How to Clean Your Instant Pot—Daily Use + Deep Cleaning Guides

How to Clean Your Instant Pot

Despite the large number of small parts, cleaning an Instant Pot is much simpler than you might expect! In this guide we will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning your Instant Pot.

We’ll cover each type of cleaning, how frequently you should clean each component, and how to keep your pot in tip top condition for years to come. If you love your Instant Pot as much as we do, you want to give it the TLC it deserves!

How do I clean my brand new Instant Pot? (Should I?)

(Skip this if you’ve already used your IP.)

First-time users often want to know how to clean your Instant Pot before the first use. In this case, you should always start with the “Initial Test Run.” This is called the water test, and it will only take 20 minutes and requires a few cups of water. This process ensures that everything is working properly. Furthermore, you’ll get some practice understanding how the steam release system works.

Pre-Cleaning

Always, always, always unplug your pot before washing.

Always remove small parts from the instant pot lid to ensure they don’t get lost (especially if using a dishwasher).

Is the Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe?

The sealing ring, lid, and steam rack, as well as the inner pot of the Instant Pot, can all be washed in the dishwasher with no problem. You should not throw the lid into a dishwasher because of the many components (steam release, float valve, etc).

When in doubt, the exterior cooker is the only component that is not dishwasher safe. So if you’re in a rush, you can wash (and dry) every instant pot component EXCEPT the exterior cooker in your dishwasher.

💡 Important tip: You must make sure that you dry every part before reassembling your machine.

What Parts Can Be Cleaned?

Everyday Cleaning: How to Clean the Instant Pot After Each Use

What you’ll probably need:

• Soft cloth
• Dish soap
• Soft-bristled brush (optional)
• Sponge (optional)
• White vinegar (optional)

How to Clean the Inner Pot of an Instant Pot

The inner pot is made of stainless steel. It can be washed in warm, soapy water, or put in the dishwasher. You will wash this after every use because this is where the food cooks.

⚠️NEVER⚠️ use abrasive cleaners like steel wool. These will permanently scratch and damage the pot surface/finish.

How to Clean the Steam Rack of an Instant Pot

Because the steam rack is located within the inner pot and comes into direct contact with the food, it will also need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use. You can put it in the dishwasher or hand wash. As always, completely dry the item.

How to Clean the Lid of an Instant Pot

Your IP lid has several exterior parts, depending on the model. Start by removing the steam release cover by lifting it straight up. Next, take off the steam release valve. Some models are also equipped with a Quick Cool cover, which can be removed with ease.

Next, turn your attention to the interior where you will remove the silicone cap covering the float valve, sealing ring, and anti-block shield. Once again, some models have varying parts.

It is not necessary to clean the lid after each use; instead, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth in between washes to keep it clean. Alternatively, you may place the lid in the top rack of the dishwasher to clean it thoroughly. But make sure to remove all the small parts first. Although the small parts are dishwasher safe, it is often easiest and safest to just clean them with warm water.

How to Clean the Steam Release Valve and the Float Valve on an Instant Pot

The most important thing to watch out for is food/gunk accumulated on these valves. You don’t want anything to get in the way of/block the valves.

How to Clean the Anti-Block Shield on an Instant Pot

Wash this one by hand and remove the shield from the lid after each and every use. Wipe it down with a soft cloth and allow it to dry completely. Before using it again, make certain that it is securely fastened to the lid.

How to Clean the Sealing Ring on an Instant Pot

Your sealing ring will absorb odors from food. And after heavy use, you’ll probably want to replace this part entirely. So it’s very important to clean this part on a regular basis.

You can either wash it by hand or put it in the dishwasher. Once it has dried completely, it is time to reattach it to the lid in a secure manner. This is a critical step, so make certain that it is securely fastened. We personally clean the sealing ring any time we cook flavorful foods.

💡 Tip: The Instant Pot manufacturing team recommends using 2 different sealing rings. Reserve one ring for cooking savory foods and a separate sealing ring for sweet foods.

How to Clean the Outside of an Instant Pot

This is not necessary to clean after every use—this is not the same as the inner pot (where the food goes). Whatever you do, DO NOT submerge the IP in water. The appliance body contains the heating element and electronic parts.

When cleaning the inside of the cooker, use a damp cloth and dry immediately.

💡 Tip: A toothbrush can be used to clean the area around the rim of the pot.

How to Clean the Condensation Cup of an Instant Pot

While the cooling process is in progress, condensation is collected in this small cup. It doesn’t get very dirty, so a quick wash every few months is all that’s required. Six reasons why we adore our Instant Pots are listed below.

How to Deep Clean Your Instant Pot

What you’ll probably need:

• Soft cloth
• Dish soap
• Soft-bristled brush
• White vinegar
• Lemon zest

Deep cleaning the inner pot

Pour one cup of white vinegar into the inner pot and allow it to sit for five minutes. Pour it out and give the pot a good rinse. If you notice water stains beginning to appear, use a non-abrasive scouring cleanser to restore the shine to the surface.

How to Deep Clean the Sealing Ring of an Instant Pot

Use the Steam program for two minutes to refresh the sealing ring by filling the inner pot with two cups of water and a tablespoon of lemon zest, or two cups white vinegar and a tablespoon lemon zest, and then running the Steam program for two minutes. Remove the sealing ring and allow it to dry naturally.