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February 19, 2019

How To Deep Clean Your Instant Pot

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If you use your Instant Pot as much as I do it can get a little messy. Today I’m sharing how to deep clean your Instant Pot in just 3 easy steps. Plus I will share with you how to get rid of the smell from your silicone sealing ring.

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How to deep clean your Instant Pot in just 3 easy steps. Plus how to get rid of the smell from your silicone sealing ring.

How To Deep Clean Your Instant Pot (Video)

My every day routine: Before I tell you how I deep clean my Instant Pot I’ll run through my every day cleaning routine. After dinner is over, I either hand wash the stainless steel pot or I throw it into the dishwasher. I choose not to wash my lid in the dishwasher. The official word from Instant Pot is that “The inner pot of the cooker (the stainless steel cooking pot), the sealing ring, the lid, and the steam rack are all dishwasher safe.” I, however, choose to hand wash my lid with soapy water in the sink. Usually I don’t remove the sealing ring but sometimes I do. Then I wipe off any messes on the outside of the pot. And that’s it.

Today I’m going to share with you a much more in-depth routine of cleaning the Instant Pot. I don’t do this often but if you’re a clean freak or if you use your pot a lot you may want to do this every month or so.

3 Steps to Deep Cleaning Your Instant Pot

  1. Wipe down the outside of the Instant Pot. Use a damp rag to wipe down the outside of the Instant Pot. I like to use a microfiber cleaning rag. Sometimes crumbs get caught in the lip on the top of the Instant Pot. I like to use a butter knife with a wet rag wrapped around it to clean it. I slide the covered knife around the lip to get any crumbs or spills cleaned up. Remember the inside of the housing unit is home to the microprocessor and the heating element essential to cooking. So if you must clean it then “use a slightly damp cloth to clean the inside of the cooker. It is however, important that the cooker be kept dry” (from the Instant Pot website).
  2. Clean your stainless steel pot. If you want your stainless steel Instant Pot liner to look shiny and new just wipe it down with a rag that has a little white vinegar on it. Or you can use a spray bottle to spray vinegar into the pot and then wipe it clean. To make is shiny I like to use Bar Keepers Friend. I just put a little of the cleanser into the bottom and then rub it around the pot with a damp rag. Then I wash the pot with soapy water.
  3. Clean the lid and the lid parts. (Watch the video above for a visual peek at what this looks like). Take apart the lid. Remove the steam release handle by pulling straight up. Remove the silicone sealing ring. Pop off the anti block shield by pressing on it sideways with your thumb. Remove the little silicone plug on the bottom of the float valve. Clean all these parts thoroughly in warm soapy water and then let them dry completely before putting the lid back together.
How to take apart your Instant Pot lid
How to take apart your Instant Pot lid

How to get the smell out of your silicone sealing ring

Let’s be honest the worst part of the Instant Pot is that the silicone sealing ring can get a little smelly. The smells with never totally go away but you can do a couple things to help.

  1. Get an extra sealing ring. I like to use one for savory foods and one for sweet foods. I bought at extra set of rings on Amazon*. Make sure to discard your sealing ring if it becomes damaged in any way.
  2. Clean your sealing ring by adding 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar and some lemon rind to your Instant Pot. Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the steam setting to 3 minutes and then let the pressure release naturally. Remove the sealing ring and let it air dry.
  3. Store your pot with the lid upside down which will allow it to air out.
How to get the smell out of your Instant Pot sealing ring

Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Instant Pot tips? I’d love to know!

You might also like…

Instant Pot Newbie Tutorial

Printable Instant Pot Guide

9 Things You Didn’t Know About the Instant Pot

3 Suggestions to Enhance Your Instant Pot Experience

What Instant Pot Do You Use?

I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. I love this Instant Pot because it has the yogurt making function which I use almost weekly. It has two pressure settings (high and low), and there are also little slots in the handles so that you can rest the lid there instead of putting it down on your counter-top.

*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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55 Comments Filed Under: All Recipes, Instant Pot, Tips, Video

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Comments

  1. cecelia says

    August 6, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    THank you for the tips and articles! It really helps. I will be spending alot of time reading through all of them!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      August 7, 2020 at 11:48 am

      Thanks Cecelia! I am glad you are here 😊

      Reply
  2. April says

    July 5, 2020 at 7:04 am

    Thank you for this! I really need to clean my IP and will do it right…now!😄

    Reply
    • Karen says

      July 6, 2020 at 2:17 pm

      😊

      Reply
      • Helen Imperial says

        August 15, 2020 at 8:45 am

        Why is it every time I make oatmeal I had a little milk with water it boils over

        Reply
  3. BILL BROCK says

    May 21, 2020 at 8:11 am

    Other than the controls are the crock pot pressure cooker and the instant pot used the same. Time and temps?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 21, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      The Instant Pot slow cooker function isn’t great. The heat comes from the bottom of the pot and doesn’t cook as evenly as a traditional crockpot where the heat comes from the sides. If you do use the IP as a slow cooker you’ll want to use the highest setting to cook or the middle setting. the lowest setting is equivalent to keep warm.

