Dishwashers are one of the most helpful kitchen gadgets in the modern kitchen. They take the hassle out of cleaning dishes when you do not have time to handwash them, and many come with a host of great features that make them easy and fun to use.
But the question here is, can you dishwash a pressure cooker?
Can Pressure Cookers Be Washed In The Dishwasher?
Although dishwashers today are designed to accommodate an array of dishes and tools, not all items can be cleaned in a dishwasher, and pressure cookers are some of them.
Why you should never put the entire pressure cooker in a dishwasher
Pressure cookers today are designed to last. However, you must take care of them properly to be handed down from generation to generation.
The loose inner pot of the cooker (the stainless-steel cooking pot), the sealing ring, the lid, the trivet, and the steam rack are all dishwasher safe—yet another way your cooker makes cooking and clean-up extremely easy.
We contend, though, that it is probably best not to attempt to dishwash pressure cooker lids. This is because the pressure cooker lid contains many vital components essential for keeping your pressure cooker working correctly.
The lid, for instance, is where the valves that ensure that the pressure cooker is working optimally are situated. If put in a dishwasher, the cleaning motion of the pressurized water jets may force small components and particles of food into the valves.
When the valves are blocked, not only will the pressure cooker fail to work, but it can also cause explosions.
Most dishwashers also require harsh chemicals, which can damage the rubber and silicone seals found in pressure cooker lids. That said, manufacturers of Instant Pots say that their lids are top-rack dishwasher safe.
If you are going to go along with it, we recommend first removing the sealing ring and the anti-block shield. After cleaning, check that the steam release valve and float valve are still working and ensure no food particles are blocking them as this would prevent the Instant Pot from coming to pressure.
Instant Pots have a component called an anti-block shield on the inside of the lid. It is important to remove and clean this after every use. To remove it, push the side of the shield towards the lid rim with your thumb and lift it.
The shield should pop out with a bit of effort. You can now wash the shield with warm, soapy water. Rinse and wipe it dry gently. To put it back, press it downwards.
What about the sealing rings? These are made of top-quality, heat-resistant silicone. They can be hand washed in hot soapy water or put into the dishwasher. The ring must be properly dry before being put back onto the lid. Make sure that it has been securely positioned.
This ring is a critical part of your pressure cooker, which will not build up pressure without it. Always keep a couple of spare ones at hand. Check the ring carefully every time it is washed. There should be no cracks or tears. If there are, replace the sealing ring.
It is a good idea to have a different sealing ring for when you’re making sweet or savory foods because silicone absorbs odors. Normally, the rings last around one and a half to two years before needing replacement.
A critical component of the pressure cooker that you should never clean in the dishwasher is the cooker base. The cooker base is the exterior sleeve of the pressure cooker (the one that contains all the buttons and settings).
Both the microprocessor and the heating element are located in the cooker base, and these electrical components will be damaged irreparably by water. So, never dishwash the base. Prevent the base from getting wet at all. If it does get wet, consider using a hairdryer to dry it thoroughly.
You should simply wipe the base down with a damp cloth and a little soapy detergent. Before you start cleaning the pressure cooker, ensure that it is completely shut off and has cooled down.
How to clean your pressure cooker
- Cleaning the inner pot
You can also periodically clean stains off the inner pot by placing a cup of white vinegar in the bottom of the inner pot. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes, and then pour out the vinegar and rinse.
An Instant Pot’s inner pot (cooking pot) is made out of stainless steel, food-grade 304 (18/8) with no chemical coating. To clean the whole thing, remove the inner pot from the base. Next, put the inner pot into the sink.
The easiest way to get rid of stuck food particles and remnants in your pressure cooker inner pot is to fill it up with some hot water and washing detergent. The hot water will go a long way in helping to loosen up the bits of food so that you can remove them easily with a gentle scrubber.
- Cleaning the cooker base
Because you should avoid wetting the cooking base, the best way to keep the base clean and shiny is to use a damp cloth. Add a little mild soap if you need to. You can also use an old toothbrush when you need to clean the rim of the cooker base.
- Removing discoloration and stains
After continued use, the inner stainless-steel pot of your cooker may become prone to staining and discoloring due to acids and minerals in the food. You can remove the discoloration easily using vinegar or a non-abrasive stainless-steel cleaner. Do not use steel wool as it will scratch the surface.
To Conclude
While all parts of your pressure cooker except the cooker base are dishwasher safe, we do not recommend dishwashing the lid. You can safely dishwash the stainless-steel inner pot, the lid, the sealing ring, and the steam rack.
The cooker base must be kept dry and can be wiped down with a damp cloth when necessary. The anti-block shield should be washed after each use and re-installed.