Kitchen Dining

I just bought an air fryer and it smells like hot plastic. I live in a small dorm & so the smell fills the room fast. I tried the burn-in cycle and washed the basket with soap and water. I also ran a batch with lemon slices and baking soda. It helped, but the smell comes back when I cook fries. I can't open windows much because it is cold. Is this normal for the first few uses, and what else can I do to make it stop?

I bought a mid-size air fryer about six months ago and the basket’s nonstick coating has started flaking near the edges. We cook at typical temps (350-400°F) a few nights a week and I only use silicone or wooden utensils. I hand-wash with a soft sponge, never the dishwasher, and I avoid aerosol oil sprays. The peeling makes me worry about food safety and whether I’m cleaning it wrong. I’m trying to keep any replacement or fix under $30, but I’d prefer not to replace the whole unit. I’ve tried soaking in warm soapy water and letting it fully dry, but the flaking keeps spreading. Is this common with these baskets, and what can I do to prevent it from getting worse?

Hard water has my kettle crusty and it’s making tea taste off. I’ve seen people use vinegar or citric acid but I don’t want to damage the stainless. What’s the right method and how often should I do it?