How To Deep Clean Your Instant Pot
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, when you choose to use the links provided. See the Disclosure Policy for more information.
Shared by Katie
Step-by-step directions showing you how to deep clean your Instant Pot. Specific ideas for hand-washing Instant Pot parts so theyll last.
Functions Of An Instant Pot
- You can use an instant pot in place of a slow cooker or pressure cooker to cook delicious food in a short time.
- Instant pot is great for cooking rice. When the timer goes off, the rice will be cooked. You can do other chores during the cooking period without having to stand by it.
- Instant pot can be used to steam food as well as caramelize vegetables using the saute mode.
- You can keep your food warm in an instant pot.
- Instant pot can be used to set yogurt. Some advanced versions of instant pot also enable you to boil eggs bake cakes.
How To Clean The Instant Pot After Each Use
After you have finished making your delicious Instant Pot meal that your family will love, you will want to make sure that you clean your Instant Pot properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help make it easier.
Also Check: Deer Meat Instant Pot
How To Clean An Instant Pot: Everyday Cleaning
Every day you should wash inside your pot. Since it is dishwasher approved, you can just put it with your other dishes after supper. Wipe it down utilizing a wet dishcloth to clean the inside and outside of the cooker. Next, clean the sealing ring. You must wash the silicone ring after each time you use it to prevent it from soaking up food, odors, or colors. You can wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Make sure you remember to wipe the inside of the lid since this is often the dirtiest part! A little elbow grease never hurt anyone.
Cleaning The Condensation Collector
The condensation collector is a small plastic cup that hangs on the outside of the Instant Pot. It is not necessary to wash after every use, as it may not have accumulated much liquid. It may be hand washed or placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
For more tips on cleaning the Instant Pot, visit the manufacturer’s official website.
Don’t Miss: Frozen Ground Beef Instant Pot Recipes
How Often To Clean An Instant Pot
To avoid the buildup of food or odors, all pieces of the Instant Pot that come in contact with food should be cleaned after each use. That could include the inner cooking pot, steam rack, and lid components like the sealing ring and anti-block shield. Other parts that don’t necessarily get dirty each time, such as the exterior or the condensation cup, can be cleaned occasionally or as needed.
How To Keep It Clean With Excessive Use
You may be wondering how do you keep your instant pot clean at all times, especially when youve been using it diligently who isnt?
To do that, make sure you follow these basic cleaning tips every after use:
- Wash the inner pot. It is dishwasher safe so you can toss it in with the rest of your dishes after dinner.
- Wipe it down. Use a wet dishcloth to wipe down the inside and the outside of the cooker. Constantly do this every after use.
- Clean the sealing ring. You should wash the silicone ring on the inside of the lid after each use to prevent it from absorbing food odors or colors. You can safely wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Wipe the inside of the lid. Its easy to forget about the lid when cleaning your instant pot, but its often one of the surfaces that gets the dirtiest!
Don’t Miss: Instant Pot Warnings
How To Clean Tough Stains With Bar Keepers Friend
For next level shiny pot, we love to use Bar Keepers Friend powder or liquid cleaner. Also dont forget the bottom of the pot on the outside, if you are a Mr. Clean like me.
Final verdict: And here is how shiny and spotless stainless steel pot looks like when cleaned with Bar Keepers Friend. Definitely, it is more powerful than baking soda. I prefer cream to powder cleaner because it scratches less, which is particularly important when cleaning quartz countertops.
Cleaning The Instant Pot Lid
The lid on your Instant Pot is top-rack dishwasher safe. Remove the sealing ring and the anti-block shield for a more thorough lid cleaning. Verify the steam release valve and float valve are working properly and there is no food or other debris that would block them and decrease pressure. When youre storing your freshly cleaned Instant Pot, keep the lid upside down to minimize the chance of trapping moisture that can cause odors.
Don’t Miss: Can You Cook Tamales In An Instant Pot
How To Clean An Instant Pot The Right Way
Do you find it hard to keep your pressure cooker pots clean and performing their best? You have found the right place to help you on how to clean an instant pot.
If youre like most people out there, then you are probably pressure-cooking like crazy since getting an instant pot. Its probably one of the best kitchen gadgets that you cant trade for anything now we can agree on that!
After all that cooking, your instant pot deserves the right cleaning to keep it in its same condition. Luckily, you have come to the right place. Today Im going to show you how to deep clean your instant pot the right way.
