Wondering how to sanitize an Instant Pot? You’ve come to the right place! In this Instant Pot cleaning guide, you’ll learn how to keep your Instant Pot clean amid day-to-day use, plus how to deep-clean it (and how often you should).
You’ll also find other handy tips throughout this guide, including deodorizing the silicone sealing ring and the secrets of the Steam setting (it’s like an Instant Pot cleaning cycle!)
Table Of Contents
How To Clean An Instant Pot
Everyday Instant Pot Cleaning
Do these things after each use:
- Wash the stainless steel inner pot. Load the steel pot into your dishwasher with the rest of your dishes after dinner.
- Wipe down the housing unit. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the body of the cooker, inside and out.
- Clean the sealing ring. Remove the silicone ring on the inside of the lid and wash it by hand or in the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Wipe the inside of the lid. It’s easy to forget about the lid when cleaning your Instant Pot, but it can get quite grimy! Wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Deep Cleaning An Instant Pot (Every Few Weeks)
Every few weeks, follow these steps to deep-clean your Instant Pot and prevent clogs, stubborn residues, and unpleasant odors from forming:
Step 1 – Unplug It
You should unplug your Instant Pot every time you clean it, but it’s especially important before more intensive cleanings. You don’t want to take any chances!
Step 2 – Clean The Housing Unit
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the inside and the outside of the “housing unit” (the body of the Instant Pot that houses the electrical components).
Use a small brush to dislodge any food residue hiding in the nooks and crannies of the bottom of the unit.
Step 3 – Wash The Lid
Hand-wash the lid of your Instant Pot with warm, soapy water. (You can also wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher, but you should remove the small parts before doing so to ensure you don’t lose them.)
Step 4 – Check The Smaller Parts
The small parts around the steam valve can get blocked with food or food residues, so this is a good time to inspect and clean them. First, remove the Quick Release handle by pulling it straight up. Give it a quick wash with warm soap water and replace it.
Next, remove the shield that covers the steam release valve on the inside of the lid. It might screw off or pop off, depending on the model. Wash the shield and replace it.
Finally, wash and replace the condensation collection cup that attaches to the side of your Instant Pot.
Step 5 – Clean The Sealing Ring
Remove and inspect the silicone ring on the underside of the lid. If you notice cracks or other signs of wear and tear, replace it with a new one. (You can find replacement rings online that only cost a few dollars.)
Wash the silicone ring in the top rack of your dishwasher, or perform a steam clean to remove any odors that might be present. (See “How To Deodorize An Instant Pot Sealing Ring” below for more on steam cleaning.)
Once the sealing ring is clean, replace it so that it rests snugly against the lid.
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Step 6 – Wash The Inner Pot And Accessories
Wash the stainless steel pot, steam rack, and any other Instant Pot accessories you use regularly. The inner pot and steam rack are dishwasher-safe, but you should check the labeling on your other accessories before putting them in your dishwasher.
Step 7 – Reassemble
The final step is to put all of the pieces of your Instant Pot back together. Make sure you don’t forget about the smaller parts, like the sealing ring, valve shield, or Quick Release handle!
How To Deodorize An Instant Pot Sealing Ring
An alternate title for this section could be “How To Sanitize An Instant Pot,” because you can use the Steam program to sanitize the inside of the pot and lid (not to mention other objects, as long as they’re heat-safe and fit in the pot!)
If your Instant Pot lid’s silicone sealing ring has absorbed food odors, you can deodorize it by steam cleaning it with vinegar right in your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and a few lemon peels to the inner pot, then select the “Steam” setting and set a timer for 2 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally, and once the lid unlocks, remove the sealing ring from the lid and let it air dry.
The vinegar and oils from the lemon peels work together to neutralize odors that can get trapped in the silicone ring so you can keep using it. (However, these sealing rings do eventually wear out, so you’ll have to replace them eventually.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Put The Inner Pot In The Dishwasher?
Yes, the stainless steel inner pot is dishwasher-safe. Place it on the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleaning.
How Do I Remove Odor From My Instant Pot?
To remove unwanted odors, wash all the removable parts with warm, soapy water. You can also sanitize the Instant Pot by running a cleaning cycle (select the Steam program) with 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and some lemon peels.
