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    Home » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Tips and Tricks

    Instant Pot Deep Clean

    Published: Mar 12, 2020 · Modified: Oct 13, 2025 by Maria Bravo · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Keeping your Instant Pot in perfect working order is extremely important to avoid the Burn error and this Instant Pot Deep Clean (with video) will make it so easy.

    Make sure you read the questions and answers below too as they cover a lot of information for the maintenance of your Instant Pot.

    Being aware of this will also help you reduce the risk of the Burn error (or OUHT) or of your Instant Pot not reaching pressure. We also recommend you read our guide to avoid the Burn notice.

    The videos feature the Instant Pot Duo. But it will be very similar for any of the other models as the mechanics will be the same so the maintenance is the same too.

    However, if you get stuck, just give me a shout in the comments or over on my Pressure Cooking UK with Feisty Tapas group.

    First of all, read the below, it will help you understand more.

    Jump to:
    • Why is an Instant Pot Deep Clean important?
    • How often should I do an Instant Pot Deep Clean?
    • Can the lid go in the dishwasher?
    • What are the Instant Pot filling rules?
    • What the Instant Pot Deep Clean videos cover
    • Watch the Instant Pot Deep Clean Video
    • Watch the Inner Pot Vinegar Clean Video
    • Where can you find the Golden Rules I talk about in the video?

    Why is an Instant Pot Deep Clean important?

    Because it will keep your Instant Pot in perfect working order which means you can keep cooking and enjoying putting your feet up, or whatever it is that you do while your Instant Pot cooks for you.

    In fact, what do you do while your Instant Pot cooks for you?

    How often should I do an Instant Pot Deep Clean?

    This will depend on how much you use your Instant Pot. Taking the sealing ring out should be regular but it doesn't have to be every time.

    If you follow the filling rules, your Instant Pot lid should only get condensation most of the time. Except when you cook giant cous cous like I did here, clearly 🤣

    But, basically, if you don't cook tons of ingredients that foam up such as porridge and pulses, this is the maintenance you should be doing:

    • Daily: press down on the sealing following its circumference several times as you press before you pressure cook. Every time.
    • Weekly: clear the rim of the cooker of debris.
    • Monthly: check the float valve doesn't feel sticky or dirty and wash it if it does. Remove the steam release handle and give it a wash.

    Can the lid go in the dishwasher?

    Yes it can but always check your user manual, best in the top drawer. More information.

    What are the Instant Pot filling rules?

    Fill up to two thirds for pressure cooking except for ingredients that expand or foam up such as pasta, rice, grains, pulses... for which you can only fill up to half way. 

    Instant Pot Deep Clean video by Feisty Tapas - how to remove the float valve and steam release handle

    What the Instant Pot Deep Clean videos cover

    In the video I guide you through all the steps I follow regularly to keep my Instant Pots (I have a few) in tip top condition:

    1. How to clean the lid

    - How to remove the sealing ring

    - How to remove the float valve

    - How to remove the steam release handle

    - How to put the lid together again

    - How to put it all back together

    2. How to clean the rim of the cooker base

    Including a couple of my favourite tools for it.

    3. How to do a vinegar clean

    What is the white vinegar clean?

    Basically, as the Give your Instant Pot some Love guide explains, pouring some white wine vinegar into your inner pot and letting it soak for a few hours or overnight to bring the shine back.

    The white vinegar clean can also remove any invisible layers of residue that may trick the sensors into thinking your Instant Pot is overheating.

    This is the white vinegar I use.

    4. Why it's important to give your Instant Pot a deep clean

    Additionally, I go through some of the pressure cooking basics to explain why all these steps are super important.

    Instant Pot Deep Clean video by Feisty Tapas - blue nails pointing at float valve gap

    Watch the Instant Pot Deep Clean Video

    Watch the Inner Pot Vinegar Clean Video

    Where can you find the Golden Rules I talk about in the video?

    Download The Golden Rules, they are part of the Beginners' Guide I wrote for Instant Pot UK which you can also download.

    Graphic encouraging people to join the Pressure Cooking UK with Feisty Tapas Facebook group, it includes the logo for the group and the words Need support? Have questions? There is a whole lot of knowledge in our friendly Facebook group

    Hope that helps!

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    About Maria Bravo

    Kitchen Gadget Geek extraordinaire | Very human, disabled, clumsy cook producing easy recipes for your kitchen gadgets | Tester of all things kitchen appliance. If Maria can't break it and gets the most of it, you know it's a good kitchen gadget | Architect of online communities for kitchen gadget lovers.

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    Hi, I'm Maria! A food blogger passionate about kitchen gadgets and their power to make life easier and tastier.

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