Lid Sealing Ring And Anti
Rick is quick to admit “I HATE cleaning the lid.” Its also the most crucial part of the cleanup when it comes to odor prevention. Ricks advice is to always remove the sealing ring and anti-block shield after every use. Clean both thoroughly with warm soapy water, as the silicon ring is quick to absorb flavors and odors and the anti-block shield can trap food particles. The lid itself can go into the top rack of the dishwasher. Be sure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
Also Check: Instapot C7
Is The Instant Pot Dishwasher
Yes, there are parts of the Instant Pot that are dishwasher safe. The stainless steel pot and steam rack can go in the bottom rack of your dishwasher. The lid is dishwasher-safe as long as you only put it on the top rack.
Before you wash the lid in the dishwasher, dont forget to remove the sealing ring and the anti-block shield.
Do not put the cooker base in the dishwasher. This is not dishwasher safe at all.
While the stainless steel inner pot and steam rack are both safe to put in the dishwasher, its still possible that they will get water spots on them.
To prevent the water spots, dry them completely after the dishwasher is finished before you put them away.
Clean Sanitize And Deodorize Your Instant Pot
You will need:
- Add water + vinegar + lemon to the pot.Lock on lid and turn pressure valve to SEALING.Choose STEAM function and set timer for 3 minutes.
- When done allow natural release for 10 min, release remaining pressure if any is left, and open lid.Remove seal ring, rinse both lid and ring with water and let them dry completely.Remove the inner pot, rinse it and let it dry.Your pot is now deodorized and much fresher smelling, ready for your next cooking adventure!
Did you know
You can also wash the sealing ring on the top rack of your dishwasher, along with the inner pot which can go on the bottom rack.
Also, that little condensation cup that you snapped on the back of your pot when you first got itit needs a wash once in a while, even if it seems empty and clean.
And it goes without sayingbut Im saying it anyways
The actual Instant Pot should never be submerged in water, just wipe the surfaces with a wet sponge or spot clean where necessary.
For stuck or burnt food replace the vinegar and lemon with a tablespoon of baking soda and a small squirt of dish soap, then follow the method for deodorizing .
Also Check: What Does Pc Max Mean On Instant Pot
Looking For Easy Starter Recipes
Check out these Easy Instant Pot Recipes to get you started.
*Disclosure: We are an Amazon Influencer/Amazon Associate. This means that if you decide to purchase items or services on Amazon through our links on Pressure Cook Recipes to Amazon, Amazon will send a small commission to us at no additional costs to you. Thank you!
Goodbye Stains And Burnt
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
While one of the main selling points of the Instant Pot is the reduced cooking time, there are other advantages, including easy cleaning. For many recipes, the inner pot is the only pan you’ll need to scrub down, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you use your Instant Pot electric pressure cooker every day or only occasionally, here’s what you need to know about keeping it clean and working properly.
Most parts of the Instant Pot can be washed in the dishwasher. The inner pot, sealing ring, and trivet are all dishwasher safe, and the lid is top-rack dishwasher safe. Use a clean, damp cloth to clean the outside of the Instant Pot base. Always unplug the Instant Pot before cleaning.
Do not wash the base. If it does happen to get wet, let it dry thoroughly before using.
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Clean the inner pot with warm, soapy water or wash it in the dishwasher. For stuck-on pieces of food, try scrubbing with baking soda or a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend. If the pot has some light staining or discoloration, wipe it down with some vinegar. Always dry parts thoroughly before returning to the Instant Pot. Store the pot with the lid upside-down.
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Periodically remove the steam release valve and check it for debris. Wash it with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. When it’s dry, place it back on the lid.
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Also Check: Can You Steam Tamales In An Instant Pot
Scrub The Cooking Pot
Instant Pots come with an inner pot made of stainless steel that can handle a lot of cooking methods — even searing and browning meats. The drawback, though, is that bits of food and char can really cling to it. Rice can be particularly stubborn. Here are a couple common scenarios.
Blueish stains. The Instant Pot is like any stainless-steel cookware and can develop blueish stains caused by minerals in water and food. To remove these stains, simply soak the pot in white vinegar for about 5 minutes and rinse away. If there’s more, soak a sponge in vinegar and use a little elbow grease.
