Keeping your Instant Pot clean after each use is essential for hygiene and maintaining its performance. Fortunately, cleaning the main components, such as the inner pot and the silicone seal, is quite straightforward and can often be done using methods you already use for your regular dishes.
Cleaning the Inner Cooking Pot
The inner cooking chamber, which is typically made of stainless steel, is the part that holds your food during cooking. It requires thorough cleaning after every use to remove food residue and prevent odors.
You have two primary options for washing the stainless steel inner pot:
- Hand Washing: Use hot water and dishwashing liquid to manually scrub and clean the pot. This is effective for removing tough food particles.
- Dishwasher: The inner pot can also be safely placed in the dishwasher. Ensure it's positioned correctly to get properly cleaned.
Cleaning the Silicone Seal
The silicone sealing ring is crucial for your Instant Pot's pressure cooking function, creating a tight seal. It can absorb odors over time, so cleaning it after each use is recommended.
The easiest way to clean the silicone seal is:
- Dishwasher Top Rack: Place the silicone seal on the top rack of the dishwasher after each use for a convenient and effective clean.
Regular cleaning of both the inner pot and the silicone seal ensures your Instant Pot remains clean, odor-free, and functions correctly for many meals to come.
