Pressure cookers can do (and cook) just about everything, except cleaning itself! Knowing how to clean it is important to keep your favorite appliance up and running for many years. If you have an electric pressure cooker, these tips are for you. Learn how to thoroughly clean this amazing appliance.
How to Clean Electric Pressure Cookers
Keep in mind that vinegar is used for this cleaning process and it can damage stone countertops. So, if you have a stone countertop, make sure to wash your cooker on another surface. Some pressure cookers have dishwasher-safe inserts. Always check the manufacturer instructions.
Here’s how to clean your pressure cooker by hand. Remember to clean and wash after every use! You’ll need:
- 3 Microfiber cloths
- Microfiber sponge
- Distilled white vinegar in a splash bottle
- Dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- An toothbrush or little clean brush
1. Always unplug electric pressure cookers before cleaning them. Remove inserts and pot.
2. Use the brush to remove any food that may be stuck to the outside of the cooker.
3. Lightly spray a clean microfiber cloth with vinegar and use it to wipe down the outside of the pressure cooker.
4. Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
5. Wash your pressure cooker lid, inserts and pot in the sink with dishwashing liquid and warm water.
6. Dry the cover and any other parts of the cooker with a microfiber cloth. Let it air-dry for a few minutes.
Deep Cleaning
Once in a while, you should deep clean your pressure cooker. How often you should do this depends on the type of food you usually cook and the frequency of use. You’ll need:
- Mild dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloths
- Distilled white vinegar
- A shallow pan
- Follow the steps above to clean the outside of your cooker, its inserts, lid and pot.
- Fill your kitchen sink with warm water and add some drops of dishwasher.
- Remove the float valve (be very careful!) and wash it by hand in the sink.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry thoroughly before putting the valve back. Make sure the float valve is free to move up and down.
- Remove the anti-block shield from the cooker’s lid, but don’t remove the steam valve. Just wipe the steam valve clean with a microfiber cloth. Wipe down the anti-block shield and put it back.
- Remove the electric pressure cooker sealing ring.
- Inspect the ring to make sure it is intact and still fits firmly. If it seems to be cracked or loose, get a replacement. The sealing ring must be whole and firm for the cooker to work properly.
- Pour vinegar into the shallow pan so that it’s deep enough for the electric pressure cooker sealing ring.
- Place the sealing ring inside and let it sit for around five minutes.
- Remove the ring from the vinegar and wash it with dishwasher and warm water.
- Let the ring dry totally before replacing it. Make sure that it fits firmly.
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