No, don't put your crock pot in the dishwasher. Here's how to easily clean a slow cooker

Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY
·2 min read

Slow cookers are loved for convenient meal preparation, but the aftermath - a massive pot of baked-on food with lingering odors, can be less than appealing. Hours of simmering can create a stubborn residue that withstands traditional scrubbing. However, did you know that there’s an easy hack to circumvent all that arduous cleanup?

We’re sharing everything you need to know about the fuss-free method to restore your slow cooker's sparkle without the need for strenuous scrubbing. No dishwasher Tetris, heavy lifting or arm muscle cramps required. Like most tasks with a crockpot, it’s as easy as set it and forget it! Here’s how to clean a slow cooker the easy way.

Watch the video above to learn how to clean a slow cooker the easy way.

How to clean a slow cooker the easy way

Supplies:

  • Water

  • Dish soap

Instructions:

  • Start by “slow cleaning” your slow cooker. Remove any leftover food, fill the pot with water (covering any residue), leaving an inch or two at the top.

  • Add dish soap and cover with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 1-2 hours, or up to 4 hours for tougher messes.

  • The steam helps loosen stubborn debris, while the soap breaks down greasy residue.

  • Unplug the slow cooker and allow it to cool.

  • Simply remove the insert and rinse thoroughly with water.

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Supplies:

  • Water

  • 1 cup vinegar

  • Baking soda

Instructions:

  • Add water to the slow cooker.

  • For large slow cookers, pour in one cup of vinegar.

  • Slowly add baking soda to avoid overflow.

  • Set to cook on low for 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for stubborn residue.

  • Once clean, unplug, let it cool and rinse the insert in the sink.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to clean a crock pot: Make sure your slow cooker is spotless