Wipe all grease off the inside and outside of the fryer basket with paper towels if your basket is coated in grease and food particles from a fresh batch of fried foods. Push harder to remove caked-on food buildup.
Place the fryer basket in a sink or dish tub. Plug the drain if using the sink directly. Pour 9 parts hot tap water to 1 part vinegar into the sink or tub, filling until the fryer basket is fully submerged. Set the basket on its side if necessary to submerge. Allow to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
Scrub the fry basket with a nylon scrubby sponge -- the type used for cleaning nonstick pans -- and a little dish soap. Scrub until all food residue and grease has been removed.
Pour a tablespoon or so of baking soda onto the scrubber if the caked-on residue is still hard to remove from the fryer basket. Scrub the residue with the baking soda applied to the sponge.
Rinse the fry basket in clean water and allow to dry thoroughly on your dish drying rack. Dry with paper towels if you plan to use the basket right away.