How to Clean an Electric Multi Cooker

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Multi cookers and pressure cookers are fantastic ways of preparing various foods. And although they don’t require much effort for preparing meals, they may need some attention in cleaning to keep them in top condition. So if you’re wondering how to clean an electric multi cooker, we’ve got your back with this handy how-to guide.

Exterior

Cleaning an instant pot only takes around 20 minutes. Importantly, for the best habits, make sure that you adopt deep cleaning after every use—especially if you were cooking a messy meal in the kitchen.

For the exterior of the multi cooker, first, unplug the appliance. Then, wipe the surface with a damp cloth, making sure you avoid any electrical parts or the panel area. Use a dry cloth to keep these areas free from liquid while also removing any dirt.

Interior

For the inner pot, remove the stainless steel insert and trivet. These are typically dishwasher safe or you can use soapy water on these areas to get rid of any tough stains or burnt-on food. In particular, for stubborn spots that don’t come clean with soapy water, use white vinegar or baking powder on a sponge. For spillages around the rim of the pot, use a soft, dry microfibre cloth and gentle sweeping motions. Be careful not to use anything too abrasive as it may damage the non-stick coating.

Lid

You use the lid every time you cook, so when you remove it from the cooker, ensure that you also detach the silicone ring. Similar to a pressure cooker, the lid of an instant pot will also have a silicone ring. Gently remove it and set it aside. Then, wash the lid in soapy hard water, or place it in the dishwasher if you want an easier option.

If your cooker’s lid features an anti-block float valve, remove it and wash it by hand with water and soap. This will help to remove any clogs.

Sealing Ring

Sometimes the silicone sealing ring can hold onto stubborn smells. The best way to clean and care for a sealing ring is to simply use water and vinegar. Start by filling the instant pot with two cups of vinegar with the same amount of water. Then, add a lemon rind and seal the lid. Continue by hitting the ‘steam’ setting for around three minutes.

It’s important to remove the silicone ring from the multi cooker for cleaning, especially if you use this appliance regularly for cooking. In addition, this process enables you to check the parts for damage. If you notice that the ring is leaking or misshaped, you can purchase an entirely new ring.

Remove Burnt Stains

If you use your electric pressure or multi cooker often, it might be susceptible to burnt food and marks. This can extend the cleaning process from 5 minutes to much longer.

The easiest and quickest way to remove burnt-on food stains is to pour warm water onto the affected area and use the ‘manual’ steaming for up to 15 minutes. The warm water will steam the burnt parts and encourage the food particles to loosen. In most cases, you can clean the bits without having to scrub with a sponge.

Get Rid of Black Stains

Over years, black stains can accumulate within your multi cooker. These may affect the meals you make the following day, and it can even create a pungent odour.

Begin by filling the pressure cooker with warm water – paying particular attention to the stained sections. Drop the outer layer of five onions into the water. Switch on the instant pot and close the lid. Allow the water and onion mixture to boil for up to 30 minutes. After this period, wait for the inner pot to cool, remove the mixture, and wipe down the surface to keep it clean and stain-free.

Wipe Out Marks

For proper cooker care, you must spend time deep cleaning the appliance to eliminate stubborn marks. Baking powder is an excellent ingredient that you probably need to have at home. Add three teaspoons of baking powder to the inner pot and fill it with water. Then, apply a simmer setting for up to three hours for optimum cleaning. You may also want to add some water or vinegar to the cooker to reveal a smooth surface. After the simmering time is up, remove the mixture from the inner pot and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Get Your Multi Cooker Looking New Again

When you make dishes in the multi cooker often, the inside can form a white layer of mineral deposits. The easiest way to remove these particles is by adding one cup of white vinegar with water to the inner pot and leave the mixture overnight. The following morning, rinse out the mixture and wash. You can continue this process to remove any remaining deposits.

Clean the Instant Pot Base

The heating element of multi cookers can also become dirty and may need a deep clean after use. You should never submerge any electronic components or the entire multi or pressure cooker into water or the dishwasher.

Instead, wipe clean the outer part using a soft damp cloth. Try a microfibre material laying around in your home, because it’s gentle on surfaces and doesn’t leave any lint around. In addition, you can use a soft cloth and a blunt knife to clean the rim around the top part of the pot. Alternatively, you could try a cotton swab if you need to reach into some tight areas.

Additional Areas to Clean

How to clean an electric multi cooker and keep it like new? You must focus on cleaning all areas and components. This includes the condensation keeper that sits on the back of the pot. Empty it and hand wash it regularly. Make sure it’s dry before returning to the instant pot. If you notice it filling up with liquid, try to drain it to keep this one component dry.

Furthermore, the anti-block shield requires cleaning every few weeks. This is easy to remove with a blunt knife, and it should pop out. Wash the shield with warm water, rinse, and dry. Place everything back into its original place, ready for your next use.

Bring Back the Sparle

Learning how to clean an electric multi cooker isn’t always fun, but when your appliances start developing odours and collecting liquid, you must take action. Will you be trying any of the above tips? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.