Cleaning your Instant Pot can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the world of pressure cooking. But with a little bit of know-how and some elbow grease, you can keep your Instant Pot in tip-top shape. In this article, we'll walk you through the best way to clean your Instant Pot thoroughly and safely.

Have you ever wondered….Can the Instant Pot Lid Go in the Dishwasher? 

It’s a question I get all the time from friends and family when they find out just how much I use this versatile kitchen appliance.

The quick answer is YES! The Instant Pot lid can go in the dishwasher and that is yet another reason why dinner and clean-up is a breeze. 

If you want the long answer, keep reading to get some of the best cleaning tips to keep your Instant Pot in tip top shape.

First things first, make sure your Instant Pot is unplugged and completely cooled down before you start cleaning it. You don't want to risk burning yourself or damaging the appliance. 

Next, remove the inner pot and any other removable small parts, such as the sealing ring, float valve (or steam valve depending on model) steam rack, and any trivets. 

Once the Instant Pot has been unassembled, it's time to dive into the cleaning process.  

What You'll Need

Cleaning your Instant Pot takes little effort. Here's a list of different cleaning products and natural alternatives that will make getting cleaning a breeze. You won't need every item, just use the ones you have on hand or would like to try.

We use our Instant Pot all the time for family dinners and for testing recipes. The Instant Pot Ultra 60 is the model I use. It's a 6 quart size and has worked without fail for five years.

1. Vinegar

Cleaning your instant pot with vinegar is a great. It is a natural cleaner that can help remove stubborn stains and minerals. You can also soak the silicone sealing ring in vinegar to remove food odors.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another natural cleaner that can help remove grease and grime from your Instant Pot.

3. Dish Soap

Cleaning your instant pot with dish soap is a no-brainer! It's a mild cleaner that can help remove any food residue from your Instant Pot.

4. Soft Toothbrush

A soft toothbrush is an excellent tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as the steam release valve. If you have an old toothbrush, even better! But if you have a regular scrub brush, that is another great option.

5. Damp Sponge

A damp sponge or damp cloth is perfect for wiping down the exterior of your Instant Pot. 

6. Stainless Steel Cleaner

Bar Keepers Friend is perfect for removing stubborn stains from the inner pot. I don't recommend using it on the outer pot as it might be too harsh.

7. Lemon

Lemon is a natural cleaner that can help remove water stains and other stubborn stains from your Instant Pot.

8. Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping down the control panel and the exterior of your Instant Pot.

9. Warm Soapy Water

If you don't want to mess with any of the above, you can go for the the old stand by, hot water and dish soap! 

Cleaning Your Instant Pot - Steps

Even with normal use, your Instant Pot is bound to get a little dirty. Regular cleaning can help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. It can also help prevent the buildup of food debris, minerals, and stains.

Before you perform any cleaning steps, be sure you have read the owner's manual of your particular appliance. 

Clean the Inner Cooking Pot

The inner cooking pot is the most critical component of your Instant Pot, as it is where you cook your food. To clean it, follow these steps:

1. Remove the inner cooking pot from the Instant Pot and wash it with hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher.
2. Use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub away any stubborn stains or burnt-on food. A little Bar Keeper's Friend can help scrub away stubborn stains.
3. Rinse the pot thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel. 

Clean Removable Parts

Your Instant Pot comes with several removable parts that you can clean separately. These include the steam release valve, anti-block shield, and the steaming rack. To clean them:

1. Remove the parts from the Instant Pot and wash them with hot, soapy water.
2. Use a soft toothbrush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or debris.
3. Rinse the parts thoroughly with water and dry them with a clean towel.

Wash the Lid

The lid of your Instant Pot is also an essential component that needs regular cleaning. To clean it:

1. Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and wash it with hot, soapy water.
2. Use a soft toothbrush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or debris that may have collected around the edges.
3. Rinse the lid thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel.
4. If using the dishwasher, be sure to place it on the top rack.

Clean the Sealing Ring

The sealing ring is a silicone ring that creates a proper seal between the lid and the inner cooking pot. To clean it:

1. Remove the sealing ring from the Instant Pot and wash it with hot, soapy water. Or wash on the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. To remove odor from the ring, first soak it in a bowl of vinegar for 10 minutes. 
3. Use a soft toothbrush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or debris.
4. Rinse the sealing ring thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean towel.

Clean Condensation Collector and Accessories

Don't forget about the condensation collector (attached to the outside) and any accessories like trivets and racks. 

1. Remove the accessories from the Instant Pot and wash them with hot, soapy water.
2. Use a soft toothbrush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn stains or debris.
3. Rinse the accessories thoroughly with water and dry them with a clean towel.

Clean Base and Heating Element

The base and heating element of your Instant Pot can also collect debris and stains over time. To clean them:

1. Be sure to unplug the Instant Pot and let it cool down completely.
2. Sometimes food particles make their way to the bottom of the pot. To clean this area and around the heating element, use a damp cloth or sponge. 
3. If there are any stubborn stains or debris, use a non-abrasive scouring pad to remove them. Be sure the base is dry before re-assembling.

Clean Exterior Housing, Handles, External Cover, and Control Panel

Take extra care when cleaning the exterior to avoid unnecessarily scratching the surface. 

1. Use a toothbrush or a small, soft, bottle brush to reach inside the groove of the external cover to remove any stuck on food. 
2. Use soft cloth or sponge to wipe exterior housing and handles.

By following these cleaning tips, you can keep your Instant Pot in top condition and enjoy delicious recipes for years to come.

Important! Remember to read the manual and warranty information for specific care instructions and avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool that can damage the interior or exterior of your Instant Pot.

Tips

Cleaning your Instant Pot can be a hassle, but with a little elbow grease, it can be done quickly and easily. Here are some tips to help you get the job done:

• Use distilled white vinegar to remove mineral buildup: If you notice mineral buildup on your Instant Pot, you can use distilled white vinegar to remove it. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water, and use a damp sponge to wipe down the inside of the pot. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
  
• Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas: For those hard-to-reach areas, like the steam release valve or the anti-block shield, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away any grime or grease.
  
• Use baking soda and lemon to remove stubborn stains: If you have stubborn stains on your Instant Pot, mix baking soda and lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp sponge.
  
• Don't forget to clean the accessories: It's easy to forget about the steaming rack or the condensation cup, but these accessories need to be cleaned too. Simply hand-wash them with dish soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
  
• Replace silicone sealing ring for better results: If you notice that your Instant Pot isn't cooking as well as it used to, it might be time to replace the silicone sealing ring. Genuine Instant Pot® sealing rings are porous and can absorb odors, so it's important to replace them as needed.
  
• Read the manual: Before cleaning your Instant Pot, be sure to read the manual. The manual will provide specific instructions on how to clean your Instant Pot and what cleaning products to use.

• Use a dry cloth to be sure parts are dry before reassembling the unit for cooking or storage.

FAQ

Popular Instant Pot Recipes

Now that you're done cleaning your instant pot, you're ready to try some of my delicious, easy recipes!

Beef Recipes

• Instant Pot Cheesy Mexican Ground Beef and Rice
• Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
• Instant Pot Carne Guisada (Mexican Beef Stew)
• Instant Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs
• Instant Pot Beef Brisket with Beer and Onions

Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Greek Chicken with Couscous
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Breasts
• Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
• Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken and Alfredo Sauce

Soups and Sides

• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Instant Pot Mexican Beans
• Instant Pot Basmati Rice
• Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
• Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole
• Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
• Instant Pot Coconut Jasmine Rice
• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

CLICK HERE to have recipes delivered via email!

📖 Recipe

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