Having an Instant Pot in your kitchen is a definite game-changer.
Unfortunately, after too much cooking, your pot may accumulate grime or emit an unpleasant smell. When this happens, you’ll need to deep-clean it.
If you have no clue on how to deep clean your Instant Pot, read on.
How to Deep Clean Your Instant Pot to Make it Look Like New
Instant Pot Routine Cleaning
Before we dive right into the juicy part, let’s go through a regular cleaning routine you should follow after every use of your Instant Pot.
This regular cleaning routine will save you a lot of effort when t it’s time for a deep clean.
Here is the routine:
- Handwash or toss the inner steel pot in the dishwasher
- Remove the sealing ring and steam rack and wash them in the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent it from absorbing colors or odors
- Wash the inside and outside of the lid with warm soapy water
- Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe any remaining dirt on the inside or outside of the cooker
How to Deep Clean an Instant Pot
Below are the steps to follow in cleaning your Instant Pot thoroughly.
1. Clean the Base and the Rim
The cooker base, also known as the housing unit, is the Instant Pot’s outside covering or exterior pot. This part isn’t dishwasher safe.
The base holds the microprocessor and the cooking heating element inside. Therefore, you’ll need to unplug it for your safety and that of the appliance.
Once it’s unplugged, remove the inner cooking pot and put it aside. Wipe the inside and outside of the housing unit using a damp microfiber cleaning cloth and a cleaning solution. Don’t use a dripping wet cloth; too much water may damage the inside of the pot if the appliance is plugged in a while still wet.
Food spills and food residue often get lodged in the exterior recessed rim.
Removing the debris using a damp cloth may be difficult. You can use a foam paintbrush or a pastry brush to clean the nooks and crannies of the rim.
When done, wipe the inside of the housing unit and the rim with a dry cloth. This will keep the unit dry and the rim rust-free.
2. Clean the Inner Pot
The inner pot, or instant pot liner, is where you cook your tasty Instant Pot recipes such as those found at Today’s Best Recipe.
This part is prone to stubborn food stains and food build-up.
The good news is that the inner pot is dishwasher-safe.
Therefore, you can pop it on your dishwasher bottom rack for a deep clean.
You can also handwash the inner pot using a damp cloth and white vinegar.
If you don’t have white vinegar, a little bit of “Bar Keepers Friend” will get the job done.
Never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool.
3. Wash the Lid
Wash the lid using a sponge dipped in warm soapy water.
If necessary, add vinegar to the solution to get rid of any smells that lurk on the inside of the lid.
4. Clean the Parts of the Lid
After cleaning the lid, remove the small parts that comprise the cover, including:
- The steam release handle – Remove this part by pulling it up and cleaning it using warm soapy water.
- The silicone seal – You can wash this part at the top rack of your dishwasher or steam it to remove unpleasant odors.
- Anti-block shield – This part covers the steam valve. Depending on your Instant Pot model, you can unscrew or pop it off. Wash the part with warm soapy water. Also, check the float valve for any clogs.
- The condensation collection cup – The condensation collector cup is on the side of your pot. If it needs cleaning, scrub it with hot soapy water.
- Silicon plug – The plug is at the bottom of the float valve. Clean it with warm soapy water.
5. Get Rid of the Smell from the Silicon Sealing Ring
The silicone ring at the bottom of the Instant Pot lid is a favorite spot for smells and food particles build-up.
Thus, it will need a thorough cleaning.
Although the part is dishwasher safe, the smell may still linger even after dishwashing.
To deep clean the sealing ring, put a cup of water, a cup of white vinegar, and a chopped lemon rind in the pot.
Seal the pot, run the steam setting for at least two minutes, and let the pressure release naturally.
When it’s safe, open the lid, remove the ring, and air-dry it before replacing it.
If the silicon ring is worn out, replace it before using the pot.
To remove any water stains, quickly wipe over the Instant Pot with a dry microfiber cleaning cloth.
Follow the guide above to deep clean your Instant Pot and keep it cooking your favorite recipes!
Storage Tips:
Store with the lid upside.