How to Clean an Instant Pot — Including Seals and Valves
The Instant Pot is a dinner lifesaver many a night, but are you cleaning it the right way? Instant pot, Instapot, call it what you will, but remember to clean it after every single use. And do it thoroughly.
The popular appliance has become a staple in many kitchens, but many would agree that it's not as simple to clean as the traditional stainless steel pot or one-pan dinner. Not only do you have to clean the main cooking chamber, but it's easy to overlook the sealing ring, steam release valve, and float valve. Food particles will gather in all of those areas as the machine is pressurized, and if they aren't cleaned, you might be on the fast track to compromising your appliance.
Cleaning Tips For Your Instant Pot
Unplug and disassemble the pressure cooker. Before cleaning, make sure that it's unplugged and cool after cooking. Disassemble removable parts like the anti-block shield, silicone sealing ring, inner pot, steam rack, and lid components. Each piece will need to be cleaned thoroughly.
Confirm the manufacturer's washing instructions. Some Instant Pot® products, for example, could tell you that all parts can be machine-washed (except the cooker base)! Not all pressure cookers may have the same advice, and not all Instant Pot® products are equal either, for what it's worth. Be sure to check if your specific product will be safe in the dishwasher.
Hand wash what you can. Putting the inner pot in the dishwasher is one thing (go ahead, do it), but we have better success cleaning the rack and pot sealing components by hand. Use warm water and dish soap to hand wash those pieces. Scrub them with a soft cloth or cleaning rag, paying attention to any food residues and tough stains.
Clean the lid and steam release valve. Remove the valve from the lid, and if applicable, disassemble it according to your model's instructions. Soak the valve (and its parts) in a mixture of equal parts hot water and white vinegar. Soaking them for at least 30 minutes helps to loosen food splatters and tougher food stains. Then, clean the valve and its parts with a soft scrub brush or sponge, and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and reattaching the valve to the lid.
Wipe down the exterior and interior. Wipe down both the exterior and interior of the Instant Pot with a damp cloth. For stubborn bits of food, a magic eraser cleaning sponge can help. Take extra care to avoid letting soapy water seep into the electrical components.
Dry and reassemble. Let everything dry — and we mean, 100% dry. Use a kitchen towel or paper towel, or patiently let them air dry overnight.
Need a deeper clean? Periodically, descaling the inner pot and pressure release valve can help. If you notice that the small appliance isn't functioning quite as well as it did on Day 1, put one cup of vinegar and one cup of water into the pot. Run the steam setting for a few minutes to let the solution circulate in the valve. Then, let the appliance cool, rinse everything, and let it dry.
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Can I put my Instant Pot in the dishwasher?
While some parts of the Instant Pot, such as the inner pot and silicone sealing ring, are dishwasher safe, we recommend that you hand wash them to prolong their lifespan. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines since products may vary.
How often should I clean my Instant Pot?
Wash all parts of your Instant Pot after every use! This prevents food residues from building up and ensures that the seals and valves continue to work well.
Related: The Best Ways to Clean Your Baking Sheets
How do I remove odors from my Instant Pot?
Some of those herbs and seasonings really stick, don't they? To remove odors from the Instant Pot, do a deep clean by steaming a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Alternatively, you can steam a mixture of water and lemon juice to freshen up the interior.
