The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, making it easier than ever to prepare delicious meals in a fraction of the time. From pressure cooking to slow cooking, steaming, and even yogurt-making, this multi-functional appliance is a kitchen essential.
But let’s be honest—cleaning the Instant Pot can sometimes feel like a chore. Food residue gets stuck in the nooks and crannies, the sealing ring absorbs odors, and the stainless steel pot can develop stubborn stains. If you’ve ever spent way too much time scrubbing your Instant Pot after making a hearty stew or a creamy pasta dish, you know the struggle.
What if I told you there’s a brilliant, effortless, and incredibly effective cleaning hack that will save you time and keep your Instant Pot looking brand new?
This isn’t just another “use vinegar and baking soda” tip—this is a game-changing method that requires minimal effort and delivers spotless results every time.
Ready to transform your Instant Pot cleaning routine? Let’s dive in!
The Problem: Why Cleaning the Instant Pot Can Be Tricky
Before revealing the ultimate hack, let’s understand why cleaning the Instant Pot can be challenging:
- Stuck-on Food Residue – After pressure cooking, food particles can get baked onto the inner pot, especially with starchy or sugary dishes.
- Odor Absorption in the Sealing Ring – The silicone ring tends to soak up smells from strong-flavored foods like curry, garlic, or chili.
- Hard-to-Reach Areas – The lid, steam release valve, and anti-block shield can collect grease and grime.
- Stainless Steel Stains – Over time, mineral deposits and discoloration can make the pot look dull.
Traditional cleaning methods—like soaking, scrubbing, or using dish soap—can work, but they often require too much elbow grease.
That’s where this genius hack comes in.
The Most Brilliant Instant Pot Cleaning Hack
The Secret? The Instant Pot’s Own Steam Power!
Yes, you read that right. The best way to clean your Instant Pot is to let it clean itself—using steam!
Here’s how it works:
- Fill the inner pot with water (about 1-2 cups).
- Add a natural cleaning booster (white vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda).
- Run a steam cycle (5-10 minutes on high pressure).
- Let the steam loosen all the grime—then simply wipe it away!
This method softens stuck-on food, deodorizes the sealing ring, and sanitizes every crevice—all with zero scrubbing!
Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Self-Cleaning Method
What You’ll Need:
- 1-2 cups of water
- ½ cup of white vinegar or 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda or juice of 1 lemon
- A soft sponge or cloth
Instructions:
- Remove the Inner Pot & Accessories
- Take out the inner pot, sealing ring, and any removable parts (like the steam rack).
- Add Water & Cleaning Agent
- Pour water into the inner pot.
- Add your chosen cleaning booster:
- Vinegar (great for descaling and odor removal)
- Baking soda (perfect for tough stains)
- Lemon juice (natural degreaser and freshener)
- Place the Inner Pot Back into the Instant Pot
- Ensure the pot is securely inside.
- Run a Steam Cycle
- Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
- Select “Steam” or “Manual/Pressure Cook” for 5-10 minutes on High Pressure.
- Let the cycle complete, then allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes.
- Open & Wipe Down
- Once safe, open the lid—you’ll notice how much grime has loosened!
- Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the inner pot, lid, and sealing ring.
- For tougher spots, a gentle scrub will do the trick.
- Rinse & Dry
- Rinse all parts with warm water.
- Let everything air dry before reassembling.
Why This Hack Works So Well
- Steam Penetrates Everywhere – Unlike hand-washing, steam reaches hidden spots (like under the lid’s anti-block shield).
- Natural Degreasing & Disinfecting – Vinegar and lemon break down grease, while baking soda lifts stains.
- Effortless Odor Removal – The steam cycle refreshes the sealing ring and eliminates lingering smells.
- No Harsh Chemicals – This method is eco-friendly and safe for food-contact surfaces.
Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Instant Pot Spotless
While the steam-cleaning hack is a total game-changer, here are some extra tips to maintain your Instant Pot:
1. Prevent Stains & Sticking
- Use non-stick cooking spray or a little oil before cooking sticky foods (like rice or oatmeal).
- Deglaze the pot after sautéing—add a splash of water or broth and scrape the bottom.
2. Keep the Sealing Ring Fresh
- Store it separately when not in use to prevent odor absorption.
- Soak in vinegar or lemon water monthly to neutralize smells.
- Buy an extra ring (many users keep one for savory dishes and one for sweets/yogurt).
3. Deep Clean the Lid & Valves
- Remove the silicone ring and anti-block shield regularly for a thorough wash.
- Use a toothbrush to clean the steam release valve.
4. Combat Mineral Buildup
- If your water is hard, use distilled water for steam cleaning to prevent white deposits.
- Descale monthly with vinegar or citric acid.
Real User Experiences: How This Hack Changed Their Cleaning Routine
Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what Instant Pot users are saying:
✅ “I used to dread cleaning my Instant Pot after making chili. Now, I just steam-clean it, and everything wipes off in seconds!” – Sarah K.
✅ “The sealing ring always smelled like garlic—until I tried the vinegar steam method. No more lingering odors!” – Mark T.
✅ “Baking soda + steam = magic. My pot looks brand new every time!” – Priya R.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Clean Your Instant Pot
Gone are the days of scrubbing for hours or dealing with a smelly, stained Instant Pot. With this brilliant steam-cleaning hack, you can:
✔ Deep-clean in minutes (with almost zero effort)
✔ Eliminate stubborn odors (no more garlic-infused yogurt!)
✔ Keep your Instant Pot looking brand new (no harsh scrubbing)
The best part? You already own everything you need—just water and a natural cleaning agent!
So next time you finish cooking, don’t reach for the scrubber—let your Instant Pot clean itself!
Try it today and see the difference!
What’s your favorite Instant Pot cleaning tip? Share in the comments below!
