Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, offering quick, convenient meals with minimal oil. Their compact design and fast cooking times make them a favorite for busy households. However, while cooking with an air fryer is simple, cleaning it afterward often proves more challenging. Grease buildup, oil splatters, and burnt-on food residue can cling stubbornly to the baskets, making the post-cooking cleanup a test of patience.

To tackle this, two popular washing-up sprays—Fairy Liquid Skip The Soak and Elbow Grease—offer solutions designed to cut through grease and leave surfaces sparkling clean. Comparing their effectiveness can help determine which product handles air fryer cleanup more efficiently and economically.

Product Overview

Instagram | @amyzingclean | @savers.victoria.road | Fairy offers premium grease-lifting power for £3.75, while Elbow Grease delivers a similar heavy-duty clean for just £1.19.

Fairy Liquid Skip The Soak is widely recognized for its degreasing properties. A bottle typically costs around £3.75 in local supermarkets. Its formula claims to lift tough grease and food residue without the need for prolonged scrubbing, simplifying the cleaning process for frequent air fryer users.

Elbow Grease Washing-Up Spray is marketed in a similar way, emphasizing a strong degreasing formula designed to tackle stubborn oil, burnt-on food, and grease. At approximately £1.19 per bottle, it is significantly cheaper than Fairy Liquid, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Both products promise powerful cleaning, but their performance can vary depending on the type of residue and method of use.

Cleaning Test Procedure

A controlled cleaning trial compared both sprays side by side. Identical amounts of each product were applied to separate air fryer baskets, which had just been used to cook juicy chicken. Each basket received 10 sprays of the respective product, then was left for 10 minutes to allow the formula to act on the grease.

During application, a notable difference in scent was observed. Elbow Grease emitted a milder, more pleasant aroma, while Fairy Liquid had a stronger chemical smell. This difference may be relevant for users sensitive to strong cleaning scents.

After the 10-minute wait, a sponge was used to wipe away remaining residue. Both products softened the grease effectively, but results varied in ease of removal.

Performance Comparison

Instagram | @ardahstore | Elbow Grease proved to be the better value because it cleaned faster and cost much less than Fairy Liquid.

Elbow Grease Basket

All grease wiped away on the first pass, with no stubborn spots remaining. The cleaning process required minimal effort, and rinsing under running water left the basket completely clean.

Fairy Liquid Basket

Most grease was removed, though a few areas in the middle of the tray needed extra scrubbing. After rinsing, some greasy spots persisted, though they were minor and did not demand intensive effort.

Both sprays fulfilled their basic purpose of removing grease and residue from air fryer baskets. However, the Elbow Grease product performed slightly better in terms of ease of use, efficiency, and overall results, especially considering its lower price.

Practical Considerations

When choosing a cleaning spray for air fryers, a few factors are worth considering:

1. Cost Efficiency - Elbow Grease offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising cleaning performance.
2. Ease of Use - The mild scent and effective grease removal reduce the need for scrubbing, making cleanup faster.
3. Effectiveness - Both sprays handle burnt-on food and grease, but Elbow Grease achieves a completely clean surface with less effort.

Using a washing-up spray is generally more convenient than traditional soap and water, especially for frequent air fryer users. The sprays allow for targeted application and faster removal of stubborn grease, saving both time and effort.

Both Fairy Liquid Skip The Soak and Elbow Grease effectively tackle grease and burnt-on food in air fryer baskets. Elbow Grease edges ahead with easier cleanup, a milder scent, and strong results with minimal effort.

Using a reliable degreasing spray regularly helps maintain hygiene, prolongs the life of the air fryer, and keeps food tasting fresh, making Elbow Grease a practical and cost-effective choice for routine kitchen cleaning.