Stuck-on food. To get rid of any build-up or food stains, first try soaking the pot with a little dish soap and warm water. The treatment significantly softens stuck-on junk that should then scrub away easily. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to try Bar Keeper’s Friend, which is safe for stainless-steel cookware like the Instant Pot’s pot. Sprinkle a little bit on the affected area, then use a soft, damp sponge to work away the grime. Rinse thoroughly, and you’re set.
The pot is dishwasher-safe, too, so you can pop it in on the bottom rack for deep cleaning.
Instant Pot lids have many parts that can get dirty or clogged.
Guide To Cleaning Instant Pot Lids
There are several parts to the Instant Pot lids. They include the:
- Sealing Ring
- Anti-Block Shield
- Steam Release Handle
- Lid itself
While you do not need to remove all the individual Instant Pot lid pieces every time you wash your Instant Pot lid, it is a good idea to do it every so often, maybe every month or two, depending on how frequently you use your Instant Pot.
Each item can be removed from the Instant Pot lids, simply by pulling them straight up and off, and deep cleaned individually.
Im going to tell you how. All of it is explained in the video below, or continue reading.
Read Also: Can You Put The Instant Pot Lid In The Dishwasher
How To Clean An Instant Pot Sealing Ring
The sealing ring on the lid of your Instant Pot can collect food spatters, absorb odors, and hold moisture, leading to mold. To clean the Instant Pot silicone sealing ring, do the following:
Step 1:Remove the Sealing Ring
Remove the silicone ring around the underside of your Instant Pot lid.
Step 2: Mix Soapy Water
Plug your sink drain and fill it with enough warm, soapy water to fully cover the ring. Use mild dish soap to help keep the sealing ring from being exposed to harsh chemicals, which can cause it to crack or discolor.
Step 3: Clean the Instant Pot Sealing Ring
After letting the Instant Pot sealing ring soak for five minutes, lightly wipe it down with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Step 4: Dry the Silicone Ring
Pat dry with a clean towel and place it back into the lid.
Once a month, after regular cleaning of the sealing ring, wipe the ring with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Doing this will remove any lingering odors.
Is The Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe
Yes, the sealing ring, lid, and steam rack can all be put into the dishwasher, as well as the inner pot of the Instant Pot. You might want to hand-wash the lid as it does have pieces that can come out in the dishwasher, like the steam handle release and float valve.
You may also be able to put accessories such as springform pans, steamer baskets, pot-in-pot pans, etc. in the dishwasher but be sure to check the product manual for those accessories.
You May Like: Can You Make Tamales In An Instant Pot
Clean The Inside Base
The very first thing you should do is unplug your Instant Pot.
Never clean it when its plugged in, even if it is turned off!
Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the base of the Instant Pot. There shouldnt very much here that is tough to clean. After you wash the base, turn it around and wipe the outside of the pot too.
Before you finish this step, use a dry cloth to remove all the water that your rag might have left behind.
Clean Instant Pot Exterior Housing And Rim
Never use water directly on the exterior housing. Instead, use a dampened towel to wipe clean the surface. To clean the rim, soak the craft foam brush in foamy water and then use it to clean the area around the rim.
You can also use a makeshift foam brush by wrapping a dampened microfiber cleaning cloth around a stick or chopstick. Push It around the rim to wipe It clean.
Also Check: Instant Pot Lid Wont Open
How To Wash An Instant Pot Lid
It is better to not use the dishwasher on the lid. Instead, wash It with plenty of water after every use. You can also use warm soapy water for efficient and fast removal of stains and food residues.
For deep cleaning the parts of instant pot, follow the steps below:
- Push the Anti-block shield from one side and check for any food residues. After cleaning and drying, push It back into its position.
- Pull the venting knob and install It back after washing and rinsing it.
- Slide the condensation collector out and drain any liquid If present. Wash and dry and slide It back.
Instant Pot Is Taking Too Long To Start The Timer
The instant pot will take at least 15 minutes to pressurize and start the timer. If the recipe says pressure cook in Instant Pot for 5 minutes, add 15 minutes to this time.
However, If It takes longer than 20 minutes to start the timer, check the settings and adjust the mode If needed. Plus the more food you stuff in your pot, the longer It will take to start the timer.
Also Check: Canning With Ninja Foodi
How To Deep Clean The Instant Pot
When you have the time a deep clean of the Instant Pot makes all the difference! To deep clean, the Instant Pot, begin by taking the inner pot out of the base.