If you use the Pampered Chef pressure cooker, you know how much time it saves getting more nutritious meals on the table. But when you use it regularly, it’s important to know how to deep clean it to keep it working like new.
Basic after-meal cleanup is as easy as putting the inner pot and sealing ring in the dishwasher and wiping down the lid and outside surface. But once in awhile, you should give some areas a deeper clean.
How to Remove Odor From the Pressure Cooker Sealing Ring
Brian Atinaja from the Pampered Chef Product Development team says that while it’s hard to completely remove all odors from the silicone sealing ring after regular use, the best thing you can do to reduce the smell is to scrub the ring with a baking soda and water paste.
While it’s hard to completely remove all odors from the silicone sealing ring after regular use, there are a few things you can do to reduce the smell.
- Scrub the ring with a baking soda and water paste.
- Use different rings for different types of pressure cooking. Swap that extra ring in, so your cheesecake won’t smell faintly like beef stew.
What to Do If the Sealing Ring Is Loose
Brian’s favorite trick to fix a sealing ring that gets a little stretched out and loose over time is to put it in the freezer for 30 minutes to shrink it down for a tighter seal.
How to Start Deep Cleaning Your Quick Cooker
If you love your electric pressure cooker and use it frequently, it’s important to know how to deep clean it. Start your deep cleaning with these steps.
- Put your finger on the red indicator valve, then pull off the small silicone seal and let the indicator drop out. Make sure that the hole is clean, so the pressure indicator can move freely.
- If the silver button on the lid’s rim is sticking, clean carefully around the button and inside the pressure indicator hole with a brush or cotton swab.
- To put it all back together, put the indicator back into the hole with the flat side up and press the silicone seal back on. Move the indicator in and out all the way to make sure everything is back in place.
How to Clean the Pressure Relief Valve
While deep cleaning your Quick Cooker, take a look at the steam-release valve that relieves the pressure when you cook.
- Pull the steam-release valve straight up and it will come right out.
- Then, clean the inside with a small brush, as well as the area on the lid where the valve was sitting
- Check the nozzle to make sure there isn’t any food inside.
- When you put the valve back on, the icon should be aligned with the button. Press it down firmly.
Once you’re finished deep cleaning all the lid parts, put the sealing ring back on.
How to Get Residue Off of the Inner Pressure Cooker Pot
Brian also says not to forget about deep cleaning the inside, outside, and rim of the inner pot. “Residues and imperfections can keep the Quick Cooker from reading temperatures accurately and sealing properly,” he says.
- To remove scorched food or residue, use stainless cookware cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend.
- Check all the pieces for cracks, pitting, or other damage.
- If you notice that any parts are damaged, contact your consultant for a replacement part.
How Often Should I Deep Clean My Pressure Cooker?
Deep clean your Quick Cooker if you notice stubborn odors that regular cleaning doesn’t remove, or if you notice the performance isn’t as great as it used to be. If you’re using it almost every day to make meals, you should deep clean your pressure cooker at least once a week.
Check out this helpful video to see all these cleaning tips in action.
Customer sent me this text:
I accidentally poured water in the quick cooker without the inner bowl inside! Water ran through the base and all over the counter… did I just ruin my quick cooker motor?
I just did the same thing! Did this ruin your quick cooker? What was your outcome and how to fix?
I cannot get my quick cooker cover back on – it won’t turn .
I cleaned the steam release valve and still nothing.
Help !
Everytime I try to use my pressure cooker I cant get the quick release to seal, I’ve read this is normal when pressuring up. But it will not pressure up unless I fight with it. I’m currently making 20min chicken that’s been spewing steam for over a half hour. Any idea what I can do or am doing wrong?. I always try to make sure the button is not pressed down and the plastic vent is flat and not spun or tilted. Please help!