DIAGNOSIS That sticky residue is polymerized oil—oil that’s heated past its smoke point and bonds to the nonstick surface. It’s not a defect, just a tough cleaning challenge.
FIX Avoid abrasive scrubbers—they’ll ruin the coating. Here’s the shop-teacher method: 1) Fill the basket with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. 2) Add a tablespoon of baking soda. 3) Let it soak for at least an hour, or overnight for really tough stains. 4) Use a soft nylon brush or sponge to gently scrub. The baking soda provides mild abrasion that won’t scratch. 5) Rinse thoroughly.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK For persistent spots, make a paste of baking soda and a tiny bit of water. Apply it directly to the sticky area, let it sit for 30 minutes, then gently rub with a microfiber cloth. The paste will act as a gentle polishing compound.
HEADS UP Prevention is easier than cure. For extra-greasy foods (like chicken wings), consider using the provided parchment paper liners. They catch a lot of the splatter and make cleanup a one-minute wipe-down.