Is Your Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe? Find Out Here!

Open built-in dishwasher machine with clean cutlery, dishes

There's not much an Instant Pot can't do when it comes to cooking.

But what about cleaning? Can you safely break out the steel wool if you burn food onto the Instant Pot's inner pot?

And what if you've cooked an oily curry that could ruin your cleaning sponge? Is the Instant Pot dishwasher safe?

I've got you. Learn all about it below!

Jump to:

Understanding Dishwasher Safety of Instant Pots
Key Components and Their Dishwasher Compatibility
Step-by-Step Guide to Dishwashing Your Instant Pot Safely
The Benefits of Dishwashing Your Instant Pot
Alternatives to Dishwashing for Instant Pots
Tips for Maintaining Your Instant Pot After Dishwashing
How Dishwasher Safety Varies Across Different Instant Pot Models
Is My Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe? Frequently Asked Questions
Taking the Plunge Safely

Understanding Dishwasher Safety of Instant Pots

Making the Instant Pot dishwasher safe really underlines how committed the manufacturers are to making our lives easier.

There are a couple of caveats. Not all parts of an Instant Pot are fair game for this cleaning method.

According to Instant Pot’s official care guidelines, while the stainless steel inner pot and accessories like the steam rack can brave the dishwasher's turbulent waters, electronic components such as the heating element require a gentler touch.

Making this separation safeguards your gadget's durability and functionality.

The reason behind this selective compatibility lies in protecting sensitive elements from water damage, ensuring that your Instant Pot continues to whip up delicious meals without a hitch.

Key Components and Their Dishwasher Compatibility

Here's a quick rundown of the essentials. You can also check out our guide on how to use the Instant Pot for beginners!

The inner stainless steel pot? Absolutely dishwasher-friendly. The inner cooking pot laughs in the face of spaghetti sauce stains.

The lid and sealing ring? Yes, but with a caveat - remove the sealing ring and wash it separately (also in the dishwasher) to ensure no food particles are clinging on.

The float valve? Also dishwasher safe! It can be placed in the cutlery rack.

However, when it comes to the Instant Pot base where all the magic happens (think electric coils and computer chips), keep that far away from your dishwasher. A damp cloth is your best friend here for wiping down.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dishwashing Your Instant Pot Safely

Dishwashers and Instant Pots are like peanut butter and jelly: they're better together, but only if done right.

First off, detach the inner pot and lid from your Instant Pot. These parts are your dishwasher-friendly buddies.

Next, place the food-grade stainless steel inner pot upside down in the bottom rack of your dishwasher. This position allows it to get a thorough clean without collecting water.

The lid goes on the top rack, ensuring its components don't warp under heat.

Last but not least, choose a mild detergent and run a normal cycle. Avoid using high-heat settings, which could harm silicone parts or seals.

Once done, air dry all pieces before reassembling them into your culinary companion for another round of cooking adventures.

The Benefits of Dishwashing Your Instant Pot

Ever thought about throwing your Instant Pot parts in the dishwasher? Good news: you can, and it's a game-changer.

First off, dishwashing saves time. Instead of scrubbing away, just load up the dishwasher and let it do its magic.

Then there’s the deep clean aspect. Dishwashers get to nitty-gritty places we might miss by hand-washing. This means a more thorough cleaning for your cooking buddy.

Last but not least, it keeps your kitchen clutter-free while cleaning is underway. No more chunky stainless steel cookware drying on every counter. For many of us with busy lives or small kitchens, that's pure gold.

Alternatives to Dishwashing for Instant Pots

cleaning the exteriors of an instant pot

If your Instant Pot's manual gives the thumbs down on dishwasher use or you don't have a dishwasher, don't fret. Without putting your appliance in jeopardy, here's how to clean an Instant Pot.

First up, hand washing with warm soapy water is a classic but reliable method. Focus on disassembling parts like the silicone ring and lid to wash each piece thoroughly.

I'd advise against using steel wool. Sure, it cuts through grime, but it'll also cut through the Instant Pot's finish. The folks at HowStuffWorks show how damaging steel wool can be for cookware.

For those tough stains or odors that won't budge, a soak in white vinegar mixed with water can work wonders. Just let the components sit in this solution for a few hours before rinsing them off.

Last but not least, lemon juice isn't just for lemonade; it's also great for removing food residue and keeping your Instant Pot smelling fresh. Simply rub a cut lemon over the problematic areas or mix some juice with water for an all-over cleanse.

Tips for Maintaining Your Instant Pot After Dishwashing

After giving your Instant Pot a spin in the dishwasher, it's not just about letting it sit and dry. To prolong its life and maintain peak efficiency, there are straightforward measures one can take.

First off, always check that the sealing ring is fully seated in its groove after washing. Ensuring this component is properly in place is vital for sustaining the necessary pressure while preparing meals.

Next up, give the steam release valve a quick once-over to make sure no food particles are blocking it. If you find any debris, a soft brush can work wonders here.

Last but definitely not least, don't forget about the anti-block shield under the lid. Pop it off gently to clean underneath; this helps prevent future clogs or malfunctions due to buildup.

Check out our complete Instant Pot basics guides to learn all about your pot's components and functions!

How Dishwasher Safety Varies Across Different Instant Pot Models

Dishwasher safety isn't a one-size-fits-all deal when it comes to Instant Pots. Some models are like that friend who can sleep through an earthquake—totally fine in the dishwasher. Others need a bit more TLC.

Certain models distinguish themselves by the resilience or delicacy of their parts. For instance, while you can toss the stainless steel inner pot and Instant Pot accessories of most models into your dishwasher without worry, electronic parts and lids often require hand washing.

Why does this matter? Well, knowing which parts of your specific model can brave the whirlpool of suds not only saves time but also keeps your beloved kitchen helper in top shape for longer. For detailed guidelines on what's safe to wash and what's not for each model, check out Instant Pot’s care instructions.

Is My Instant Pot Dishwasher Safe? Frequently Asked Questions

Ever wondered if you can just chuck your Instant Pot in the dishwasher and call it a day? You're not alone. Many folks have this question, so let's clear up some confusion.

Can the Instant Pot go into the dishwasher?

Not whole, but parts of it can. The stainless steel inner pot and the lid are generally safe for dishwashers. But remember, electronics and water don't mix - keep that base far away from your dishwasher.

How do I clean the lid of my Instant Pot in the dishwasher?

Remove the sealing ring from your Instant Pot lid before putting it in the dishwasher and place them in separately. This ensures that no food or grease is caught between them.

Can you submerge an Instant Pot lid to clean it?

Yes! The only part of the Instant Pot that can't be submerged is the base, which contains the electronic components.

Will dishwashing damage my Instant Pot?

If you stick to washing only what’s recommended by Instant Pot, like the inner pot and accessories, there shouldn’t be any issues. Just make sure those seals are checked regularly for wear and tear.