      Reply
  4. Babette Cox says

    May 20, 2020 at 8:22 am

    I noticed on your deep clean that you didn’t mention emptying and cleaning the little plastic cup on the back of the IP. I always check that cup to see if any liquid has accumulated in it and empty it out and clean it. Easy to do, but not good to forget as I’m assuming in time there could be a buildup and bad odor as well.

    Perhaps mine is an older model and they don’t have these anymore?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:01 am

      Good tip Thanks Babette!

      Reply
  5. VIRGINIA GRAHAM says

    May 19, 2020 at 10:58 am

    Karen, I just love your recipes; I have tried quite a few now and they always turn out terrific. I also like the suggestions to clean my IP…I want to keep it sharp looking like new.

    Thanks again,

    Ginny

    Reply
    • Karen says

      May 19, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      I’m glad you are here Ginny! Thanks for the kind words 😊

      Reply
  6. Susan says

    February 24, 2020 at 9:03 am

    I use a ceramic inner put to cook oatmeal the recipe calls for cinnamon and brown sugar-love the recipe however, it leaves a stain. Any ideas on how to clean? I have to be very careful with cleaning solutions as I have multiple chemical sensitivity ‘s. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 24, 2020 at 8:33 pm

      Try vinegar, lemon or baking soda. Good cleaning items that don’t have chemicals!

      Reply
  7. Kathy says

    February 13, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    After I use the saute function I can’t get it to switch off before I’m able to use the pressure function. I end up unplugging the unit, waiting a few seconds and then plugging it back in. The saute light is then out and I can continue with the pressure cooking. What am I doing wrong?
    Note: Before trying the pressure cook function, I lock the lid and set the release to sealing.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 15, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Kathy, try pressing the cancel/warm button. That should turn off the saute setting.

      Reply
  8. Heidi says

    January 28, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    I clean the groove rim under the pot edge by pouring a little bit of boiling water (just a tiny bit!) into it and letting it drain into the overflow cup. Then I can easily wipe out any crud with a paper towel. Then I drain and rise the overflow cup.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 29, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      Good idea Heidi!

      Reply
  9. DJ says

    December 29, 2019 at 9:55 am

    Hi, love your channel. I have a question about my ip ultra mini. I want to make cold start yogurt.
    The directions say to cook it at med temp. The ip doesn’t have we’d setting. Should I use the custom
    setting and set it at 190 – 200 degrees, or forget about doing the cold start. Thank you Darlene

    Reply
    • Karen says

      December 30, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      Hi DJ, I haven’t made cold start yogurt yet! I need to. Here is how I make my recipe: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/instant-pot-greek-yogurt/

      Reply
  10. SANDY says

    December 26, 2019 at 2:44 pm

    Thanks for info on cleaning ring!!! I am careful to keep my IP clean. I absolutely love it – do everything possible in it from making tea to any way I can figure how to take my recipes & work changes out – have had pretty good luck with that.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      December 26, 2019 at 5:17 pm

      You’re welcome Sandy!

      Reply
  11. Coleen says

    November 19, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    I have only used my Instant Pot four times since I got it a couple weeks ago and I love it. I have what looks like a very small spot on the bottom of the inside pot and cleaning hasn’t removed it. I clean with baking soda and dish soap. Could this be a defect and please tell me what I should do. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      November 19, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      Have you tried Bar Keeper’s Friend? I wouldn’t worry too much about it! I have spots all over mine.

      Reply
  12. Beverly Dolfini says

    September 27, 2019 at 10:11 am

    Thank you for such great videos on “How To” for the Instant Pot. Very helpful!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      September 30, 2019 at 3:12 pm

      Thank you Beverly. I am glad you find it helpful!

      Reply
  13. Henri Geier says

    April 21, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    If my sealing ring is smelly I add a small amount of bleach to the dish water before I wash dishes. I wash the ring first then the rest of the dishes. Use rubber gloves and your hands won’t smell of bleach also protects your hands. The bleach cleans the sink also. The bleach removes any odors.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 22, 2019 at 8:16 am

      Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  14. Kathie says

    April 16, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    loved your instructions on how to clean IP .

