November 25

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Are Instant Pots Dishwasher Safe? Cleaning Guide

By Robin Hatch

November 25, 2020


Instant Pots are a range of multicookers designed to combine various kitchen appliances into one handy, easy-to-use, time-saving kitchen appliance. Pressure cookers, rice makers, yogurt makers, and crockpots can all be replaced by the Instant Pot. If not cleaned correctly, the Instant Pot can accumulate stains and rust. How do you clean the Instant Pot after use?

Instant Pots are dishwasher safe, except for the cooker base. The stainless steel inner pot, lid, and steam rack are dishwasher safe.

The Instant Pot is a sleek, modern, good-looking appliance that easily fits most kitchen designs without taking up too much countertop space.

While the appliance’s exterior is generally made from stainless steel and can be wiped down with a wet cloth, the interior requires specialized cleaning care.

Instant Pot Cleaning Guide

How do you keep your Instant Pot clean and in good working order? As the appliance has electronic parts and uses electricity for power, specific components should never come into contact with a basin of hot, soapy water.

All Instant Pot parts, excluding the exterior cooker base, are dishwasher safe – even the minor parts.

If you plan to wash your Instant Pot by hand and not use your dishwasher, the following items would be an excellent investment to keep your appliance in tip-top condition.

The exterior cooking base cannot be placed in the dishwasher, so good cleaning materials are essential for keeping your Instant Pot spic and span.

  • Dishwasher (optional)
  • Warm soapy water
  • Soft microfiber cloth or dishtowel
  • Small scrubbing brush or soft toothbrush
  • White distilled vinegar
  • A soft sponge

How To Clean Your Instant Pot

Ensure that your Instant Pot is safely unplugged and completely cooled down before you start cleaning.

Here are the steps to clean your Instant Pot.

1. Remove The Pot From Cooker Base

The exterior base is the heaviest part of the Instant Pot, which houses the stainless-steel inner pot. The inner stainless-steel pot is entirely detachable from the base, making cleaning it so much easier.

2. Remove The Lid And Steam Rack

The lid can be lifted off the Instant pot, and the steam rack is removed from the Instant Pot’s inside and washed in the dishwasher.

The anti-block shield component is a small, round, or oval element underneath the lid. To remove it, gently push the piece toward the lid rim and lift it to pop it off.

Hand wash the anti-block shield in warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth before replacing it on the lid. It is a small part, so be careful not to lose it.

3. Remove And Clean The Silicone Sealing Ring From The Lid

The silicone sealing ring can pick up strong odors. To avoid any unwanted smells, wash separately in the dishwasher using a high-temperature cycle. The combination of high heat and washing detergent should remove any odors.

If a lingering sweet or savory smell remains on the sealing ring after the wash cycle, soak overnight in vinegar, then hand wash thoroughly. 

It is a wise idea to have two sealing rings. Use one for savory dishes and the other for sweet dishes. It is recommended that you replace the sealing ring every six to twelve months, depending on how often you use the Instant Pot.

4. Clean The Steam Release Valve

The valve can be washed in the dishwasher, but for stubborn grease and food deposits, soak in warm, soapy water and then gently rub the valve with a sponge.

5. Clean The Exterior Cooker Base

The appliance base contains heating and electric components, so it should never be completely immersed in water or washed in the dishwasher. Wipe down the exterior of the cooker base with a damp cloth to remove dirt and food splatter.

The outer pot handles might need extra attention as they are used more often. Use a clean, slightly damp cleaning cloth to gently wipe down the cooker base’s interior and dry immediately.

For wiping away extra stubborn marks, use a dab of white vinegar on a damp cloth, followed by a wet paper towel.

The recessed area along the lip of the base can be gently scrubbed with a small scrubbing brush, or even a toothbrush, to remove any food particles.

Pay extra attention to the lip as small food particles collect under the lip and can become a problem area for bacteria if not cleaned correctly.

6. Place All Parts In The Dishwasher

The inner pot, the rack, the lid, the steam release and red float valve, the silicone sealing ring, and all the smaller components can be placed into the dishwasher on either rack and washed on a regular cycle. 

Most Instant Pot accessories can be washed in the dishwasher – check the directions on each item to see if they are dishwasher-proof. 

7. Reassemble The Instant Pot

Once all parts and pots have been thoroughly cleaned and dried, reassemble them correctly. Double-check that the float valve, anti-block shield, and sealing ring are firmly in place as these are essential for the Instant Pot to function correctly.

How To Remove Stains From Your Instant Pot

Not all stubborn stains can be washed away in the dishwasher; sometimes, more extreme measures are called for, especially if the Instant Pot has been left standing for a while without being washed. 

Stuck-on-food – Warm soapy water is recommended to remove stubborn stains and food particles.

Leave to soak if necessary but do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners as these will damage the stainless-steel surface. If soaking does not work, use a soft, damp sponge to work away from the grime.

Water stains and discoloration on the bottom of the inner pot can easily be removed with a vinegar solution.

Pour one full cup of white vinegar into the stainless-steel bowl and leave for 5 minutes before pouring out; rinse with clean water.

Soak a sponge in vinegar if the stain is particularly stubborn and scrub lightly. Wash with clean soapy water and dry thoroughly.

How Often Should I Clean My Instant Pot?

To avoid the build-up of food and nasty smells, all pieces of the Instant Pot that encounter any food should be washed and cleaned after every use. This includes the inner cooking pot, steam rack, lid components, sealing ring, valve, and anti-block shield.

The exterior pot can be cleaned occasionally or as needed. You were cleaning the Instant Pot after each use is good practice. Not cleaning it could attract all sorts of unwanted bugs and rodents into your kitchen.

Deep cleaning is recommended every few weeks or at least once a month to prevent clogging food particle build-up and prevent weird smells from forming. If you are in a hurry, clean the inner pot, lid, sealing ring, and valve, to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.

Next Steps

Learn more about the Instant Pot below.

Which Instant Pots Have Bluetooth And WiFi?

Ninja Foodi Vs Instant Pot: Which Is Better?

Are Instant Pots Worth It? Complete Buying Guide

Cleaning and maintaining an Instant Pot is not too much of a challenge. If it is wiped down, washed regularly, and reassembled correctly, you should have years of happy cooking with the Instant Pot.

The idea of a multi-use cooking pot is made all the more attractive to the busy cook by also being easy to clean and dishwasher proof!

We’ve compiled a complete list of frequently asked kitchen questions for new and experienced homeowners.

Our team of experts answers these questions to help assist you through DIY projects and home repairs.

Robin Hatch

About the author

For over a decade, Robin has been a real estate agent, interior design specialist, and mother. Through her trials and tribulations, she wanted to create the perfect website to help you save money and make your home look beautiful.

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