How long can i leave fryer basket in oil pot?

I just got as an early Christmas gift of a deep fryer. I know from reading the user guide and other information on the Internet that it is perfectly acceptable to leave fryer oil in the new fryer for extended periods of time. At least until it looks like it needs to be filtered. Particularly if i am primarily doing french fries in it. But, my question is the fryer basket, can i just leave it soaking in the cold oil all the time? or does it need to be washed every time I use the fryer?
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You Can leave it the oil without any problems. I have had a Rival deep fryer that has a close-able lid with filter for many years. The basket's handle folds down and blends into the side of the unit for storage. I have always left the basket in the oil and never have had any problems doing that. When I filtered or change out the oil, I would then wash the baskets, and allow it to dry completely before returning it to the oil. Water in deep frying oil just don't mix and can cause bad burns from unexpected spatter. Have fun, and You'll be using it for more than just fries, I did! Use Canola oil, it's cholesterol free and has a high boil point, last a long time, and is reasonably cheap. I'm including a breaded onion ring recipe that can be used on so many different foods. My brother Bob that it is name after, past on this past July at the age of 73. Good Luck, Enjoy, & Happy Holidays! Brother Bob's Beer-Batter Onion Rings Reminiscent of Bob's Big Boy of the 1950's & 60's That My Older Brother Bob Took Me To 1¼ cups All-purpose flour 1 lrg Egg ¾ cup Beer, room temperature 2 lrg Onions, white or Spanish cut in ¼" thick slices 1 tsp Salt ½ tsp Baking soda ¼ tsp Lemon-pepper 1 tbls Canola oil Oil for deep-frying In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, lemon-pepper, baking soda, and then egg and canola oil. Gradually whisk in beer and store in refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours allowing batter to rest before using. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 375ºF. Dip each onion slice into batter, shake slice slightly allowing excessive batter to drip off, and immediately place battered ring into hot oil and fry turning only once until both sides are golden brown. Serve hot. This batter works great on other vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, ect; it also works great on thin sliced chicken breast and fish.
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