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 17, 2019 at 8:48 am

      Thanks Kathie!

      Reply
  15. Kathie says

    April 16, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    just made the smoked sausage and orzo in my IP. husband really liked it. he even wants leftovers for lunch tomorrow and he’s not a fan of leftovers!!!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 17, 2019 at 8:47 am

      Hooray! Glad he liked it!

      Reply
  16. Sharon says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:48 am

    for cleaning the spot that the lid fits in and turns, but some small foam paint brushes. Wet one and it just fits right in and cleans! Works great.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      April 15, 2019 at 10:55 am

      Great tip!

      Reply
  17. Sam says

    February 25, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    Thank you Karen! Love your blog!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 25, 2019 at 5:03 pm

      Thanks!!

      Reply
  18. Melanie says

    February 24, 2019 at 6:37 am

    I’m not sure if all models have this or not but the Ultra has a little plastic container that attaches to the back of the instant pot. It’s very important to remove it and clean it thoroughly too.

    Thanks for all the great recipes you share!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:05 am

      Oh yes, I forgot that! Thanks!

      Reply
  19. Lynnette says

    February 23, 2019 at 8:03 pm

    Hi Karen
    Another trick I found if I have something burnt in the liner of my pot is to add some dish soap and fill the pot with some water and set the button to saute and let it boil for a few minutes…………Let it cool and then scrub it with little effort!
    Thanks again for all the tips you send.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:05 am

      Good idea! thanks Lynnette.

      Reply
  20. Lynnette says

    February 22, 2019 at 10:36 pm

    I really enjoyed how to clean your instant pot! But what’s the best way to keep ones heating element clean? I have a few stains and I can’t get rid of them. Even though I wipe the element,

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:14 am

      Good question. I would suggest a slightly damp magic eraser to wipe the inside.

      Reply
  21. jordan says

    February 22, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Hey Karen,

    Great stuff, I would have never thought of using a different sealing ring for savory vs sweet foods!

    BTW, what would you recommend for cleaning all the stuck on rice more effectively? Would love you input!

    Anyways, just wanted to reach out and say hello. Keep up the great work!

    Regards,
    Jordan

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:16 am

      I suggest putting in 2 cups of water, 1 Tbsp baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. Pressure cook for 4 minutes and then letting it release naturally. Then scrape the bottom of the pot with a silicone scraper. Everything should come right off.

      Reply
  22. Joan Cockrill says

    February 20, 2019 at 6:58 am

    This is so funny – just last night I was wondering if there was a way to get the smell out of the ring and voila you post a remedy like you read my mind! Thanks for all the great information about instant pots – I use mine pretty much every day and sometimes twice a day!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 20, 2019 at 7:26 am

      Haha me too Joan!!

      Reply
  23. Sherry L. says

    February 20, 2019 at 4:24 am

    Vinegar and baking soda gets rid of those white stains that sometimes occur inside the steel pot. Let it set after it fizzes for a minute or two and do a light scrubbing with a non scratch pad. The pot looks brand new

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 20, 2019 at 7:26 am

      Thanks for the tip Sherry!

      Reply
  24. Rita R Kauer says

    February 19, 2019 at 6:17 pm

    I have taken the ring off and put it through a dishwasher cycle. Doesn’t totally get the smell out but much better than it was. But I have bought extra rings too and will change them out if this ones gets to be uncleanable. Love your your website. Recipes are so great! My hubby LOVES the sausage soup. Only thing I do different is I add mushrooms, cut up carrots and broccoli. The broccoli just disapears and make the best broth. I love my IP!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks Rita!

      Reply
  25. Jennie says

    February 19, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Super helpful as usual. Thanks, Karen.

    Any thoughts regarding how to deal with a little staining on the round heating element in the body of the cooker? I’ve been hesitant to do much about it in mine, and notice in your video that yours had it too. Safer to leave it alone, or?

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 19, 2019 at 6:57 pm

      I’m hesitant too. The only thing you can really do is wipe it with a barely damp cloth.

      Reply
  26. Wendy Cone says

    February 19, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    I leave my ring outside sitting in the sun. It sucks out all the odor. I do live in Texas and the sun shines a lot.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 19, 2019 at 6:57 pm

      Great idea! I could use some of that sunshine.

      Reply
  27. Jeni says

    February 19, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    Love this, thank you!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      February 19, 2019 at 6:58 pm

      You’re welcome!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Karen

I know that dinner time can be less than relaxing. Busy schedules and cranky kids and a hundred other things can lead to weariness when it comes to putting dinner on the table. I can help! I make homemade, family-friendly slow cooker and Instant Pot dinners and share the recipes with you.
 

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Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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