How to Clean Each Part of Your Instant Pot
Updated: Dec. 06, 2023
From base to lid, this guide explains exactly how to clean an Instant Pot. Buh-bye, stuck-on food!
If you’re like us, you’ve been pressure-cooking like crazy since picking up an Instant Pot. It didn’t take us long to jump on the bandwagon (here’s why we traded our slow cooker for an Instant Pot), and now we’re in love. And if you love something, then you need to take care of it—which is why we’re going to show you how to clean an Instant Pot.
Lucky for us, all parts of the appliance—besides the exterior cooker—are dishwasher safe. Just another reason why we love the Instant Pot! Whether you use the dishwasher or wash by hand, make sure to dry the parts completely before reassembling. And always unplug the appliance before cleaning.
How to Clean an Instant Pot
Watch our video to see a step-by-step guide—or follow the simple steps below.
How to Clean the Base
The cooker base and heating element of an Instant Pot should never be placed in the dishwasher. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth to clean the interior and exterior of the cooker base.
How often to clean it: The cooker base and heating element should be cleaned after every use. Add this task to your daily kitchen cleaning list.
How to Clean the Stainless Steel Inner Pot
The inner pot is made of stainless steel, so wash it in warm, soapy water or throw it in the dishwasher.
How often to clean it: Since the food touches the pot directly, wash it after making any Instant Pot recipes.
How to Clean a Steam Rack
If you have room in the dishwasher, put the steam rack in there. Otherwise, hand-wash and dry completely.
How often to clean it: Since the steam rack sits in the inner pot and makes direct contact with the food, you’ll need to wash this after every use, too.
How to Clean the Steam Release Valve and Float Valve
You don’t want anything blocking these valves—that would only hinder your future Instant Pot endeavors. Use a cloth to wipe off any food particles that may gather while using your Instant Pot.
How often to clean them: It’s important to wipe off food particles that get on these valves, so clean this piece after each use.
How to Clean the Anti-Block Shield
Remove the shield from the lid, hand-wash it, and then wipe it with a soft cloth until it’s completely dry. Make sure to secure it in place on the lid before using it again.
How often to clean it: The anti-block shield is a piece of an Instant Pot that should be cleaned after every use.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Sealing Ring
Wash the sealing ring by hand or throw it in the dishwasher. Once it’s completely dry, place it back securely on the lid. This is an important step, so make sure it’s on there tight.
Editor’s Tip: Use one sealing ring for savory foods and another for sweet foods, since the ring can pick up odors while cooking. An extra sealing ring is an essential Instant Pot accessory!
How often to clean it: The sealing ring can absorb food odors, so clean this often. To avoid any odors or discoloration, replace the sealing ring every 6-12 months.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Exterior
Wipe the exterior of your Instant Pot with a damp cloth. It’s important not to submerge the cooker in water since it contains the heating element, so when you need to clean the inside of the cooker (not to be confused with the inner pot), clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately. The area around the lip of the pot can be cleaned with a toothbrush.
How often to clean:Â The exterior of an Instant Pot can be cleaned as needed.
How to Clean an Instant Pot Lid
After removing the sealing ring and anti-block shield, hand-wash the lid or wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher. Make sure you know these Instant Pot secrets you won’t find in the owner’s manual.
How often to clean it: It’s not necessary to clean the lid after every use, so wipe it down with a cloth between washes.
How to Clean the Condensation Collector
This little cup collects condensation during the cooling process. A simple hand wash will get the job done.
How often to clean: It doesn’t get very dirty, so a periodic hand wash is all it needs.
How to Deep Clean an Instant Pot
Show your Instant Pot some love by giving it a deep clean every so often.
Inner Pot
For the inner pot, pour one cup of white vinegar into the pot and let sit for five minutes. Pour it out and rinse. If you start to see water stains, use a non-abrasive scouring cleanser to make it shiny again.
Sealing Ring
To refresh the sealing ring, steam clean the ring by adding two cups of water and a tablespoon of lemon zest or two cups of white vinegar and a tablespoon of lemon zest to the inner pot. Then run the Steam program for two minutes. Remove the sealing ring and let air dry.
Your Instant Pot is clean! Don’t forget to check out our other appliance cleaning guides, like how to clean your air fryer and how to clean an oven so all your kitchen appliances stay spotless.
The Instant Pot Recipes We Love
One of my all-time favorite German dishes is sauerbraten, but I don't love that it normally takes five to 10 days to make. Using an electric pressure cooker, I think I've captured that same distinctive flavor in less than two hours. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home
Are you an Instant Pot newbie? Check out our Instant Pot guide to decode all the controls and buttons.
