Tutorial: How to Clean an Instant Pot
Got an Instant Pot? Checkout this helpful guide on Instant Pot Cleaning, with tutorials for first-time users and tips for cleaning after each use.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure.
Now that you’ve got your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, it’s time to learn how to clean it before using it for the first time and after each use. This handy guide to Instant Pot Cleaning will walk you through each step and answer common questions about cleaning the Instant Pot.
Before You Start Cleaning
Every Instant Pot is unique. While these cleaning guidelines are going to work for most Instant Pot models, refer back to the Instant Pot website or manual for specific instructions on how to clean your Instant Pot.
What Parts Can Be Cleaned?
The inner pot and steam rack can be used in a dishwasher. Although there are no electric parts for the lid, it is not dishwasher safe. The lid has loose parts, such as the steam handle release, and crevices like the gasket and sealing ring, so it’s best to hand-wash the lid instead. You can gently take apart the steam handle to clean out food particles.
The outside of the Instant Pot unit can be cleaned with a rag or paper towel and a gentle household cleaner. If you find that bits of onion or spices get stuck on the lid fin slot (where the lid is closed on the Instant Pot) and the cooker handle, just wipe it down with a natural household cleaner like Thieves Household Cleaner. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners as the Instant Pot is used to cook food.
Is the Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, the sealing ring, lid, and steam rack can all be put into the dishwasher, as well as the inner pot of the Instant Pot. You might want to hand-wash the lid as it does have pieces that can come out in the dishwasher, like the steam handle release and float valve.
You may also be able to put accessories such as springform pans, steamer baskets, pot-in-pot pans, etc. in the dishwasher but be sure to check the product manual for those accessories.
Can the Instant Pot Be Hand-Washed?
Yes, the sealing ring, lid, steam rack and inner pot can all be hand-washed. Use a natural hand soap and clean all the parts and allow to dry on a dish rack.
How to Clean Your Instant Pot Before the First Use
If it’s your first time using your Instant Pot, make sure you clean it thoroughly before cooking any food. Here are step by step directions on how to clean the Instant Pot before the first use.
- Clean the sealing ring, lid, steam rack, and inner pot with dish soap and water, or put in the dishwasher. Allow the parts to air dry or use a towel to dry.
- Be sure the inner pot is completely dry before turning the Instant Pot on. You don’t want the inner pot to be wet on the cooking element.
- Wipe down the inside and outside of the Instant Pot unit (with the inner pot out) with a natural household cleaner (just a spritz or two – not soaked) and a microfiber towel.
- Put the inner pot back in. The Instant Pot is now ready for its first use.
How to Clean the Instant Pot After Each Use
After you have finished making your delicious Instant Pot meal that your family will love, you will want to make sure that you clean your Instant Pot properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help make it easier.
- Unplug your Instant Pot and make sure it’s cooled to room temperature.
- Remove the inner pots, lids, and accessories and put them in the dishwasher.
- Wipe the inner cooker base rim and slot using a dry cloth to prevent rusting.
- Remove the sealing ring and anti-block shield and wash it with warm soapy water.
- Rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Clean the outside of the Instant Pot using a damp cloth or a sponge.
- Make sure your steam release valve and float are free of debris.
Top Tips For Instant Pot Cleaning
- Remove the anti-block shield, a silicone nub that covers the float valve from the inside. With the shield off, you can get a better look at the float valve to confirm any blocks or clogs. It’s a small part, so take care not to misplace or lose it.
- Remove the silicone sealing ring. This part easily picks up strong odors. One method to rid it of any unwanted smells is to wash it separately in the dishwasher. Make sure to select a high-temperature cycle such as sanitize.
- For general cleaning of the exterior, use a very damp sponge; for blueish hard water stains, use a sponge dampened with white vinegar, followed by a damp (water) paper towel.
- Some home cooks don’t bother with eliminating the odor and opt to buy an additional silicone ring. One ring is used for sweet dishes and the other for savory dishes. In any case, Instant Pot recommends that you swap in a new ring at minimum every 6 to 12 months.
How to Deep Clean an Instant Pot Inner Pot
Show your Instant Pot some extra care by giving it a deep clean every so often. For the inner pot, pour one cup of white vinegar into the pot and let sit for five minutes. Pour it out and rinse. If you start to see water stains, use a non-abrasive scouring cleanser to make it shiny again.
How to Deep Clean an Instant Pot Sealing Ring
To refresh the sealing ring, steam clean the ring by adding two cups of water and a tablespoon of lemon zest, or two cups white vinegar and a tablespoon lemon zest to the inner pot and running the Steam program for two minutes. Remove the sealing ring and let air dry.
More Instant Pot Tips
- 10 Instant Pot Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
- How to Use the Buttons on the Instant Pot
- Top 10 Instant Pot Accessories You Need
Did you try these Instant Pot cleaning tips? Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Instant Pot Cleaning
Instructions
How to Clean Your Instant Pot Before the First Use
- If it's your first time using your Instant Pot, make sure you clean it thoroughly before cooking any food. Here are step by step directions on how to clean the Instant Pot before the first use.
- Clean the sealing ring, lid, steam rack, and inner pot with dish soap and water, or put in the dishwasher. Allow the parts to air dry or use a towel to dry.
- Be sure the inner pot is completely dry before turning the Instant Pot on. You don't want the inner pot to be wet on the cooking element.
- Wipe down the inside and outside of the Instant Pot unit (with the inner pot out) with a natural household cleaner (just a spritz or two - not soaked) and a microfiber towel.
- Put the inner pot back in. The Instant Pot is now ready for its first use.
How to Clean the Instant Pot After Each Use
- After you have finished making your delicious Instant Pot meal that your family will love, you will want to make sure that you clean your Instant Pot properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help make it easier.
- Unplug your Instant Pot and make sure it’s cooled to room temperature.
- Remove the inner pots, lids, and accessories and put them in the dishwasher.
- Wipe the inner cooker base rim and slot using a dry cloth to prevent rusting.
- Remove the sealing ring and anti-block shield and wash it with warm soapy water.
- Rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Clean the outside of the Instant Pot using a damp cloth or a sponge.
- Make sure your steam release valve and float are free of debris.
Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple
Do you wish you could find one-pot meals that are simple and easy to make… and your family will love?
You’re about to find out how simple it is to make healthy, one-pot meals with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker with my cookbook Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple. You can download it instantly to your phone, computer or e-reader, so it’s portable and can go with you anywhere!
With this book, you’ll get:
- Tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love – including pot roast, spaghetti, tacos, carnitas, soups, and easy breakfast meals
- Instant Pot starter guide on how to use the buttons, tips and tricks, and more
- Printable shopping lists for ingredients
- Step-by-step video lesson on how to use your Instant Pot, pressure cooker safety, and some of my favorite tips and tricks
- Two-week meal plan that you can put into action for no-stress weeknight dinners
Thank you so much for this web site. I received an instant pot for Christmas from my granddaughter and to be honest I didn’t know what the heck to do with it.( just had our Christmas because of the covid) Actually after reading the manual it kind of scared me. But reading what you put in and doing the test run it seems better, I am 76 and these new thing are way over my head sometimes. Thanks Again.