How to Clean Pressure Cooker

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Pressure cookers are a holy grail for every kitchen lover. Your pressure cooker can function like your other kitchen appliances; it can boil, steam, bake, and even braise meat. In this article, we’ll give you simple and easy steps on how to clean a pressure cooker.

Like any other appliance, your kitchen best friend needs proper care and maintenance to prevent early deterioration and allow it to function at its best despite prolonged use. Your pressure cooker may be durable, multi-functional, and makes food preparation fast and easy. Still, you can get the best out of your favorite kitchen essentials with proper care and maintenance.

How to Clean a Pressure Cooker Fast and Easy

Proper cleaning prevents unpleasant odors from persisting. Foul odors may alter the smell and taste of food the next time you make it on your cooker.

Aside from icky odors, not correctly cleaning your pressure cooker may hoard dirt, grime, and, worse, bacteria that may contaminate your food. Letting your appliance sit without cleaning for some time may also cause rusting.

In addition to everyday cleaning, your pressure cooker requires deep cleaning and maintenance at least once a month to ensure functionality.

What You Need:

• Dishwashing soap
• Clean, warm water
• Non-abrasive sponge
• A brush
• Clean cloth or Microfiber cloth
• White vinegar

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your pressure cooker easily:

Daily Cleaning Steps (After Every Use)

It’s essential to clean your pressure cooker after every use. You don’t need much. A soft sponge, some warm water, and dishwashing soap will do. Before anything else, always seek the product manual for specific instructions and in case of restrictions, as not all electric pressure cookers are made with the same material.

Some pressure cookers may not be safe to toss into the dishwasher. With dry hands, unplug the pressure cooker from the power source first and allow it to cool down.

• Remove and Clean the Inner Pot

Wash the inner pot with a soft sponge, warm water, and dishwashing soap. Don’t use steel wool or abrasive cleaners to rub off stubborn food residue, as they may scratch your pot. In case of hard-to-remove dirt and residue, fill the pot with warm water and dishwashing soap solution. Soak for several minutes and rub off using a soft sponge.

Leave the pot to dry on the dish rack, or wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth.

• Clean the Silicone Sealing Ring

This is one of the most crucial steps in cleaning your cooker, as the silicone ring easily harbors dirt and odor that may be difficult to remove. Remove the silicone ring, wash and clean it with a sponge or brush and dishwashing soap.

• Clean Both the Interior and Exterior of Your Pressure Cooker

Avoid using harsh chemical cleansers, as they are potentially poisonous and can damage the electric housing of your pressure cooker. Wipe the exterior of the cooker and the lid using a clean, damp cloth. To dry and prevent streaks, wipe with a clean microfiber cloth right after.

Wipe the steam off the lid with a clean cloth.

Deep Cleaning Steps (Once a Month)

Thoroughly cleaning your pressure cooker at least once a month will help remove grease and other dirt from hard-to-reach cracks that basic cleaning can’t get rid of. Deep cleaning will prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend your appliance’s life expectancy.

Be safe! Always check the product manual and ensure the device is removed from the power source before working with it. It’s also vital to monitor crucial parts of your appliance, like the electric housing and other parts that may wear out and need replacement.

• Visual Inspection

Inspect the wires and electrical housing of your pressure cooker. Damaged parts, such as open wires, must be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid accidents or fire.

Don’t attempt to repair crucial damages on your own.

• Clean the Pressure Cooker Lid

Detach the lid. Remove the tiny parts like the steam valve, silicone sealing ring, and anti-block shield (if there are any). Clean the inside of the lid with a soft sponge or a soft-bristled brush and dishwashing soap. Don’t soak the lid in water to avoid damage.

• Thoroughly Clean the Tiny Parts

The steam valve, sealing ring, and anti-block shield tend to be clogged with food residue that can be pretty smelly, so carefully clean them with a brush and dishwashing soap.

To get rid of the stubborn odor in your silicone sealing ring, soak it in white vinegar and water solution for several minutes until the smell is completely gone. Rinse and wash with dishwashing soap and water after.

If the silicone ring is damaged, be sure to have it replaced. Properly rinse, and dry the parts. Be careful not to lose them, as any loss may alter the functionality of your pressure cooker.

• Get Rid of Streaks in Your Pot

Damp some vinegar on a clean cloth and wipe the inner part of the stainless pot to remove streaks and rainbow film. You can also use a metal polish. Notice how the pot looks shiny and brand new after this process. Wash off with soapy water after.

• Clean Cracks and Nooks

Using a clean, soft brush, brush any residues or dust along the cooker’s cracks, including the interior’s bottom part. These residues may clog crucial parts of the cooker. Don’t soak in water, as it may damage the electric housing.

• Wipe Off the Exterior

Clean the exterior part with a damp cloth and dry with a microfiber cloth after. Don’t wash the exterior with soap and water because this will damage the electric housing.

• Reassemble

Remember to properly rinse and wipe all parts dry before reattaching them. Ensure that all parts are complete and tightly screwed. All damaged parts must be replaced with brand-new and compatible ones.

How to Store Your Pressure Cooker Properly

Store your pressure cooker in a clean, closed space, away from dust, heat, and moisture, to prevent deterioration. Place the lid upside down on top of the pressure cooker body.

Summary

While pressure cookers are designed with increased durability, their functionality and longevity depend on how they’re properly cleaned, maintained, and stored. Aside from everyday cleaning, your pressure cooker needs a deep cleaning once a month to maximize its life span. Consult the product manual first and detach the device from power using dry hands before cleaning.

Cleaning is simple, and the ingredients aren’t hard to find. Some vinegar, dishwashing soap, a non-abrasive sponge, warm water, and a microfiber cloth will suffice. Properly store the appliance after use.