If you have an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and would like to know how to clean an instant pot, then this post has everything you need. In the last few years, Instant Pot sales have increased and now that so many people have these pressure cookers, they are now turning to Google or Pinterest to find out how to clean your Instant Pot. If you are one of these people, then keep reading for everything you need to know about cleaning your instant pot.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
First, you might be curious about what a pressure cooker is and how this Instant Pot craze started. If you are not interested or already know everything, then you can jump ahead to the next section. But, I’m always curious about how products got started and what made them popular.
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker. What makes it different from other pressure cookers is that the Instant Pot was designed by Canadians to be a smart, safe, and dependable pressure cooker to cook two to six times faster and with less energy usage. The Instant Pot can be used as not only a pressure cooker, but also a slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker, warmer and more.
The Instant Pot Craze
When did the instant pot come out and when did the Instant Pot craze start? Starting in 2010, consumers could purchase this multi-use pressure cooker, and has grown in popularity through social media, word-of-mouth, and advertising since then. On Amazon’s Prime Day in 2016, Double Insight Inc. sold more than 215,000 Instant Pots! Now, the official, most popular Instant Pot Facebook group has 1,629,071 members and there are many other popular Instant Pot Facebook groups run by various food bloggers. In addition, there are whole blogs and websites devoted to Instant Pot recipes and creative uses for your Instant Pot. In fact, a food blogger friend of mine figured out how to make wine from grape juice using his Instant Pot. Learn how to make Instant Pot Wine here.
Everything You Need to Know About How to Clean an Instant Pot
So, you bought one of these pressure cookers in the last few years during this Instant Pot craze and now you want to know how to clean your Instant Pot.
How to clean your Instant Pot Step-by-Step Easy Instructions
- Unplug your Instant Pot and be sure it has cooled down completely.
- Remove the inner pot, lid, and all detachable parts from the lid.
- Clean the removed individual pieces in either the dishwasher or by hand with warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the outside of the Instant Pot.
- Once all of the parts are cleaned and dry, put everything back in its place.
Keep reading for detailed instructions about how to clean all of the parts of your Instant Pot.
Safety with Cleaning a Pressure Cooker
First, before you do any cleaning, be sure the cooker is unplugged and cooled down. Remember, the Instant Pot is an electrical device, so you never want to submerge it in water. In addition, never use scouring pads or abrasive cleaners.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Instructions from the Instant Pot Site
For a quick, easy Instant Pot cleaning, many of the parts are dishwasher safe. The inner pot, the sealing ring, the lid, and the steam rack are all safe for the dishwasher or can be cleaned by hand. If you decide to clean your Instant Pot in the dishwasher, then make sure you are using a mild dishwasher detergent. Lemi Shine Dishwasher Detergent Pods
are made from 100% natural citric extracts, making it a safer and more eco-friendly choice for cleaning.
The Condensation Collector
After each use, remove, empty, and clean the condensation collector.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Main Lid
Before cleaning the main lid, remove all of the small detachable parts. Then, wipe down the lid with a clean cloth and a mild cleaner such as soap and water.
For Cleaning the Inner Pot
If there is tough food residue on the inner pot, instead of using abrasive cleaners, first, soak the pot in hot water for easier cleaning. Then, if there is still food residue, use vinegar to clean the pot. Vinegar is great, isn’t it? I use vinegar for so many purposes.
How to Clean the Sealing Ring
Another part of the Instant Pot that needs occasional cleaning is the sealing ring. In order to remove the sealing ring, peel it away from the sealing ring rack. Once you have cleaned and dried it, it can be placed back in its proper spot. Be sure you replace it correctly to ensure there is a good seal. It should still move freely even when positioned correctly. According to the Instant Pot website, it should be replaced with a new sealing ring
every 12-18 months or if there are any cracks before then.
Cleaning the Instant Pot Float Valve
In addition, the float valve on your Instant Pot will need to be cleaned occasionally. First, take off the silicone cap. Then, with the lid turned over, push the valve through. After that, you can clean the float valve and return it once dry.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Steam Release Cover on the Pressure Cooker
Here are instructions on how to clean an Instant Pot steam release cover. First, you can remove the steam release cover by turning it counter-clockwise. Underneath that is the steam release valve which you can also remove. Then, clean those with your mild cleaners and install in the proper place again.
How to Clean the Outside of the Instant Pot
Again, the whole Instant Pot should never be submerged in water. To clean the outside of the Instant Pot, wipe it down with a damp or dry cloth.
How to Remove Blue Marks and the Rainbow from Your Stainless Steel Inner Instant Pot
Since the Instant Pot’s inner pot is stainless steel, like other stainless steel products, you may see blue marks or a rainbow-like discoloration. Follow my instructions on how to clean silver here. You can use either a non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner or you can follow the directions on cleaning naturally with green ingredients such as vinegar. If you have hard water stains, then read my post about how to remove hard water stains from the toilet. This method will work to get rid of hard water stains on other appliance and household items as well.
Find this pin and others like it on the DIY Cleaning Tips Pinterest Board
Where to find replacement parts for an Instant Pot
If you are looking for where to find replacement parts for an Instant Pot, then you have a few options. You can find replacement parts on the Instant Pot website or on Amazon. Here are a few of the common replacement parts for Instant Pots.
Lowest Price Instant Pot
If you are looking for the lowest price Instant Pot, then I would recommend going to Amazon and adding an Instant Pot
to your wish list. Then, you can set up a notification or track the price. Or, you can use a cashback site like Ebates, to lower the cost.
