Instant Pot is the most popular brand of pressure cookers. The device has become very popular because of its convenience and ease of use.
Many people love using it because they don’t have to spend time cleaning the pots after each cooking session.
However, just like any other kitchen device, also Instant Pots will need cleaning eventually.
It’s particularly important to keep the lid clean so that no bacteria can grow on it. This will prevent food from getting stuck in the crevices of the lid and cause unpleasant food odors.
Cleaning the lid of your pressure cooker isn’t as difficult as it sounds and it doesn’t take much more than warm, soapy water, a dry cloth, and some baking soda for tough stains.
Here is our step-by-step guide on how to clean the different parts of your Instant Pot Lid.
How To Clean The Lid Of Your Instant Pot
The Instant Pot lid consists of several different parts:
- Sealing ring
- Float valve and its silicone cover
- Anti-block shield (this protects the exhaust valve)
- Lid
- Steam release handle
Although you don’t need to take the lid apart and wash each of these parts, we would recommend washing them regularly to avoid any bacteria build-up.
Each Instant Pot lid part can be easily removed and deep cleaned individually, so cleaning them once a month is achievable.
Let’s take a look at how to clean these individual lid parts.
Cleaning Instant Pot Sealing Ring
To clean the sealing ring, firstly, turn off the steam function on the control panel. Then, open the lid and place it in the sink.
Next, pour some water into the sink. Make sure to put the sealer ring under the running water. This way, you will prevent the food from sticking to the lid.
After 5 minutes, rinse the lid with warm water. You can also use dish soap instead of hot water.
If there is still some food stuck to the lid, repeat the process until all the food is gone.
If you notice any odor coming out of the lid, you should stop washing immediately. It could mean that there is something wrong with the lid.
You can also use baking soda instead of water. Just mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two cups of hot water. Use a sponge to scrub the lid. Afterward, rinse it with boiling water.
You can also use vinegar instead of water. Simply add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 2 liters of water. Put the lid in the mixture for 10 minutes and then rinse it with cold water.
Cleaning Instant Pot-Anti-Block Shield
This shield is located right above the float valve. It prevents the blockage of the float valve when the pressure inside the pot rises.
To clean the anti-block shield, simply follow the same steps mentioned below.
First, turn off the steam option on the control panel. Next, open the lid and put it in the sink. Pour some water into the sink and make sure to put the shield under the running water.
After 5 minutes rinse the shield with warm water. You may also use dish soap instead.
If there is any food stuck to the shield, just repeat the process until all of the food is gone. Rinse the shield with cold water afterwards.
Cleaning Instant Pot Float Valve And Its Silicone Cap
Open the lid and place it under the running water. Then, gently wipe away any food particles. Rinse the lid with warm water and dry it thoroughly.
Then, you should remove the silicone cover. Wipe away any remaining food particles and then rinse the cover with warm water. Dry it thoroughly.
Finally, you should remove the float valve. Wash it with warm water and then dry it thoroughly.
Cleaning Instant Pots Steam Release Handle
This part consists of two components: the steam release handle and the steam release knob.
Turn off the steam function on your control panel. Then, remove the steam release knob and place it in the running water.
Wash the steam release handle with warm water and then rinse it with cool water. Dry it completely.
Cleaning Instant Pot Lid
Now that you have taken care of all the other parts, it’s time to clean the lid itself. Firstly, make sure that you have turned off the steam function on the control panel.
Open the lid and place it on a towel or paper towel. Make sure to not touch the lid directly because this may cause any food residue to stick to the surface.
Clean the lid by wiping it down with a damp cloth. If there are stubborn stains, try using an oven cleaner spray or baking soda.
Finally, rinse the lid with cold water and dry it thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your last-minute queries answered here!
Can I Use A Toothbrush To Clean The Lid?
No. Try not to use a toothbrush to wash your Instant Pot lid. This could scratch the surface and damage the lid.
It’s best to use a damp cloth and baking soda instead.
Is It Safe To Use A Wet Sponge To Clean The Lid?
Yes. You can use a wet sponge to wash your Instant Pot lid. However, it’s important to be careful because the glass could easily break.
Also, try to use a soft sponge to avoid scratching the sealed surface. Ideally, you want to use a soft cloth or a paper towel to be as gentle as possible.
Will Washing The Lid Affect Its Performance?
No. Washing your Instant Pot lid won’t affect the performance of the lid. Most people prefer to wash their lids after every use.
This is best to keep your Instant Pot clean and avoid any bacteria build-up in and around the pot.
Conclusion
While there are different parts of an Instant Pot lid that need cleaning, none of them take very long to give a scrub.
That’s why cleaning these parts every month ensures that your Instant Pot is hygienic and sparkly whenever you use it.
