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So you finally joined the Instant Pot bandwagon? Congrats! You've been having fun experimenting with different recipes but now have to deal face another conundrum: how on earth do you clean an Instant Pot? How do you remove the icky smell from the lid?
How To Clean The Instant Pot Lid
Let's begin with the top of the Instant Pot: the lid. Its unique design allows the lid to trap pressure and moisture but it also ends up with splatter and may attract some unpleasant odors over time.
The lid is top-rack dishwasher safe but try the following tips to clean the Instant Pot lid by hand:
1. Separate the lid from the pot.
2. Remove the silicone sealing ring and the anti-block shield under the lid (see image below).
3. Handwash the lid, being sure to pay special attention to the inside edges and all the nooks and crannies on top of the lid.
4. Handwash the silicone sealing ring and anti-block shield. Allow to air dry.
image via Instant Pot
Removing smells from the Instant Pot lid
There are two great methods to rid the silicone sealing ring of any foul odors:
1. Place the silicone sealing ring inside a large vessel (such as a mixing bowl) and soak in a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water overnight.
OR
2. Place the silicone sealing ring inside the lid, along with any other parts that you've hand washed (such as the anti-block shield and pressure valve). Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the Instant Pot insert. Close the lid, turn the pressure valve to the 'sealing' position. Steam for 2 minutes.
Instapottin' with Poonam is a great YouTube channel dedicated to all things Instant Pot. In this video, Poonam shows you how she cleans her Instant Pot.
How To Clean the Instant Pot Insert
The insert, or lining, is the stainless steel vessel where food is cooked. Over time it can accumulate stains, particularly on the bottom of the insert. To remove them:
Sprinkle a bit of baking soda or powdered scouring detergent (such as Bar Keeper's Friend) and scrub it with a coarse sponge.
How To Clean the Instant Pot Exterior
Unplug the Instant Pot and wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. Pay special attention to the inside grooves under the lid, as some food particles sometimes accumulate in this area. They can easily be wiped away or rubbed out using a damp Q-tip.
Cleaning the Condensation Collector
The condensation collector is a small plastic cup that hangs on the outside of the Instant Pot. It is not necessary to wash after every use, as it may not have accumulated much liquid. It may be hand washed or placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.
For more tips on cleaning the Instant Pot, visit the manufacturer's official website.
Learn how to cook a whole turkey in the Instant Pot.
