How to Keep Your Instant Pot Clean and Odor-Free

An Instant Pot is perfect for preparing a variety of dishes, from rice and eggs to soups and yogurt. Learning how to clean your Instant Pot is essential for its upkeep and to prevent unpleasant food smells from lingering. The more you use it, the more you'll see how food can get stuck in the lid, pot, and pressure release valve. Don’t forget to clean the silicone sealing ring in the lid as well. Follow our simple guide to cleaning your Instant Pot and keeping it fresh.

Things to Know Before You Start

Before cleaning your Instant Pot, ensure it is unplugged and completely cooled down. Gather any cleaning supplies you need beforehand and avoid working near electrical outlets.

How Often Should You Clean Your Instant Pot?

It’s important to clean your Instant Pot after every use. The extent of cleaning depends on the type of food prepared and the level of mess left behind. Nonetheless, a thorough cleaning with baking soda and vinegar once a month is recommended to ensure all parts are functioning properly and free from debris.

How to Clean an Instant Pot Using Dish Soap

To clean your Instant Pot with dish soap, choose a detergent that effectively removes grease and grime.

Essential Items:

• Moist dishcloth
• Small brush or a toothbrush
• Dishwashing detergent with a degreaser
• Non-scratching sponge

Step 1: Disassemble the Components

Start by detaching all the removable parts: Take out the inner cooking pot, steam rack, condensation collector, lid, the sealing ring on the lid, and the anti-block shield beneath the lid.

Step 2: Clean the Base

Use a damp dishcloth to wipe down the outer surface of the Instant Pot. Keep in mind that the base should stay dry, so avoid getting water on it after you remove the cooking pot.

You can clean the interior of the base, but be cautious with the amount of water on the cloth, as it's important to keep the outer base dry.

Step 3: Remove Food Residue

To clean the inside of the Instant Pot, take a small brush and use it to clear any food particles stuck in the inner cooking pot, on the rim or edges of the outer base, or in any small gaps within the unit.

Step 4: Clean the Components

Fill a sink with hot water and add degreasing dish soap. Use a sponge to thoroughly clean all the individual parts, leaving the outer base untouched.

How to Clean the Silicone Sealing Ring of an Instant Pot with Vinegar

If you've cleaned your Instant Pot and the scent of last week's curry chicken still lingers, the culprit is likely the silicone sealing ring. Since silicone tends to absorb odors and is exposed to intense steam, it can retain strong smells. Fortunately, cleaning the silicone sealing ring is quite easy.

Essential Items:

• Dishwasher (optional)
• Distilled white vinegar

Step 1: Detach the Ring

Gently take off the silicone sealing ring from the lid of your Instant Pot.

Step 2: Load Into Dishwasher

The sealing ring can safely go in the dishwasher, and placing it on the top rack should help eliminate any lingering odors.

Step 3: Add Vinegar to the Pot

If you don’t own a dishwasher or still notice lingering odors after the cycle, try scrubbing the sealing ring with our go-to cleaning solution: vinegar.

• Swap out the sealing ring inside the lid.
• Fill your Instant Pot’s cooking insert with two cups of vinegar, then seal the lid tight.

Step 4: Activate the Steam Cycle

Set your Instant Pot to the steam setting for two minutes. Once the cycle finishes, take out the sealing ring and allow it to air dry thoroughly before putting it back in place.

Tips for Maintaining a Cleaner Instant Pot for Longer

To ensure your Instant Pot stays clean over time, remember to wipe it down and clean it thoroughly after each use. Wash the components with soapy water and remove any stuck food. Periodically, you can also clean the inner pot with vinegar to eliminate any discoloration or water spots. Simply add 1 cup of vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, pour it out, and rinse.

We suggest having a few extra silicone sealing rings on hand—one for savory meals and another for desserts. Additionally, after heavy usage, the ring may wear out. If you notice any cracks, leaks, or changes in shape, it’s time to replace it.

How to Remove Odors From an Instant Pot

To keep your Instant Pot smelling fresh, try these methods:

• Regularly clean your Instant Pot (and after each use) to eliminate food odors.
• Wash all components, especially the sealing ring on the lid, with dish soap.
• Consider cleaning the inner cooking pot and sealing ring with vinegar for a deeper clean.