How to Clean an Instant Pot in Fuss-Free Steps

Learn how to clean your Instant Pot right every time. Get tips and tricks for stuck-on food, a smelly ring, and a burnt element.

How to Clean an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has some great easy recipes that families love. However, this pressure cooker also has to be cleaned properly so it will keep functioning perfectly. When it comes to your Instant Pot, start your cleaning adventure with the inner pot and steam rack. You can choose to throw these in the dishwasher or wash them by hand. For general cleaning, you need:

• Non-scratch scrubber

• Dish soap

• White vinegar

• Cloth

• Old toothbrush

• Dish towel

Cleaning Inner Pot by Hand

Cleaning the inner pot is just like cleaning any other dish in your home. A bit of Dawn dish soap and water is all you need.

1. Put the inner pot and rack in hot soapy water.

2. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.

3. Wipe it out with a cloth.

4. For hard water stains in the bottom of the pot, pour white vinegar in the bottom of the pot.

5. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

6. Wipeout with a cloth.

7. Rinse and dry.

How to Clean the Instant Pot Base

The base and element are not dishwasher safe, so these must be cleaned by hand. Do not put the base in water either due to the electrical parts. Instead, grab a damp non-scratch scrubber.

1. Dampen your scrubber.

2. Wipe out the inside of the base and around the heating element with your non-scratch pad.

3. Use an old toothbrush to remove stuck-on food around the rim.

4. Shove a cloth into the crevice around the rim to remove any hidden food.

5. Use a dry towel to wipe everything out and remove any wetness.

6. Take a damp cloth and work a drop of dish soap into it.

7. Wipe around the outside, using the toothbrush for any stuck-on crud or residue.

How to Clean Instant Pot Lid

The lid of an Instant Pot is also dishwasher safe. Therefore, you can throw it in the top-rack of the dishwasher to get it clean. However, Instant Pot does recommend removing the seal ring and anti-block shield before putting it in the dishwasher. You can also choose to clean it by hand.

1. Gently pop off the sealing ring.

2. Take a dishcloth and rub it around the entire ring.

3. With the ring out, clean around the lid completely with a damp cloth.

4. Dry off the lid completely.

5. Hold your finger under the float valve.

6. Remove the silicone ring.

7. Take out the float valve.

8. Wipe down the float valve and silicone cap.

9. Put the float valve back in and place the silicone ring back on.

10. Fix the sealing ring back into place.

11. Fit it tightly.

12. Wipe around the top.

13. Wipe down with a towel again.

About every 6 months, check your sealing ring. If you notice wear or stretching, then it's time to replace it.

Storing Your Instant Pot

After you use and clean your Instant Pot, you don't want to seal it and put it away. This can cause the ring to get a funky smell. Instead, flip the lid upside down and store it that way. This can help to make sure your Instant Pot is ready to use for next time and not smelly.

How to Clean Instant Pot Ring

Sometimes the ring in your Instant Pot can get a funky odor. However, that doesn't mean you need to replace it. Instead, grab:

• White vinegar

• Lemon rind

• Baking sheet

Removing Smells From Instant Pot Sealing Ring

This method uses your Instant Pot as steam to remove smells.

1. Put equal parts vinegar and water in the insert. Typically, 2-3 cups of each.

2. Add the rind of a lemon.

3. Seal the lid and run on steam for a few minutes.

4. Take the lid off.

5. Gently take out the seal.

6. Allow it to dry completely.

How to Remove Instant Pot Ring Smells With White Vinegar

You can also try giving your ring a vinegar bath.

1. Fill a baking sheet with equal parts white vinegar and water.

2. Submerge the ring in the solution.

3. Allow it to sit for 30-60 minutes.

4. Wash with dish soap.

5. Allow it to dry completely.

How to Clean Instant Pot Heating Element

The element of your Instant Pot shouldn't need much cleaning. Wiping it down with a non-scratch scrubby is usually enough for cleaning. However, if you burn your heating element, you can try a bit of baking soda to clean it.

1. Create a paste of vinegar and water.

2. Apply it to the heating element in the base.

3. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

4. Wipe the baking soda mixture off with a sponge.

5. Use a non-scratching pad to shine up the element.

6. Dry the base and element out completely with a towel, ensuring no baking soda residue remains.

How to Clean Burnt Instant Pot

When it comes to burnt-on food, you don't need to start scrapping it with your fingernails or soak your inner pot for hours. Instead, try this simple solution with a few easy to find ingredients.

• Baking soda

• Dish soap (Dawn recommended)

Cleaning Burnt on Food in Instant Pot

With your tools at the ready, it's time to go marching into Instant Pot cleaning battle.

1. Add 4-5 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

2. Stir it around.

3. Put the top on and seal the pot.

4. Put the lever on non-venting.

5. Pressure cook for four minutes.

6. Allow a natural release.

7. After the pressure is gone, remove the lid.

8. Wash out the inside with soap and water.

9. Rinse and dry.

Getting Your Instant Pot Clean

Instant Pots make fabulous meals, but you can also make a fabulous mess. Make sure your Instant Pot is always cleaned the right way. Now it's time to get cooking.