How to Clean an Instant Pot – Comprehensive Guide

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.

Step-by-Step Easy Instructions To Clean Your Instant Pot

1. Unplug your Instant Pot and be sure it has cooled down completely.
2. Remove the inner pot, lid, and all detachable parts from the lid.
3. Clean the removed individual pieces in either the dishwasher or by hand with warm water with dish soap.
4. Wipe down the outside of the Instant Pot.
5. Once all of the parts are cleaned and dry, put everything back in its place.

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.

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 In The Dishwasher

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. 

Just put the stainless steel pot, ring, and lid inside your dishwasher with the rest of your dishes. We recommend using the top rack of the dishwasher.

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.

Also know that  Instant Pot recommends removing the seal ring and the anti-block shield before putting it in the dishwasher.

Also see our post on How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar or Cleaning Tablet

Cleaning An Instant Pot By Hand

If you prefer a deep cleaning of your Instant Pot or don’t have a dishwasher, then you can clean hand wash easily. Just use dish soap and a damp cloth and it little elbow grease. Then rinse away the soapy water. When you feel everything is clean, just air-dry the parts.

Obviously do not submerge your Instant Pot since it has electrical parts. Just wipe down the outer unit with a damp cloth.

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.

Clean The Inside Pot Of An Instant Pot

If there is tough food residue on the inside of the stainless steel pot, instead of using abrasive cleaners, first, soak the pot in hot water for easier cleaning.  Then, if there is still food residue, use white vinegar to clean the pot. 

Vinegar is great, isn’t it? I use vinegar for so many purposes.

How To Clean The Rim Of An Instant Pot

It’s pretty common to find food debris and crumbs in the nooks and crannies of the rim of an Instant Pot. The rim is the area that the lid sits on. Sometimes you can just take a paper towel, twist the end, and run it inside the rim.

If that doesn’t work an old toothbrush is often the perfect size to loosen and remove the debris from the lip. Don’t scrub though, you do not want to scratch the Instant Pot.

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 quick release steam valve 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.

Self Cleaning An Instant Pot

It won’t work as well as the other methods, but you can also self clean an Instant Pot. Just add a cup of water, some lemon juice, and a cup of vinegar to your Instant Pot. Then set it to steam for a few minutes.

Once it’s steaming, shut it off, allow it to cool, dump out the water, and let every thing air dry.

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

Instant Pot Odors

Instant Pot Liners

If you want to clean the pot less, consider buying Instant Pot liners. Just make sure you get the right size.

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.   

For more cleaning ideas, hacks, and guides check out Green Cleaning.

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