The Instant Pot works overtime at our house, so occasionally, it needs a deep clean. I purchased this pressure cooker in 2014, and I’ve learned a trick or two about cleaning the Instant Pot itself, liner, rim, lid, sealing ring, and all the other parts and pieces of the Instant Pot.
It’s remarkable how much time and money we save with the Instant Pot. We love being able to make our meals, including some of our weekly staples, without having to hover over the stove. Who knew a countertop appliance could pay for itself? This 6-quart, 7 in 1 Instant Pot is my favorite.
You don’t need a lot of supplies or elbow grease to deep clean your Instant Pot. In fact, the majority of the pieces can be run through the dishwasher. Otherwise, grab a damp cloth and/or your favorite dish brush and some dishwashing soap.
How to Clean Your Instant Pot
Before doing anything, unplug your Instant Pot. Make sure the cord isn’t plugged into an outlet. In some models, you can remove the cord from the Instant Pot entirely. Safety first!
A few pieces of the Instant Pot should be cleaned differently: the Instant Pot Base, the Instant Pot Lining, the Instant Pot Lid, and the Instant Pot Sealing ring.
Let’s start with the base. The Instant Pot Base is the appliance itself with a heating element. It includes the power cord. This base should NEVER be submerged in water or placed in a dishwasher.
A damp cloth is the best way to clean the Instant Pot base. Remove the lid and stainless steel lining. Then, wipe down the inside and outside of the appliance.
How to Clean the Instant Pot Rim
Sometimes, the rim around the top can catch spills and cooked-on food. The crevice is narrow and can be difficult to reach with a rag or sponge. In this case, you can tilt the Instant Pot on its side to clean the rim with a dish brush.
Another way is to use the end of the Instant Pot ladle. Seriously! The end opposite the spoon is curved to fit inside the rim. Place a damp cloth over the bent end and slide it along the rim to remove dirt and grim. It works!
If you have misplaced your ladle, a small paintbrush works well for reaching into the crevice too. I particularly like using a foam paintbrush, but standard bristles get the job done just as well. I use a dish brush.
How to Clean the Instant Pot Liner (Stainless Steel Pot)
Clean the stainless steel liner as you would any pot. This can be done by hand with your favorite dishwashing brush, rag, or sponge. The Instant Pot stainless steel pot is also safe to be washed in the dishwasher.
If your Instant Pot liner becomes discolored or develops spots, try applying Barkeeper’s friend to bring back its shine. You can also clean the Instant Pot liner with white vinegar. For stubborn stains, allow the vinegar to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it out.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Lid
Before cleaning the Instant Pot lid, remove the sealing ring, anti-block shield, and pressure release valve. Those first two can be found on the underside of the lid, while the pressure release valve is on top.
All of the individual pieces, including the lid itself, can be ran through the dishwasher. However, they don’t get too dirty. I normally wash them with a dish brush, and let them air dry.
Don’t forget to put all the pieces back onto the lid before using the Instant Pot again.
How to Clean the Instant Pot Ring
A sealing ring is a flexible, silicone ring found on the bottom side of the Instant Pot lid. It is essential to allow your Instant Pot to come to pressure and actually cook.
Sometimes it can take on the smell of what you are cooking, especially if food is very fragrant like curry, chili, or other savory meals. Those flavors don’t easily leave the sealing ring.
To clean the Instant Pot ring, remove the ring from the lid. Then clean it with warm water and dish soap. If an odor lingers, try scrubbing the ring with baking soda.
Another option is to run it through the dishwasher. If there is still a pesky odor, try placing the ring in direct sunlight for a few hours.
Two Sealing Rings?
I feel like a genius for coming up with this idea. We keep two sealing rings, one that is used for savory/fragrant dishes and one that is used for mild dishes like oatmeal and steamed potatoes.
That way I don’t have to worry about odors or flavors from a strong meal transferring into something more bland. Genius, right? You know you need another ring. You can even get them in multiple colors so it’s easier to tell them apart.
Instant Pot Deep Clean Summary Checklist
- Base – Unplug cord and wipe down with damp rag. Use a small brush to clean along rim.
- Liner – Wash with soap and water or place in dishwasher. Use vinegar or Barkeeper’s friend for stubborn stains.
- Lid – Remove sealing ring, pressure valve, and anti-block shield. Wash each piece with soap and water or place them in dishwasher.
- Ring – Wash with soap and water or place in dishwasher. If an odor lingers, scrub with baking soda or place in direct sunlight.
Don’t forget to assemble all the pieces back together before using your Instant Pot. It needs every piece to function properly.
Favorite Instant Pot Recipes
Now what are you going to cook? Here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot recipes:
