How to Clean and Care for Your Instant Pot: A Complete Guide

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking with its speed, versatility, and ease of use. However, like any kitchen appliance, your Instant Pot needs regular cleaning and care to maintain peak performance and ensure food safety. This step-by-step guide will walk you through daily cleaning and deep-cleaning routines for your Instant Pot’s parts—from the stainless steel liner and lid to the silicone sealing ring and base. You’ll also find hacks for eliminating stubborn stains and odors, as well as essential do’s and don’ts to extend your appliance’s life.

Why Proper Instant Pot Cleaning Matters

Cleaning your Instant Pot after every use does more than make it look shiny and new; it prevents residue buildup, lingering odors, and the risk of bacteria or mold. Even small food particles trapped in crevices can affect taste, compromise the seal, or interfere with safe operation. A regular cleaning routine, combined with occasional deep cleaning, will help keep your meals delicious—and your kitchen safe.

Instant Pot Parts: What Needs Cleaning and How Often?

• Inner stainless steel pot (liner): Clean after every use.
• Lid: Clean after every use. Disassemble for deep cleaning as needed.
• Silicone sealing ring: Wash after cooking flavorful foods; deep clean if odors linger.
• Steam rack and utensils: Clean after each use.
• Base housing: Wipe down regularly. Never submerge in water.
• Accessories (condensation collector, anti-block shield, float valve): Clean and inspect regularly for residue or blockages.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning an Instant Pot

• Dish soap (mild, unscented)
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloth or soft sponge
• Non-abrasive scrubber
• Small brush or old toothbrush
• Paper towels or lint-free cloths
• Bar Keepers Friend (for polishing stainless steel)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Instant Pot After Every Use

Consistent everyday cleaning is essential to keep your Instant Pot looking and smelling fresh. Here’s how to tackle post-meal cleanup:

1. Clean the Inner Pot (Liner)

• Remove the stainless steel inner pot and wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before replacing in the base.
• For stuck-on food or stains, soak with hot water or sprinkle baking soda before scrubbing gently.
• Dishwasher safe: The liner can be placed in the dishwasher for convenience.

2. Clean the Lid

• Detach the lid and wash with warm, soapy water using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
• Remove the sealing ring and anti-block shield (see Deep Cleaning below for more details).
• Rinse and dry well, paying attention to crevices and locking mechanisms.
• Let the lid dry completely before storing to avoid excess moisture and odor development.

3. Wash Accessories

• Wash the steam rack, utensils, and condensation collector with dish soap and hot water.
• These accessories are dishwasher safe for quick cleanup.

4. Wipe Down the Base (Housing)

• Always unplug before cleaning!
• Use a slightly damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the exterior and the inner rim where spills collect.
• Never immerse in water or allow moisture into electrical components.
• Use a dry cloth to buff and finish.

How to Deep Clean Your Instant Pot

For extra-tough messes, odor removal, or just periodic maintenance, give your Instant Pot a deeper clean. This routine is ideal once a month or after preparing especially strong-smelling foods like curry or chili.

1. Disassemble the Lid Components

• Remove the lid, sealing ring, anti-block shield (pop off with your thumb), steam release handle, and float valve (and silicone cap, if present).
• Soak all removable parts in hot, soapy water.
• Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub crevices, especially around the steam release and sealing areas.
• Let all pieces dry completely before reassembly.

2. Clean the Sealing Ring

• Handwash in warm, soapy water. Inspect for cracks or warping—replace as needed.
• Odors? Soak in a solution of four cups of water and one cup of vinegar for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly, or run through the dishwasher.
• Store sealing rings separately to let them air out and prevent lingering smells.

3. Clean the Stainless Steel Liner (Deep Clean Mode)

• To remove discoloration or stubborn spots, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend (or baking soda) over dampened surfaces and scrub gently.
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue before next use.
• For polishing, use a little white vinegar on a rag to wipe the interior and exterior.

