Keeping your deep fryer clean isn’t just about good hygiene — it also helps your food taste better, keeps your kitchen safe, and extends the life of your equipment. Whether you run a café, restaurant, or takeaway, regular fryer cleaning should be part of your routine.
Here’s a simple guide we’ve put together at Heat Care to help you get it done properly.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, get these items ready:
- Heat-proof gloves – To protect your hands from hot oil or surfaces.
- Apron and safety glasses – Hot oil can splash, so suit up for safety.
- Oil filter or strainer – Handy for removing food bits from the oil if you’re reusing it.
- Metal scraper or spatula – Great for breaking off any built-up gunk inside the fryer.
- Commercial-grade degreaser – Make sure it’s safe for kitchen use.
- Brushes – Different sizes help you clean tight spots.
- Non-scratch sponges or scouring pads – You don’t want to damage the fryer’s finish.
- Bucket or container – For draining and disposing of old oil safely.
- Hot water and mild detergent – For general washing.
- Paper towels or cloths – For drying everything off at the end.
Step-by-Step Fryer Cleaning
1. Stay Safe First
Turn off the fryer and let the oil cool down. If it’s gas-powered, shut off the gas valve. Wear gloves, apron, and safety glasses. Clear the area so there’s no risk of slips or spills.
2. Drain the Oil
Once the oil has cooled, take out the baskets and use the fryer’s drain valve or spout to empty the oil into a container. If the oil’s still in good condition, you can filter and reuse it. Otherwise, dispose of it safely.
3. Clean the Baskets
Soak the baskets in hot water with some dish soap or mild cleaner. After a few minutes, scrub them with a brush or sponge, rinse well, and let them dry.
4. Scrape Out the Tank
Use your metal scraper to remove any bits of food or old grease stuck to the inside of the fryer. Get into the corners where build-up can hide.
5. Degrease the Inside
Spray a degreaser on the inside of the fryer and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly with hot water to wash out all the chemicals and grime.
6. Use the Boil-Out Method (for a Deep Clean)
Fill the fryer with water to the usual oil level and add a small amount of fryer cleaner. Turn it on and let the water boil for about 10–15 minutes. This helps loosen any leftover residue. Once it cools, drain it and rinse everything out with clean water.
7. Final Wipe and Dry
Use paper towels or a dry cloth to wipe down all surfaces inside and out. Make sure everything is completely dry before you refill with oil or turn the fryer back on. Moisture and hot oil don’t mix!
How Often Should You Clean a Commercial Fryer?
- Daily: At the end of the day, filter the oil, wipe down the outside, and clean the baskets.
- Weekly: Do a deeper clean of the interior and use degreaser.
- Monthly: Boil-out the fryer, clean all parts thoroughly, and check the oil filter system.
- After Heavy Use: If you’re frying a lot of crumbed or greasy food, clean it more often to avoid oil breakdown and poor food quality.
Final Thoughts
A clean fryer is a safer, more efficient fryer. It helps you produce better food and reduces the chance of breakdowns. Regular cleaning doesn’t just save you money — it also keeps your kitchen running smoothly.
If your fryer is overdue for a clean, giving you trouble, or needs a service, give us a call at Heat Care. We work on all types of commercial kitchen equipment, including deep fryers, ovens, and cooktops.
📞 0410 016 126
📧 andy@heatcare.com.au
🌐 www.heatcare.com.au
FAQs
How do I remove oil from my fryer?
Turn the fryer off and let the oil cool. Then, open the drain valve and empty the oil into a container. Use a filter if you plan to reuse it.
How do I drain a commercial fryer safely?
Let it cool completely, then open the drain valve into a safe container. Always wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What’s the best way to get rid of grease?
Use a food-safe commercial degreaser. Let it sit, scrub with a brush, and rinse well with hot water.
Which cleaners are safe for fryers?
Stick to mild detergents and kitchen-safe degreasers made for food equipment. Always follow the label directions.