How To Sanitize An Instant Pot So It Stays Like New

Wondering how to sanitize an Instant Pot? You’ve come to the right place! In this Instant Pot cleaning guide, you’ll learn how to keep your Instant Pot clean amid day-to-day use, plus how to deep-clean it (and how often you should).

You’ll also find other handy tips throughout this guide, including deodorizing the silicone sealing ring and the secrets of the Steam setting (it’s like an Instant Pot cleaning cycle!)

How To Clean An Instant Pot

Everyday Instant Pot Cleaning

Do these things after each use:

1. Wash the stainless steel inner pot. Load the steel pot into your dishwasher with the rest of your dishes after dinner.
2. Wipe down the housing unit. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the body of the cooker, inside and out.
3. Clean the sealing ring. Remove the silicone ring on the inside of the lid and wash it by hand or in the top rack of your dishwasher.
4. Wipe the inside of the lid. It’s easy to forget about the lid when cleaning your Instant Pot, but it can get quite grimy! Wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Deep Cleaning An Instant Pot (Every Few Weeks)

Every few weeks, follow these steps to deep-clean your Instant Pot and prevent clogs, stubborn residues, and unpleasant odors from forming:

Step 1 – Unplug It

You should unplug your Instant Pot every time you clean it, but it’s especially important before more intensive cleanings. You don’t want to take any chances!

Step 2 – Clean The Housing Unit

Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the inside and the outside of the “housing unit” (the body of the Instant Pot that houses the electrical components).

Use a small brush to dislodge any food residue hiding in the nooks and crannies of the bottom of the unit.

Step 3 – Wash The Lid

Hand-wash the lid of your Instant Pot with warm, soapy water. (You can also wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher, but you should remove the small parts before doing so to ensure you don’t lose them.)

Step 4 – Check The Smaller Parts

The small parts around the steam valve can get blocked with food or food residues, so this is a good time to inspect and clean them. First, remove the Quick Release handle by pulling it straight up. Give it a quick wash with warm soap water and replace it.

Next, remove the shield that covers the steam release valve on the inside of the lid. It might screw off or pop off, depending on the model. Wash the shield and replace it.

Finally, wash and replace the condensation collection cup that attaches to the side of your Instant Pot.

Step 5 – Clean The Sealing Ring

Remove and inspect the silicone ring on the underside of the lid. If you notice cracks or other signs of wear and tear, replace it with a new one. (You can find replacement rings online that only cost a few dollars.)

Wash the silicone ring in the top rack of your dishwasher, or perform a steam clean to remove any odors that might be present. (See “How To Deodorize An Instant Pot Sealing Ring” below for more on steam cleaning.)

Once the sealing ring is clean, replace it so that it rests snugly against the lid.

Step 6 – Wash The Inner Pot And Accessories

Wash the stainless steel pot, steam rack, and any other Instant Pot accessories you use regularly. The inner pot and steam rack are dishwasher-safe, but you should check the labeling on your other accessories before putting them in your dishwasher.

Step 7 – Reassemble

The final step is to put all of the pieces of your Instant Pot back together. Make sure you don’t forget about the smaller parts, like the sealing ring, valve shield, or Quick Release handle!

How To Deodorize An Instant Pot Sealing Ring

An alternate title for this section could be “How To Sanitize An Instant Pot,” because you can use the Steam program to sanitize the inside of the pot and lid (not to mention other objects, as long as they’re heat-safe and fit in the pot!)

If your Instant Pot lid’s silicone sealing ring has absorbed food odors, you can deodorize it by steam cleaning it with vinegar right in your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and a few lemon peels to the inner pot, then select the “Steam” setting and set a timer for 2 minutes.

Allow the pressure to release naturally, and once the lid unlocks, remove the sealing ring from the lid and let it air dry.

The vinegar and oils from the lemon peels work together to neutralize odors that can get trapped in the silicone ring so you can keep using it. (However, these sealing rings do eventually wear out, so you’ll have to replace them eventually.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

With the help of these cleaning tips, you can ensure your Instant Pot lives a long and productive life!

How often do you clean your Instant Pot?