You may wonder how to clean Instant Pot components safely so you can keep using your appliance for years. One critical detail is that the base that contains the element is not dishwasher safe.
You can use mild dish soap or a vinegar solution to clean your Instant Pot without worry if you don’t have a dishwasher. Hand washing is just as effective and sanitary.
If you use your Instant Pot as much as I do, it will need regular cleaning. Thankfully, it’s easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly before putting it back together for its next use.
However, many users may skip over a simple area like the silicone sealing ring, which can lead to one that holds scents of previous meals.
Knowing how to clean an Instant Pot will make it look new and give you flavorful meals every time. I’ve spent time exploring the best ways on how to clean a burnt Instant Pot and all the components for this simple guide.
So, if you need to know how to clean an Instant Pot inner pot or get your appliance looking like new again, you’ve come to the right place.
Contents
8 Steps On How To Clean an Instant Pot the Right Way
Let’s jump right into the eight steps for cleaning your Instant Pot.
- Unplug the appliance and allow the Instant Pot to cool down completely
- Separate the Instant Pot components
- Clean the base housing
- Wash the inner pot and internal rack
- Clean the lid and silicone sealing ring
- Wash the accessories
- Use vinegar to remove staining
- Reassemble your Instant Pot
Step 1: Unplug the Appliance and Allow the Instant Pot To Cool Down Completely
Firstly, you should never clean an electric appliance when plugged in. Additionally, your Instant Pot will reach high temperatures during use, so make sure it completely cools down before you begin handling it for cleaning.
Step 2: Separate the Instant Pot Components
The Instant Pot comes apart easily into different pieces, allowing you better access to each part for deep cleaning. If you don’t remove each component, you won’t be able to get your appliance as clean as possible.
Step 3: Clean the Base Housing
The Instant Pot base with the element is not dishwasher safe. This part will require careful cleaning using a soft, damp cloth to remove food debris without getting the electrical components too wet.
You can use a small soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush to thoroughly clean the crevices and ridges.
Step 4: Wash the Inner Pot and Internal Rack
Before cleaning, you can soak the inner pot and internal rack for 5 to 10 minutes to help release any dried-on, burnt food.
These parts will be either stainless steel or metal with a non-stick coating. They are dishwasher-safe and can go on the bottom rack. Be sure to place the inner pot upside-down.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can hand-wash these items using mild dish soap or solution with one part vinegar and one part water. Only use a soft sponge, cloth, or scrubber on the inner pot and internal rack.
Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the pot or rack’s surface. Any damage to these components will cause food to stick and burn during use.
Step 5: Clean the Lid and Silicone Sealing Ring
You must pay close attention to the Instant Pot lid and its silicone sealing ring. Thoroughly clean the lid and seal after each use, just like the inner pot.
The lid and its silicone seal ring can collect debris and absorb odors from food. Without proper cleaning, you may notice an unfavorable musty smell.
Depending on your model, the Instant Pot lid may have several smaller, removable parts to clean easily. These components can include:
- Steam release cover
- Steam release valve
- Quick cool cover
- Anti-block shield
- Float valve silicone cap
All these parts are dishwasher safe and can go on the top rack for quick and easy cleaning. Alternatively, you can hand-wash them and let them dry.
Use a sponge, soft cloth, or non-abrasive scrubber with mild dish soap or your vinegar and water cleaning solution on the lid and all its parts. In addition, you can use a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the silicone sealing ring for proper cleaning.
If your silicone ring needs a deep cleaning to remove odors, you can remove it and soak it in one part vinegar and one part water for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, rinse it well before replacing it into the Instant Pot lid.
Step 6: Wash the Accessories
Some Instant Pot models will include a condensation collector that will need cleaning after each use. It’s simple to use mild dish soap and water to clean this part, although it is also dishwasher safe.
If you have any other accessories that came with your Instant Pot that you use for its operation, be sure to clean them all thoroughly. Rinse each piece well and let them dry.
Step 7: Use Vinegar To Remove Staining
After their Instant Pot is clean, some users will notice it has staining or a blueish hue from continuous use with foods with a high mineral or salt content.
You can quickly get your inner pot looking new with some white vinegar. First, pour straight white vinegar into the inner pot to cover the bottom and let it sit for five minutes. Then, rinse it thoroughly.
Step 8: Reassemble Your Instant Pot
Once all your Instant Pot components are clean and dry, you can reassemble your appliance. If you have difficulties, refer to your owner’s manual for proper reassembly.
In Summary: Cleaning Your Instant Pot
Now you know how to clean an Instant Pot. This is a terrific appliance that will make your mealtimes stress-free.
By following this helpful guide, you can ensure your Instant Pot is clean and ready for the next time you need it. With these proper cleaning methods, you can help prolong the life of your Instant Pot and ensure it operates as it should every time.
