How To Clean The Instant Pot | The Vinegar Trick That Works

You probably toss the inner pot in the dishwasher and call it a day. That handles the visible mess, but the Instant Pot’s lid, sealing ring, and steam valve collect grease and odors that dish soap alone doesn’t touch. Over time those trapped smells and small food bits can drift into the next batch of soup or rice.

A proper cleaning routine takes about ten minutes of hands-on work plus a short pressure-cook cycle. The payoff is an appliance that stays free of stale smells and stuck-on residue, and the methods use common pantry supplies — white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. You don’t need special tools or harsh chemicals.

What You Need For A Routine Clean

Keep a soft sponge or cloth, mild dish soap, and a small brush (a clean toothbrush works well) near your Instant Pot. The official manufacturer guidance recommends hand-washing the inner pot and lid with warm water and dish soap after each use — the dishwasher is acceptable but may dull the stainless steel finish over time.

Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners. They scratch the inner pot’s surface, and those scratches can trap food particles and make future cleaning harder. For stubborn burnt-on bits, a baking soda paste (three parts baking soda to one part water) left on for ten minutes before scrubbing does the job gently.

The heating element on the bottom of the base should never be submerged — wipe it with a damp cloth only. The same goes for the exterior: a damp cloth and a quick dry are all that’s needed.

Why The Sealing Ring Gets Blamed For Everything

The silicone sealing ring is the part most people complain about. It absorbs odors from every recipe, especially curries, chili, and tomato-based dishes. The ring is removable, which makes cleaning easier, but many owners don’t realize it needs separate attention.

• Odor absorption: Silicone is porous. That bold curry smell stays in the ring long after the pot is washed. Soaking it in a mixture of white vinegar and water for several hours or overnight breaks down the particles that hold the scent.
• Daily cleaning: Remove the ring from the lid and wash it by hand with dish soap and warm water. It’s also top-rack dishwasher safe, though hand-washing helps preserve flexibility.
• Steam deodorizing: For a faster fix, run a steam cycle with two cups of white vinegar in the inner pot on the Steam setting for two minutes. The steam travels through the lid and refreshes the ring without removing it.
• When to replace: If the ring still smells after a vinegar soak and steam cycle, it may need to be replaced. Replacement rings are sold by the manufacturer and are inexpensive insurance against flavor transfer.

Having a second ring on hand for savory vs. sweet cooking is a common trick, but even a single ring stays fresh with regular vinegar treatments.

How To Deep Clean The Inner Pot

The inner pot sees the most action, so it benefits from a deep clean beyond the daily scrub. Several methods work, each targeting different residue types: grease buildup, burnt-on food, or lingering odors. The table below compares the most common approaches.

The baking soda pressure-cook method is especially effective for stubborn residue. After the cycle and natural release, pour out the water and scrub gently with a sponge. BarkeepersFriend’s Instant Pot cleaning care page notes that baking soda is alkaline enough to lift cooked-on food without damaging the stainless steel finish.

Taking Apart The Lid For A Thorough Wash

The lid has several small parts that trap food. A thorough clean means removing each piece rather than just wiping the lid as one unit. Work through these steps after every few uses or whenever you notice debris in the crevices.

1. Remove the sealing ring — Pull it out from the metal ring that holds it in place. Wash by hand or on the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Take off the steam release valve and anti-block shield — These pop off with gentle pressure. Wash them in warm soapy water and ensure they are fully dry before reattaching.
3. Clean the float valve — Press it from the underside of the lid to expose the silicone cap, then wipe both sides with a damp cloth. A toothpick can clear any debris stuck in the tiny opening.
4. Brush the lid’s rim — A small brush or toothbrush reaches the crevices around the rim where food bits hide. Rinse with warm water after brushing.
5. Air dry all parts — Lay the lid upside down on a drying rack and leave the sealing ring, valve, and shield out until completely dry. Moisture trapped in the lid’s gasket area can lead to mold.

Resist the temptation to reassemble while parts are still damp. A few extra hours of drying time prevents mildew spores from settling into the silicone.

Odors, Burn Marks, And Other Common Issues

Even with regular cleaning, Instant Pots develop two persistent problems: smells that won’t fade and a burning smell when the base heats up. The burning smell usually means moisture or food debris is on the heating element. Make sure the inner pot is completely dry on the bottom before placing it back in the base.

The condensation collector is another overlooked source of odors. Empty and rinse it after each use. A quick wipe with a soapy cloth prevents the grayish slime that forms when stagnant water sits.

For sealing ring odors that resist a quick wash, a longer soak delivers results. Bon Appétit recommends soaking the ring in a vinegar solution, calling the technique an effective way to soak sealing ring in vinegar for several hours until the smell lifts.

The Bottom Line

Keeping an Instant Pot clean comes down to a few deliberate habits: hand-wash the lid and inner pot after each use, soak the sealing ring in vinegar when smells appear, and run a monthly steam cycle with baking soda or vinegar to lift buildup. The methods cost pennies and take minutes.

If you notice a burning smell or a ring that still smells after several vinegar treatments, check with the manufacturer’s support for a replacement ring — they’re tested for heat resistance and fit tolerance, which generic rings sometimes lack.