer thinner. ------ Altho you can kiss any type of paint goodbye with lacquer thinner.
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### Author:  [@ombre3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ombre3)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/7 "2006-02-20T06:40:39Z")
> [@Dewey Finn](#):
>
> How about a spray-on oven cleaner (Easy-Off, for instance)?
Easy-Off is awfully strong stuff. I think it is capable of discoloring chrome and possibly even stainless steel though.-------why you are supposed to remove oven shelves before using it.
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### Author:  [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/8 "2006-02-20T06:46:01Z")
No, the Easy-Off website said that it’s safe for stainless steel.
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### Author:  [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/9 "2006-02-20T11:26:26Z")
> [@Dewey Finn](#):
>
> No, the Easy-Off website said that it’s safe for stainless steel.
But it’s not safe for aluminum:
>
> Q:Can EASY-OFF® Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner be used on any aluminum?
> A:We do not recommend using this product on aluminum, as it may pit and discolor it. However, it does not penetrate into the metal or remain on the surface after the recommended rinsing instructions have been followed. Utensils and appliances cleaned with EASY-OFF® Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner are completely safe for use in cooking or serving food after they have been thoroughly washed and rinsed in a vinegar and water solution.
]([http://www.easyoff.us/faq.shtml](http://www.easyoff.us/faq.shtml))
Test it with a magnet, if it don’t stick it’s most likely aluminum.
You could also try naptha or denatured alcohol (the hardware store kind not the drugstore stuff).
CMC
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### Author:  [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/10 "2006-02-20T18:31:38Z")
I have a deep fryer in dire need of cleaning as well, and I can safely say: neither Naptha nor alcohol, nor for that matter toluene do a dang thing. I’m going to have to see about getting a commercial-grade degreaser and see if that helps any.
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### Author:  [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/11 "2006-02-20T19:00:01Z")
> [@Mindfield](#):
>
> I have a deep fryer in dire need of cleaning as well, and I can safely say: neither Naptha nor alcohol, nor for that matter toluene do a dang thing. I’m going to have to see about getting a commercial-grade degreaser and see if that helps any.
We used to use simple green on alot of baked on greasy residue type stuff on our ovens at the pizza place i worked at. Used straight it will handle many a nasty grease patch. Its also afaik safe for just about any surface.
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### Author:  [@Cheez\_Whia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheez_Whia)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-clean-my-deepfryer/345284/12 "2006-02-20T19:10:11Z")
What **drachillix** said, only mix Simple Green with some water. IIRC, the older bottles said it had to be diluted in order for it to work properly, but I can’t find that on quick scan of my current bottle. I use about a 50/50 SG and water mix to clean the filter on my range hood. Soak it overnight and rinse clean the next morning.