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.
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Store your pot with the lid upside down which will allow it to air out.
Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Instant Pot tips? I’d love to know!
You might also like…
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.
I recently purchased a cleaning product called Pink Stuff from Amazon. I found it perfect for cleaning and polishing the inside of the stainless steel liner of the Instant Pot. I am a long time Bar Keepers Friend user but I found Pink Stuff much easier to use.
ooooohhhh I’m looking right now! Did you buy the spray, the paste or the soft scrub stuff?
Paste
Thanks!
Q-tips work well for cleaning around the edges of the pot.
Good tip!
Hi Karen,
I enjoy your recipes and I believe that Stainless Steel might be considered an Oxymoron because it can get pretty messy,
however, my solution is similar to yours for removing stains or discolorations.I use the liquid “Bartender’s Friend” or
“Softsoap” and I purchased a helper for all pots from Amazon that looks like “Chain mail” (Woven Stainless steel chain)
that works wonders at removing burned spots also on some SS pans! It costs anywhere from $8.00 to $11.00 and as long as you don’t allow it to enter the “Disposal Unit”, they last forever(also used on Cast Iron pans for stubborn stuff)
Thanks for the tip!
Hi Karen! Like the others, I LOVE ur recipes!!!! My IP has a non stick interior. Is it safe to use the vinegar/water & lemon rind cleaning solution in it? Of course, it’s not a “true” IP brand, but it sure works well & I have had no trouble with your recipes!!!! By the way, I also put my ring in the dishwasher with no problem! And it seems that very early on u might have suggested storing ur pot with the lid upside dwn? If not then I read it elsewhere. It does work great, but I will do as someone else here suggested & cover it with a towel to keep it dust free (I live in the desert, dust is everywhere)!!!
Yes that is safe! I do store the lid upside down and that seems to help a lot.
I throughly clean my Instant Pots every time I use them. Don’t have a dishwasher – everything by hand. One thing I didn’t see mentioned or missed was the cup on the back. I’ve always kept my lid upside down and the silicone ring just sitting on top. I don’t put it in until I use it. I also keep a cloth over the top to keep any dust off. All 4 pots are out in the open- I don’t have a pantry or enough cabinets to put them in but you can’t smell them. They sure are pretty!!
The way I clean the lid parts (i.e. float valve and silicone plug, antiblock shield, and steam release handle) is to put them in a small garment mesh bag like you would use to wash bras in the washing machine. Then I toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher, along with the silicone ring and IP lid itself. I wash everything every time I use the pot. The mesh bag is great because I would be so afraid of losing those little parts (silicone plug, especially) down the drain.
Great tip! Thanks!
THank you for the tips and articles! It really helps. I will be spending alot of time reading through all of them!
Thanks Cecelia! I am glad you are here 😊
Thank you for this! I really need to clean my IP and will do it right…now!😄
😊
Why is it every time I make oatmeal I had a little milk with water it boils over
Other than the controls are the crock pot pressure cooker and the instant pot used the same. Time and temps?
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.
I can confirm that the slow cooker function of the IP did not work for me. It didn’t get hot enough, just like Karen mentions below. I made homemade stock and even starting with hot water it didn’t cook enough, and made a chili that was raw after 7 hrs (with the special slow cooker lid.) I was bummed.
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?
Good tip Thanks Babette!
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
I’m glad you are here Ginny! Thanks for the kind words 😊
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!
Try vinegar, lemon or baking soda. Good cleaning items that don’t have chemicals!
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.
Hi Kathy, try pressing the cancel/warm button. That should turn off the saute setting.
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.
Good idea Heidi!
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
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/
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.
You’re welcome Sandy!
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.
Have you tried Bar Keeper’s Friend? I wouldn’t worry too much about it! I have spots all over mine.
Thank you for such great videos on “How To” for the Instant Pot. Very helpful!
Thank you Beverly. I am glad you find it helpful!
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.
Thanks for the tip!
loved your instructions on how to clean IP .
Thanks Kathie!
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!!!!!
Hooray! Glad he liked it!
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.
Great tip!
Thank you Karen! Love your blog!
Thanks!!
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!
Oh yes, I forgot that! Thanks!
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.
Good idea! thanks Lynnette.
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,
Good question. I would suggest a slightly damp magic eraser to wipe the inside.
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
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.
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!
Haha me too Joan!!
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
Thanks for the tip Sherry!
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!
Thanks Rita!
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?
I’m hesitant too. The only thing you can really do is wipe it with a barely damp cloth.
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.
Great idea! I could use some of that sunshine.
Love this idea! I keep mine stored in a gallon ziploc bag with baking soda because otherwise it stinks up my whole cabinet! I have changed them out but I can’t believe how much odor these rings hold on to !!
Love this, thank you!
You’re welcome!