Instant Pot Buffalo Wing PotatoesI was getting tired of mashed potatoes and baked spuds, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa
Instant Pot Smoked Salmon PastaI love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It's now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Instant Pot Cauliflower Tikka MasalaI'm a vegetarian and I always find it challenging to find new instapot recipes. This cauliflower tikka masala is my easy take on the original. It's made healthy by the use of an air fryer and pressure cooker. —Garima Arora, Charlotte, North Carolina
Instant Pot Char Siu PorkI based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Instant Pot Chicken BrothThere’s nothing better or more satisfying than making your own chicken broth. You
can control the amount of seasoning and salt, so you can customize it for whatever recipes you’re using it in. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Find more easy ideas for what to cook in your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Balsamic Pork TenderloinThis instapot pork tenderloin with sweet brown sugar and balsamic glaze will become a go-to dinner your whole family will love. It's perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Instant Pot Cajun-Style Beans and SausageBeans and rice make the perfect meal because they're well-balanced, an excellent source of protein, and easy to prepare. Sausage adds full flavor to the recipe, and traditional pork sausage lovers won't even notice the switch to chicken sausage. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Psst! We've simplified the Instant Pot manual, just for you!
Instant Pot Orange Chipotle ChickenThe citrus in this delicious chicken dish keeps things fresh and lively. We're big on spice in our house, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Don't forget to check out these healthy Instant Pot recipes.
Instant Pot Chicken and Bacon White ChiliI made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Lee Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Instant Pot Beef StewI like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Instant Pot Apple Steel-Cut OatmealI absolutely love this one-dish oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family loves to sprinkle toasted pecans on top. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Instant Pot Stuffed PeppersHere's a good-for-you dinner that's also a meal-in-one classic. Add a salad and, in just moments, call everyone to the table. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla SoupYour family will thank you for this pressure cooker chicken tortilla soup! Leftovers taste amazing the next day. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Instant Pot Curried Chicken Meatball WrapsMy strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Let everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Learn how to make Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs with our step-by-step guide.
Instant Pot Spicy Lime ChickenThis tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with BasilNo matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Instant Pot Chicken Chop SueyIf you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Instant Pot Red Beans and RiceMy family loves New Orleans–style cooking, so I make this dish often. I appreciate how simple it is, and the smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
Instant Pot Mushroom Pork RagoutSavory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
Instant Pot Spicy Pork and Squash RaguThis recipe is a marvelously spicy combo perfect for cooler fall weather—so satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Instant Pot Pork and Apple CurryHere's a gentle curry dish that's won't overwhelm more delicate palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Instant Pot Mushroom Chicken and PeasSome amazing fresh mushrooms at our local farmers market inspired this dish. Start with the best ingredients and you can’t go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Instant Pot Flan in a JarSpoil yourself or the people you love with these delightful portable custards—a cute and fun take on the Mexican dessert classic. Tuck a jar into your lunchbox for a sweet treat. —Megumi Garcia, Madison, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Very Vanilla CheesecakeCinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the pressure cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Instant Pot White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this chili recipe with me. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Instant Pot Red Clam SauceThis recipe tastes as if you've been working on it all day. What a classy way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania
Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken OrzoOrzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Instant Pot Molten Mocha CakeWhen I first made my decadent chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. She says it's one of her "most favorites." Later, I took one of these to our next-door neighbors. Their teenage son, who answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee
Instant Pot Buffalo Shrimp Mac & CheeseFor a rich, creamy and slightly spicy shrimp and pasta recipe, you can't beat this crowd-pleasing dish. It's a nice new twist on popular Buffalo chicken dishes.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Instant Pot Cuban Pulled Pork SandwichesI lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork served there, so I went about making it for myself! The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, too. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas
Instant Pot Mini Teriyaki Turkey SandwichesPreparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a pressure cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is a finishing touch.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Instant Pot Truly Tasty Turnip GreensThese savory greens are a hit at every church dinner. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make the recipe your own. .—Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina
Instant Pot Carrot Cake OatmealThis warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Instant Pot Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Cheddar Bacon Ale DipMy tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Lentil Pumpkin SoupPlenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI
Instant Pot Beer-Braised Pulled HamTo jazz up leftover ham, I cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Instant Pot Cranberry Apple Red CabbageWhen I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Instant Pot Apple Balsamic ChickenI just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a few minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Kale SoupThe first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois
Instant Pot Memphis-Style RibsAfter my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Maple French ToastMy family and friends all love it when I make this delicious French toast in the morning. It's so delicious and easy! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Instant Pot Rigatoni with Sausage & PeasWith a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Instant Pot Sicilian Chicken BogChicken Bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations—think herbs, spices and fresh veggies—but the standard ingredients remain sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Originally Published: September 19, 2018
