Instant Pots have revolutionized weeknight dinners, turning hours of simmering into minutes of pressure cooking. But while cooking is fast, that rubber sealing ring can hold onto last week’s chili smell forever if you aren’t careful.
Fortunately, cleaning an Instant Pot is straightforward. Most of the hard work can actually be done by your dishwasher. For the parts that need hand-washing, the process is quick and simple.
We will walk you through the manufacturer-approved cleaning methods to keep your pressure cooker sanitary, odor-free, and functioning perfectly for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Daily routine: Wash the inner pot, steam rack, lid, and sealing ring in hot soapy water after every meal to prevent bacterial growth.
- Deep cleaning: Perform a deep clean monthly by focusing on the base rim, steam valves, and anti-block shield.
- Burnt food hacks: Use a mixture of baking soda, water, and soap on a pressure cook cycle to lift stubborn burnt residue without scrubbing.
- Odor removal: Steam a mixture of water, vinegar, and lemon peel for three minutes to neutralize smells trapped in the silicone ring.
When to Clean Your Instant Pot
Treat your Instant Pot like any other pot or pan in your kitchen; it needs to be cleaned after every single use. This prevents food residue from building up, which can lead to bacteria and funky smells.
If you use your cooker several times a week, you should also perform a “deep clean” once a month. This involves tackling the nooks and crannies in the base and lid that you might miss during a quick daily wash.
Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe Parts
One of the best features of this appliance is how many components can go straight into the dishwasher. You can safely place the following parts on the top rack:
- Inner Pot: The stainless steel liner is tough and dishwasher friendly.
- Sealing Ring: The silicone ring can go in, which helps with odors.
- Lid: Most newer models have dishwasher-safe lids (check your manual to be sure).
- Steam Rack: The metal trivet is safe for the machine.
- Accessories: The steam release valve, anti-block shield, and condensation collector are safe.
The cooker base (the part with the plug) is never dishwasher safe. It contains the heating element and electronics.
Daily Cleaning Routine
While the dishwasher is great, hand-washing is often faster and just as effective. Here is how to clean your unit after dinner.
- Time: 15 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You’ll Need
- Water: Hot water is best for cutting grease.
- Soap: A mild grease-cutting dish soap.
- Tools: A soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or small brush.
- Drying: A dish towel or drying rack.
1. Unplug and Cool Down
Safety first. Always unplug the unit and let it cool down completely before cleaning. The heating element stays hot long after the timer beeps.
2. Prep the Sink
Fill your sink with hot water and a squirt of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleaches, as they can degrade the silicone and plastic parts. If you prefer natural cleaners, Puracy Natural Dish Soap is a great plant-based option.
3. Wash the Inner Pot
Remove the inner stainless steel pot and the steam rack. Soak them in the soapy water to loosen any stuck-on food. Scrub them with a sponge or brush, rinse thoroughly, and place them on a drying rack.
4. Scrub the Lid and Ring
Remove the silicone sealing ring from the lid. This is crucial because food juices often get trapped behind it. Wash the ring, the lid, and the steam release valve in the soapy water.
Inspect the ring for cracks or tearing while you wash it. If it is damaged, the pot won’t seal properly.
5. Wipe the Exterior
Take a damp cloth (not dripping wet) and wipe down the exterior of the cooker base. This removes fingerprints, sauce drips, and dust. Never submerge the base in water.
Deep Cleaning the Instant Pot
Once a month, give your appliance some extra attention. This process tackles the housing rim, the valves, and hard water stains that accumulate over time.
- Time: 40 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You’ll Need
- Cleaning Agents: Distilled white vinegar and mild dish soap.
- Tools: Microfiber cloths, small bowl, unused toothbrush or foam brush.
- Optional: Baking soda for tough stains.
1. Clean the Housing Rim
The rim of the base (where the lid locks in) is a crumb magnet. Dampen a clean toothbrush or a foam paintbrush with soapy water and scrub inside the groove. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth wrapped around the handle of a spoon to get into the tight crevices.
2. Refresh the Inner Pot
Stainless steel can develop bluish or rainbow-colored discoloration from minerals in water. To fix this, pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the pot and swirl it around. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse and buff dry. The vinegar acidity dissolves the mineral deposits instantly.
3. Deep Clean Lid Components
Pop the steam release valve off and remove the anti-block shield (the small metal cap on the underside of the lid) by pushing it toward the rim. Wash these small parts in hot soapy water to ensure no food particles are blocking the vents. Blocked vents can be a safety hazard, so this step is vital.
4. Tackle Base Stains
If you have burnt-on spills on the heating plate (inside the base), wipe them with a damp cloth. For stubborn spots, use a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Wipe away all residue with a damp cloth.
Check The Cord
5. Reassemble
Ensure all parts are completely dry before putting the machine back together. Moisture trapped inside the base can damage the electronics.
Removing Burnt Food Residue
If your inner pot is burnt and blackened, scrubbing it by hand can take forever. Instead, let the Instant Pot do the work for you using heat and baking soda.
- Time: 15 minutes.
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You’ll Need
- Ingredients: 2 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp dish soap, 2 cups water.
- Tools: Plastic spatula or wooden spoon.
1. Create the Solution
Add the baking soda, dish soap, and water directly into the burnt inner pot. Stir it slightly to mix.
2. Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Run the manual pressure cook cycle for 2 to 3 minutes. The pressurized steam forces the solution into the burnt crust.
3. Scrape and Rinse
Perform a quick release of the steam. Open the lid carefully. Use a plastic spatula to scrape the bottom; the burnt food should lift off in sheets. Rinse and wash as normal.
Removing Lingering Odors
Silicone is porous, meaning it absorbs smells from pungent foods like curries or chili. If your cheesecake tastes like last night’s tacos, you need to deodorize the ring.
- Vinegar Steam Bath: Fill the inner pot with one cup of water, one cup of white vinegar, and a few lemon peels.
- Run the Cycle: Seal the lid and run the “Steam” setting for 3 minutes.
- Air It Out: Let the steam release naturally or do a quick release. Remove the ring immediately and let it air dry in a sunny spot; UV rays help kill remaining odors.
Storage Tip
FAQs
Can You Submerge an Instant Pot In Water?
You can submerge the inner stainless steel pot and the lid, but you must never submerge the cooker base. The base houses the electrical components and heating element. If the base gets wet, let it dry upside down for several days before attempting to turn it on.
Do I Have to Clean the Instant Pot Lid Every Time?
Yes, you should clean the lid after every use. Even if it looks clean, steam carries food particles into the valves and behind the sealing ring. Bacteria can grow in these moist areas if they aren’t washed regularly.
How Often Should I Replace the Sealing Ring?
You should generally replace the silicone sealing ring every 12 to 18 months. However, if you notice cracks, tearing, or if the ring has stretched out and no longer fits snugly, replace it immediately to ensure the pot builds pressure safely.
Can I Use Steel Wool on the Inner Pot?
You can, but it isn’t recommended for daily cleaning. The inner pot is durable stainless steel, but steel wool can leave micro-scratches that dull the finish over time. For tough food, try soaking or the baking soda heating method first.
Ready to Cook?
Kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot are designed to save you time, and cleaning them shouldn’t undo that benefit. By sticking to a quick wash after dinner and a deeper scrub once a month, you keep your cooker in peak condition.
Remember to pay special attention to the sealing ring and the rim of the base housing, as these are the most common hiding spots for grime. With these tips, your pressure cooker will stay shiny, odorless, and ready for your next culinary experiment.
