Soap-Man Cleaning Supplies
Kitchen

How to Clean Instant Pot

Keeping your instant pot clean isn't just about appearance -- it's about hygiene and performance. Here's how to do it right, with the supplies you probably already have at home.

What You'll Need

  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • White vinegar
  • Soft sponge
  • Old toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Disassemble all parts

    Remove the inner pot, lid, sealing ring, steam rack, and condensation collector. Each part needs separate cleaning attention.

  2. 2

    Wash the inner pot

    Wash the stainless steel inner pot with Lemon Glow Dish Soap and a soft sponge. For water stains, wipe with white vinegar.

  3. 3

    Clean the sealing ring

    Remove the silicone sealing ring from the lid. Wash with soapy water and soak in white vinegar for 2 hours to remove absorbed odors.

  4. 4

    Scrub the lid assembly

    Clean the lid, anti-block shield, and float valve with a toothbrush and soapy water. Check that the steam release valve moves freely.

  5. 5

    Wipe the base unit

    Never submerge the outer base. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. Clean the heating plate of any food residue.

Pro Tips

  • TIPKeep two sealing rings -- one for savory dishes and one for sweet. Silicone absorbs odors permanently.
  • TIPRun a steam cycle with 2 cups of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and lemon peel for 5 minutes to deodorize the entire unit.
  • TIPStore the Instant Pot with the lid upside down on top (not sealed) to prevent odor buildup between uses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XSubmerging the outer base unit in water, which destroys the electrical components and heating element.
  • XIgnoring the condensation collector on the back, which fills with water and can overflow or grow mold.
  • XPutting the sealing ring in the dishwasher repeatedly, which degrades the silicone faster than hand washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soak it in white vinegar for 2 hours, then place it in the sun for a few hours. UV light helps break down odor molecules in silicone. Replace rings every 12-18 months.