If you've recently been gifted an Instant Pot, you might have no idea how to spruce it up when it's gotten dirty. You definitely need to know how to clean Instant Pots because they cook your food, and anything in food prep and cooking needs to be properly cleaned and sanitized to be safe. There are a few guides online about cleaning your Instant Pot, and we've compiled cleaning tips here, whether you want to do a DIY deep clean with a simple hand wash or by putting pieces of the electric pressure cooker in the dishwasher. Grab your baking soda, a few cups of water, a microfiber cloth, and your best deep cleaning supplies. Instant pot recipes and pressure cooking delights are calling your name, but let's get rid of all that discoloration first.
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How to Clean Your Instant Pot
1. Unplug
First thing's first: you should always unplug this kitchen accessory before ever starting Instant Pot cleaning. It's electric, after all, and you don't want to risk water and dish soap causing electrocution.
2. Disassemble
Remove the Instant Pot lid, the steam rack, and the inner stainless steel inner pot from the exterior cooker base of the Instant Pot. If you're really wanting to do the best instant pot cleaning job you can muster, remove the instant pot sealing ring so that you can clean that later as well.
3. Clean Base
Clean your Instant Pot base at the bottom of the pot next. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove crumbs, food particles, and food splatters. Do the same on the inside if needed and dry right away. Clean the area around the lip of the base with a small brush or toothbrush to remove any food that's left. The base has the heating element and should never be left in water!
4. Clean Inner Pot, Steam Rack
"The inner bowl and steam rack are made of stainless steel, so these can be washed by hand in warm, soapy water or placed in the dishwasher on either rack for tougher-to-tackle food stains or remains," Better Homes and Gardens notes. If there are water stains, clean with white vinegar and water, but never with steel wool.
5. Clean Instant Pot Accessory Pieces
The anti-block shield and silicone sealing ring of your Instant Pot need to be removed next and cleaned.
6. Wash Lid
Then, wash the Instant Pot lid in warm soapy water if you're doing a hand wash or put it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
7. Check Valves
Before putting the Instant Pot back together, take a look at the lid's steam release valve and float valve to make sure there are no food particles. Take out and hand wash the cup that collects moisture if needed.
8. Reassemble
After allowing the cooker to air dry, put your Instant Pot back together, making sure everything is securely in place so the kitchen appliance is safe to use. Enjoy your next meal!
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