Post a picture of it, the basket and the mesh.

If it’s really bad then like someone else suggested: get some oven degreaser from the store, spray it down, let it sit for 10 minutes and wash off with hot water. Try not to breath the stuff, it’s nasty.

But you should be cleaning it weekly. Warm it up for a minute or two, then with folded paper towels wipe it out over a trash can. Leaving a light coating is actually to your advantage, it will keep the new stuff from sticking.

You’ve fought past the fear and anxiety; then become so comfortable that you don’t seem to remember that fear.