Cleaning hacks tend to spread like wildfire on social media, so it’s important to know all the facts before trying them at home.

A recent air fryer cleaning method was recently slammed as the “dumbest” way to spark a house fire, with one cleaning expert advising users against implementing it.

The trend, which went viral on TikTok, involves filling the base of the machine with soapy water and turning it on for a few minutes.

According to videos making the rounds online, the simple method can effectively get rid of stubborn grease without the need for scrubbing.

Even though this technique seems efficacious, one alarmed expert from the consumer advice site Which? has taken to Instagram to raise a warning.

The professional warned that trying this technique could potentially cause serious damage or even “start a house fire”.

Instead, the expert suggested a different approach involving salted caramel, which some users might find rather surprising.

“This right here, it’s the dumbest way to clean your air fryer and burn down your house,” says Andrew Laughlin, a tech expert at Which?.

“That TikTok hack where you try to air fry half a jug of soapy water is a surefire shortcut to a broken air fryer.”

The explanation behind it is that there is a risk of short-circuiting and overheating the device once the water gets excessively hot.

Regarding the proper method, he noted that it’s unfortunately not as effortless as that hack, stating: “But cleaning is sometimes boring and takes a bit of effort.

“Like with salted caramel, little and often is best. Cleaning after every use might seem like a bit of a chore but it actually uses the least effort in the long run.

“Unplug it first and let the whole thing cool down, but don’t let it stand too long. This gives oils a chance to solidify, bonds to form with the basket, and starches start dehydrating – getting locked into the nooks and crannies of the surfaces.”

Further elaborating on his cleaning method, the expert said: “Mop up any oil with a paper towel so it doesn’t end up clogging your pipes. Then dunk the basket in warm, soapy water.

“Don’t forget to check the inside of the appliance, as grease and food might be sticking to the walls. Use a damp cloth or a gentle sponge to wipe it away.”