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Are you a slow cooker user? If so, you know that they can be a great time-saver on busy days.
Cleaning your slow cooker is one of those tasks that’s easy to put off. But if you want it to last for years, it’s important to give it a good cleaning now and then.
In this post, we’ll show you how to properly clean your slow cooker, so it stays in good condition. Check out our tips below!
How Frequently Should You Clean a Slow Cooker?
After using your slow cooker, you should always clean the interior. But when you use it repeatedly for a long time, you’ll likely also want to clean it deeply.
In fact, the sooner you clean it after using it to cook meals, the better. As food spills and waste become more difficult to remove the longer they are allowed to sit.
For the best outcome and hygiene, try to give your slow cooker base a good clean at least once a month if you can’t commit to doing so after every use.
Things to Remember: Before Cleaning a Slow Cooker
To deliver the best result for every meal you create, your slow cooker will benefit from regular maintenance and cleaning, just like any other piece of kitchen equipment.
- You should check the instructions for your slow cooker before beginning to verify that you won’t be violating the restrictions of your warranty.
- Before commencing any cleaning, always switch off your slow cooker, detach it from the outlet, and let it cool.
- Do not use scrubbing pads or aggressive cleaners. Use sponges, rags, or even a rubber spatula to remove difficult stains.
- Always unplug the slow cooker before cleaning it.
- Avoid using cold water when washing hot stoneware.
- Never submerge the heating base, not even in water.
11 Easy Steps in Cleaning a Slow Cooker
Typically, there are 3 distinct parts to cleaning a slow cooker after you use it:
- the actual slow cooker
- the liner that goes inside
- the lid that goes on top
In the following part, we will discuss the process of cleaning a slow cooker.
Step 1: Get the Required Materials
At first, you will have to get the materials to wash. This includes:
- One sponge or toothbrush
- Half cup of baking soda
- Half cup of distilled white vinegar
- Dishcloth
Step 2: Unplug the Cooker
Before continuing with the process, you must unplug the slow cooker. It guarantees safety. After that, you should add warm water to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Remove the Lid and Add Vinegar Solution
Wash the lid as normal with hot water and soap. After sprinkling it with baking soda and washing it with a washcloth to remove any filth. The lids are usually dishwasher friendly. Avoid using abrasive brushes that can ruin the surface as lids are made of glass. After that, add the vinegar solution.
To make the vinegar solution, pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar into the slow cooker to make the vinegar solution. The amount of vinegar can be raised to 1 cup for slow cookers bigger than 3 quarts.
Check out some of the best slow cookers, which will cost you less on electricity bills.
Step 4: Put Some Baking Soda Inside and Put the Lid Back on
Baking soda dissolves sticky organic waste like grease, grime, and other sorts. In addition, the mineral structure of each baking soda particle functions as a mild abrasive to clean without leaving behind scratches.
You must carefully add half a cup of baking soda to the slow cooker, allowing for any forming bubbles to go away before adding more. For a larger slow cooker, this amount may be increased by up to 1 cup.
Put the lid back on your slow cooker after adding the baking soda.
Step 5: Plug In the Cooker
After placing the baking soda, plug the cooker in for the next step.
Step 6: Set the Temperature to Low and Run the Appliance
Now lower the temperature. After decreasing the temperature, let the cooker run for around an hour. This will heat the inside and all germs and dirt obstacles will start to dissolve.
In addition, don’t be concerned about the electric cost of a slow cooker since it costs less than other electric devices.
Step 7: Turn it off and Unplug
Unplug the slow cooker after turning it off. Empty the container, then wait for it to cool before continuing.
Step 8: Scrub the Cooker’s Body
Cleaning your slow cooker shouldn’t take too much work since the heat will mix with baking soda and vinegar to accomplish the heavy lifting for you. To eliminate any leftover pieces of food, wipe the area with a toothbrush or sponge.
Step 9: Clean the Cooker’s Bottom
Use a sponge, dishcloth, or other soft material to remove dirt. If necessary, scrub to get rid of any lingering components that haven’t completely detached from the sides. If scrubbing is still ineffective, apply a second application and repeat the process.
Ensure that all cleaning components have been removed before using the cooker again. You can use a brush or toothpick if any small crumbs are left.
Step 10: Clean all Removable Parts
We are almost at the end of our cleaning process. At this stage, you have to clean all the parts that we removed for deep cleaning. Lids handle, and knobs that are easily detached should be cleaned with soapy water or a mild cleaner.
Step 11: Wipe Clean both the Interior and Exterior
After thoroughly washing the slow cooker with water, use a cloth to clean the inside and outside. Take out the bowl by uncovering the cooker. Clean the interior of the cooker with a dishcloth to remove any dirt.
Make a paste using a sponge, then work it into any tough spots. You might also thoroughly clean it with some hot water.
Conclusion
Whether you love to cook or despise it, a slow cooker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It lets you prepare your meal in advance and boil it as you go about your day. This results in a stew, soup, or curry that is ready to eat after a hard day at the workplace and has a great scent.
According to many home cooks, the worst aspect of using a slow cooker is washing off the muck that has been cooked on after dinner. Hope this guide shows you how to clean your slow cooker and you’re ready to do it in no time from now.
