How to Clean a Pressure Cooker

So it was bound to happen. I cooked dinner, scooped it out and served it to my family but forgot I left the pressure cooker on warm setting! We left the house because I had an errand to run, came back home, went into the kitchen and smelled that awful burnt dinner smell. I quickly unplugged it, and everything was fine, but my pot was burnt on the bottom from what was left over! Once the pot was cooled down, I took it to the sink and filled it was hot water and soap. I had to get the smell out of everything and thought I would clean my whole pressure cooker at the same time. With these easy, simple steps you can have a clean smelling and clean pressure cooker again in no time too. Read my tips on How to Clean a Pressure Cooker fast and easy.

So once I got all the food out of the pot. I put the pot back in my pressure cooker. I added one cup of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda, slowly to the pot. I gave it a quick little stir and closed the lid. I turned on the pressure cooker to steam and let it run for about 10 minutes. Then I dumped out the mixture, whipped everything down real quick added one cup of water and let it steam for about 10 minutes. Wiped it dry and it was clean.

That’s it! No more smells, it sparkled like new again, and in no time it was done and ready again. I do this once a week now, if not more because it doesn’t take long to do and I know I’m not harboring any bacteria or odors for any other foods to taste like. This is also good to do if you cook dinner and then want to cook a dessert. No one wants their molten chocolate cake to taste like fish or spicy Asian wings. Which are both great recipes, but won’t make for a yummy dessert.

How to Clean Burnt Pressure Cooker

Really burnt something good? Try adding one cup of water, one cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda and turn the pressure cooker to sear. It will start to break down the burnt on food as the pot begins to boil the water for about 3-5, then turn off your pressure cooker and once it has cooled down enough you can remove the pot and wash with a soft sponge.

Do yourself a favor and clean that pot! It won’t take you long! Just two simple steps to better-tasting food and a longer lasting pressure cooker.

Read more of our cleaning tips

How to Clean Up After Your Pets
Get our Spring Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning House Checklist