The beloved Instant Pot has quickly become the darling of the kitchen for many people. Not only does it multitask and do the work of several appliances, it also helps get dinner on the table in a hurry. Wondering what the best way to care for your Instant Pot is? Let’s take a look at that today, including how to clean that odor-trapping silicone ring.

The Instant Pot doesn’t require much maintenance after you clean the insert and wipe down the exterior. However, to keep it in tip-top shape and ensure that you are getting a good seal, it is recommended to give it an occasional deep clean. Let’s get started!

Note: If you are unsure of the components or what the various parts are on your Instant Pot, refer to your manual or directly to Instant Pot for clarification.

image

Supplies:

  • warm water
  • mild dish soap or castile soap
  • microfiber cloth
  • small scrub brush or clean foam brush

Simple Steps:

  1. Begin by unplugging your Instant Pot and removing the cord.
  2. Put some warm water in a bowl and add several drops of mild dish soap or castile soap. Submerge your microfiber cloth in the bowl and wring thoroughly so that it is just damp. Wipe down the exterior of the Instant Pot, taking care that you don’t use too much water. The goal is to remove any fingerprints, errant drips and smudges that you may have.
  3. Dip your brush into the water and tap to get the excess water off. Gently scrub around the recessed area where the lid goes to remove excess crumbs and residue. Use your cloth to wipe away the residue after scrubbing.
  4. Using your clean damp cloth, wipe down the entire lid. Rinse your cloth as needed. While according to Instant Pot, you can technically submerge the lid, I prefer to wipe it down thoroughly just to be safe. You can certainly wash it in warm soapy water if you prefer.
  5. Remove the steam release handle and check for food particles. If there are any, use your brush to remove them.
  6. Remove the anti-block shield from the interior of the lid and wipe the steam valve clean. Be sure to not remove the steam valve as this is a fixed component. The area underneath the anti-block shield has a tendency to get sticky and collect condensation, so take care to be thorough on this step.
  7. Remove the silicone sealing ring that in the interior of the lid. If you feel like your Instant Pot smells like old food, this piece is the likely culprit. You can wash this piece in warm soapy water and wipe it down with vinegar or lemon juice to help remove the odors. If all else fails, you can also purchase a new sealing ring on Amazon. They are surprisingly inexpensive. Just be sure to get the correct size for yours.
  8. Wash the inner pot and the steam rack in warm soapy water or in your dishwasher. These are both dishwasher safe pieces.

That’s it! With an occasional deep clean, your Instant Pot will continue providing you and your family with countless quick and easy meals. What’s your favorite recipe or way to save time in the kitchen with your Instant Pot?

SHOP THE POST