How to Clean Instant Pot in Minutes

Instant Pot is a multi-tasking kitchen appliance that works wonders. You just need to put in all the ingredients, program it, and walk away. Also, it doesn’t need much cleaning post-cooking. However, you need to have a clean Instant Pot once in a while to keep it functioning the way it is. But how do you clean it without damaging the Instant Pot parts? Cleaning an Instant Pot is simple and takes only a couple of minutes.

5 Steps to a Clean Instant Pot

Before you start cleaning, you will need vinegar or dish soap, cotton or microfiber cloth, and a small scrub brush.

1) Unplug the appliance

The most important step in cleaning any electric appliance is to unplug it first. Check the cord for damage and see if it needs to be repaired.

2) Clean the exterior

Wipe the exterior with a microfiber cloth using soap and water to help remove tough stains. Use a small brush to remove dried food residue in the recessed area of the housing unit. Do not immerse the housing unit in water. It has electronic components. Also, be sure to clean the multi-function control panel.

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3) Clean the lid

Hand wash the lid with warm soapy water or you can also wipe it dry with a dry cloth. Pull off the steam release handle gently to remove it and check for food particles. To wipe the steam valve clean, remove the anti-block shield from the underside of the lid.

Never remove the steam valve. Reattach the anti-block shield and tighten by hand. If you often use the quick release option, you should unscrew the anti-block shield for cleaning.

4) Clean the silicone ring

Remove the silicone ring to get rid of the smell and check for damages. A deformed or leaking ring should be replaced immediately. You can put the silicone ring in the dishwasher or hand wash it by soaking in vinegar first to remove any Instant Pot sealing ring odor.

You can also clean the silicon ring by steam cleaning your Instant Pot. For that purpose, add two cups of water or white vinegar and some cut-up lemon rind. Seal the ring in place and set the Steam program for two minutes. Then allow the sealing ring to air-dry.

Clean and pat dry the ring before inserting it back. Check that it properly seals the pot before pressure cooking. Check if the float valve moves up and down without obstruction.

5) Clean the inner pot

Wash the inner pot and steam rack by hand or in the dishwasher. To remove the discoloration on the stainless steel inner pot, wipe or soak it with vinegar. Do not use steel wool for scrubbing; it will scratch the surface.
Reattach all the parts including the silicone sealing ring, anti-block shield, and float valve.