4. Steam Clean with Vinegar Hack (for Odor & Residue)

1. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and 2 cups of water to the inner pot.
2. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and use the “manual” pressure cook function for 3 minutes. Allow the cycle to complete.
3. Release pressure manually or let it release naturally. Open the lid—odors and internal residue will be reduced.
4. Rinse the liner and lid after this cycle and dry completely.

5. Tackle Stubborn Stains and Burnt-On Food

• Immediately soak the inner pot with hot water and a few drops of dish soap or a sprinkle of baking soda.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge; avoid steel wool or abrasive pads that scratch the stainless steel surface.
• If stains persist, use a paste made of baking soda and water, let sit for 20 minutes, and scrub gently.

Focus Areas: Common Instant Pot Trouble Spots

How to Remove Odors from Your Instant Pot

Stubborn smells can linger, especially after cooking pungent foods. Here’s how to neutralize unwanted odors:

• Vinegar Steam: Use the vinegar water steam clean step (see above).
• Lemon method: Add lemon peels and water, run the steam cycle, and let the citrus neutralize odors.
• Baking soda paste: Coat the inside of the liner, let sit, then rinse thoroughly.
• Dry all components thoroughly and allow to air out before storing.

Instant Pot Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts

• Do unplug and cool the Instant Pot before cleaning.
• Do handwash the lid and small parts—even if they’re technically dishwasher safe—to extend their lifespan.
• Do regularly inspect seals, valves, and vents for stuck-on food or damage.
• Don’t submerge the base housing in water—spot clean only!
• Don’t use steel wool, abrasive pads, or harsh chemicals inside the liner.
• Don’t reassemble before all parts are dry.
• Don’t leave the sealing ring on for long-term storage; odors may intensify.

Tips for Maintaining Your Instant Pot Between Uses

• Leave the lid flipped upside down on the base when storing to allow air circulation and prevent odor buildup.
• Keep an extra sealing ring for sweet and savory uses to avoid flavor transfer.
• Check accessories and removable parts for cracks or wear, replacing as needed.
• Wipe the exterior after every use to prevent grease and dust buildup.

Safety and Troubleshooting

• Always unplug the Instant Pot and let it cool before cleaning any part.
• If you notice an error or faulty operation after cleaning, confirm all parts are dry and properly assembled before use.
• Replace any damaged or warped sealing rings immediately for safe pressure cooking.
• Do not use strong chemicals or bleach inside the liner—they can damage surfaces and transfer to food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I put Instant Pot parts in the dishwasher?

A: Yes, the stainless steel inner liner, sealing ring, lid, steam rack, and many accessories are dishwasher-safe. However, handwashing the lid and small parts can help them last longer.

Q: How do I get rid of stubborn odors?

A: Soak the sealing ring in vinegar, use a steam clean with vinegar and lemon, or let it air out in the sun. For persistent smells, consider keeping separate rings for different food types.

Q: What if food is really burnt onto the bottom?

A: Soak the inner pot in hot water with baking soda, then gently scrub. Avoid harsh scrubbers—if blackened, repeat the process or use a stainless steel-safe cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend.

Q: Is it safe to submerge the Instant Pot base in water?

A: Never submerge the base. Wipe down carefully with a damp cloth only, avoiding all openings and internal wiring.

Q: How often should I deep clean my Instant Pot?

A: For regular use, do a deep clean monthly. If cooking pungent foods, or if odors or residue persist, deep clean more frequently.

Instant Pot Cleaning Checklist

• Wash inner pot, accessories, and sealing ring after each use
• Disassemble and deep clean lid monthly or after messy dishes
• Wipe down housing weekly
• Inspect lid, sealing ring, and valves for food or damage regularly
• Run a vinegar steam clean monthly or when odors build

Key Takeaways

• Daily cleaning, combined with periodic deep cleaning, ensures your Instant Pot works efficiently and safely.
• Focus on hidden trouble spots—rim, sealing ring, valves—for best results.
• Use gentle, non-abrasive tools and cleaners to prolong your appliance’s life.