How to Remove Rust From Air Fryer? 8 Proven Ways

Air fryers are becoming our best friends in kitchen as they help us cook healthier meals without compromising on taste. But like any other appliance, air fryers too require some maintenance and care. One of the lesser-known problems that people face with air fryers is rusting. This guide on how to remove rust from air fryer is for such people!

If you notice rust on your air fryer, don’t panic! It is not a death sentence for your appliance. With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, you can easily remove rust from your air fryer and get it back to working condition.

Here is a detailed guide on a rusting air fryer and how to remove rust from air fryer along with some preventive measures. You can take these to ensure that your air fryer doesn’t catch rust again.

Keep reading!

Why Does Rust Develop On Air Fryers?

Rust generally forms when iron or steel comes in contact with water or moisture. The same happens with air fryers as well. If you don’t dry your air fryer properly after washing it, there are high chances that rust will form on it. Another reason for rusting can be storing the air fryer in a damp place.

So, if you find even a small patch of rust on your air fryer, it is important to take care of it immediately. If you leave it unattended, the rust will spread and damage your air fryer beyond repair.

Now that you know why does rust develop on air fryers, let’s take a look at how to remove rust from air fryer.

How To Remove Rust From Air Fryer? 8 Proven Methods

You have washed and wiped your air fryer and its basket as hard as you could but are still left with stains and rust. Don’t worry, we will help you get rid of that unsightly rust and make your air fryer look as good as new.

There are a few things that you can do to remove rust from your air fryer. Here are 8 proven methods:

1. Use Baking Soda And Water Paste

Baking soda is a natural abrasive and can be used to scrub off rust. You can use it to make a paste with water which can be used to scrub the rust off your air fryer. Simply, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Apply the paste on the rusted areas and scrub with a brush. Then after some time, rinse it off with water and dry the air fryer completely.

When using this methods make sure that the baking soda doesn’t come in contact with the heating element as it might damage it.

2. Use Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic in nature and can help to dissolve rust. You can use vinegar to make a cleaning solution by mixing it with water in a 1:1 ratio. Apply this solution on the rusted areas using a brush and let it sit for some time. Then, scrub the area with the brush and rinse it off with water. Dry the air fryer completely before using it again.

3. Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is also acidic in nature and can be used to remove rust. You can use it by itself or mix it with salt to make a paste. Apply the lemon juice or paste on the rusted areas and let it sit for some time. Then, scrub the area with a brush and rinse it off with water. Dry the air fryer completely before using it again.

4. Use Cream Of Tartar

This might be your first time hearing about cream of tartar. So, let us first explain it a bit before we plunge on to how to remove rust from air fryer using it.

Cream of tartar is an acidic salt that is used as a leavening agent in baking. It is also known as potassium bitartrate or potassium hydrogen tartrate. This substance can be found in the form of a white powder near the baking aisle of supermarkets.

When it comes to rust removal, cream of tartar or any of its good substitutes works by dissolving the iron oxide that forms rust.

5. Use A Magic Eraser

Not everyone will have cream of tartar at home. If you are one of those people, don’t worry. You can still remove rust from air fryer using a magic eraser. A magic eraser is a cleaning product that is made from melamine foam. This foam is extremely porous and can easily absorb dirt, grime, and stains. When it comes to rust removal, a magic eraser works by breaking down the rust particles. This makes it easier for you to wipe them away.

6. Use Baking Soda And Vinegar

This is another effective method that you can use to remove rust from air fryer. Baking soda is a mild abrasive which makes it perfect for scrubbing away rust. Vinegar, on the other hand, is an acidic substance that works by dissolving rust.

When using this method, make sure to use white vinegar. Other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar are not as effective in rust removal. To remove rust from air fryer using this method, mix baking soda and white vinegar to form a paste. Rub this paste onto the rusted areas and let it sit for a few minutes. After that,

7. Use Foil Or Parchment Paper

Now, this is not exactly a way to remove rust from air fryer. But, it is a preventative measure that you can take to keep rust away. Simply, spread a thin layer of foil or parchment paper at the bottom of your air fryer. This will act as a barrier between the food and the basket. As a result, it will prevent rust from forming in the first place.

You can also use foil in the form of a ball. Simply, crumple a sheet of foil into a ball and use it to scrub away the rust.

8. Use Rust Converter

If the methods mentioned above don’t work for you, then you can always resort to using a rust converter. A rust converter is a chemical solution that is used to convert rust into a more stable compound. This compound is usually black in color and acts as a primer for paint.

When using a rust converter, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. Apply the solution onto the rusted areas and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. After that, wipe away the solution with a clean cloth.

This is how to remove rust from air fryer. We hope that these methods will help you get rid of the rust and make your air fryer look as good as new.

How To Prevent Rust From Forming In Your Air Fryer?

Now that we have gone over the reasons rust develops in kitchen appliances and how to remove rust from your air fryer, let ‘s talk about how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

1. Ensure Regular Cleaning

The best way to prevent rust is by regularly cleaning and maintaining your air fryer. This means disassembling the appliance and cleaning all of the parts, including the heating element, basket, and pan.

After each use, be sure to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any grease or food particles that could eventually lead to rust formation.

2. Use Protective Coatings

Applying a coat of paint or powder coating to metal surfaces can also help to prevent rust. This is because these materials create a barrier between the metal and the air, which prevents moisture from coming into contact with the metal.

3. Store In A Dry Environment

When not in use, be sure to store your air fryer in a dry place. If you live in an area with high humidity, consider placing a dehumidifier in the room where you keep your air fryer. This will help to keep the air around the appliance dry and free of moisture.

4. Keep It Covered

When not in use, be sure to keep your air fryer covered with a towel or cloth. This will help to protect it from dust, debris, and moisture that could lead to rust formation.

5. Check For Leaks

If your air fryer has a gasket or seal, be sure to check it regularly for leaks. If there are any cracks or holes in the gasket, replace it immediately.

6. Inspect The Cord

Another common cause of rust formation in air fryers is water damage to the cord. Be sure to inspect the cord regularly for any signs of fraying or damage. If you notice any damage, replace the cord immediately.

7. Use Rust-Resistant Materials

When shopping for an air fryer, be sure to look for one that is made with rust-resistant materials. Stainless steel or other Plastic free air high-end air fryers are a good option, as they are less likely to rust than other types of air fryers.

So, these are some of the tips that can help to prevent rust from forming in your air fryer. Be sure to follow these tips to keep your appliance in good condition and free of rust.

Can You Use An Air Fryer That Has Rust On It?

Rust is nothing like a death sentence to an air fryer, in fact, it can be quite easily removed with some elbow grease and the right cleaning materials. If the rust is caught early enough, it should not have penetrated the metal too deeply and can be sanded off with a fine-grit sandpaper.

If the rust has set in for a longer period of time, it might be necessary to use a rust converter product to neutralize the rust before sanding it off. Whichever method you choose, make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the air fryer before using it again to prevent further rusting.

Conclusion

So, as you might have seen in this article, rust can easily form in air fryers if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Be sure to follow the tips mentioned above to prevent rust from forming in your air fryer.

If you already have rust in your air fryer, don’t worry, it can be removed with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning materials. Just be sure to thoroughly clean and dry the air fryer before using it again.

References

• https://www.citymill.com/howto/blog/why-are-my-stainless-steel-appliances-rusting/
• https://www.danielappliance.com/blog/how-to-remove-rust-from-lg-appliances