What’s The Best Way To Deep Clean The Silicone Sealing Ring?
Remove the silicone sealing ring from the lid and wash it with warm, soapy water, then let it dry completely before replacing it. You can also wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Conclusion
With the help of these cleaning tips, you can ensure your Instant Pot lives a long and productive life!
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How often do you clean your Instant Pot?
What if I was very dumb and put water in the bottom of instant pot not using an inner pot? Should I just throw it away?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Judy! Just let the Instant Pot dry completely. Hopefully you unplugged it right away – otherwise it may have caused a short. Once it’s dry (after a few days, at least), plug it back in and see if it works! As long as it was water (not oil), you should be okay :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can I use a Brillo pad to clean the inner pot of my instant pot? It is stainless steel right?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I ha a cuisine art pressure cooker, I made beef stew in it and it was great. Then sometime later I made beef stew again and could get it set and so I put it in another dish and put it in the oven, in too long and burned it. My guess of time was off. Then I boiled some eggs according to directions online and the eggs burned is there help for me?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Marlene! I would start with this post: https://jillee.co/2COgXcs
That should answer a lot of your questions, but please email me if you have any others! jill@byjillee.com
Please log in or create a free account to comment.WOW I am so glad I found this post! Thank you, thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I put the lid in the dishwasher. My owner’s manual said it is safe. Which makes sense because the instant pot lid gets way hotter than my dishwasher.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just wondering what the difference is between an instant pot and the Nuwave nutripot pressure cooker
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They are just different brands! They are both electric pressure cookers :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can you use any kind of a cooking bag or liner in them
Please log in or create a free account to comment.No, it gets too hot in the Instant Pot for a liner.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What is the difference between a one pot and a pressure cooker?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Using a brush for the top section is such a great idea. I was just trying to cram my finger into that spot earlier today and figured there must be a better way. It’s no surprise that you had the answer!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As you mentioned cleaning the pot with soap and detergent i was confused since it will be smelly but i got relieved when you suggested to use vinegar to remove the residue. thanks for your tip. really helpful
Can I use lemon essential oil instead of the lemon peel?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, a couple drops should do the trick!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Jillie, just started using the instant pot and love it so far! Does take some effort doing something new, old habits die hard, it so worth it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I received an instant pot for Christmas! I made French onion soup and the inside is scorched ugh! How can I clean it without damage?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try one of these tricks! http://jillee.co/2jTdyhJ
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!! The baking soda worked well. I was worried about using abrasives.
I’d like to know how to clean the inside of my procelin lined dutch oven. It discolors everytime I use it. you have such great tips and tricks. Help
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Some dish soap and baking soda should do the trick! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am excited about buying my first Instant Pot this weekend. Thank you for your cleaning tips, and I see references to many recipes, thanks for those too.
However, you mentioned a link to making creme brulee and I didn’t see the link for that recipe. Could you please provide me with that recipe link? I would be very grateful as that is my husband’s favorite dessert.
Thank you and may you have a happy and healthy new year!
Joanie
Here you go Joanie! http://jillee.co/2pX8eiI
Please log in or create a free account to comment.One other cleaning tip for the stainless steel inner pot – or any stainless steel pot for that matter – a 1/4 cup of vinegar splashed into the pot and swished around with a soft brush or wrung out cloth will get rid of those pesky bluish and white heat stains on the bottom and sides. If they’re stubborn let it sit for a couple of minutes, wipe around and then rinse. Great for inbetween the intense deep cleans!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My husband is getting an instant pot to cook dried beans. We are vegetarians. He is particularly interested in how long and at what pressure the beans have to be cooked to destroy the lectins in the beans. We aren’t finding this information on the web and I thought ask Jillee she seems to know everything.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We love our instant pot for about everything, but it is amazing for cooking dry beans! I either soak the beans overnight, or do the quick soak method described in the manual. Then I drain and rinse the beans, put them in the instant pot with enough water to cover past your second knuckle of your forefinger. I throw in a couple pieces of seaweed. This is supposed to help cut the lectins and thus far, has worked very well for me. Seal up the pot and push the bean setting. I think it cooks for 30 minutes. I hope this helps. Enjoy your IP!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Here’s an article all about it LaReine! http://jillee.co/2CaxdVx
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