Can I Wash My Instant Pot in the Dishwasher?

An Instant Pot on a counter next to some bowls of chili, cheese, and salsa. — Instant Pot

Just made some hearty chili in your Instant Pot and already dreading hand-washing its various parts? Not so fast! Believe it or not, you can put almost every piece of your Instant Pot right in the dishwasher.

There are many reasons to love the Instant Pot. It allows you to safely cook healthy, scrumptious meals in record time. You can also use it to make your own yogurt, or even sterilize baby bottles. Its best feature, though, is that it’s also incredibly easy to clean!

Cleaning the Steel Inner Pot

The stainless-steel inner pot is durable, which means it’ll be completely safe within the confines of your dishwasher. Just rinse it out and place it on the lower rack.

If your pot develops any stains or stubborn grime, you can use a nonabrasive cleaner. Alternatively, just fill it with one cup of vinegar and let it soak for five minutes. Check out the video above for more deep-cleaning tips. Just make sure the inner pot is completely dry before you place it back inside the base.

We recommend purchasing an extra inner pot, so you can keep up with your cooking when one is getting a deep clean.

Get a Spare Pot

Instant Pot IP-POT-SS304-60 Genuine Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot - 6 Quart

Cook in one, while the other gets a deep clean.

Cleaning the Lid

The heavy-duty lid will be completely safe in the top rack of the dishwasher. Technically, the anti-block shield, float valve part, and pressure release knob can also be put in the dishwasher, but we recommend hand-washing them, as they’re so small.

Here’s how to remove each part of the lid:

Anti-block shield: The round metal part on the bottom of the lid. Grip the edge of the lid and use your thumbs to pop it off (watch the video above if you need further instructions).
Float valve: This is the part that drops down when your Instant Pot reaches pressure. To remove it, just pop off the silicone cap at the bottom, and then let it slide through. The video above shows you how to do this.
Pressure-release knob: The knob on top of the lid you switch from “Sealing” to “Venting.” It’s not removable on all models; if it is on yours, we recommend you handwash it.

Once you’ve removed all the small parts, let the lid get a deep clean inside the dishwasher (top rack only!). Make sure it’s completely dry before you put it back on the base.

You might also want to store the lid upside down on top of your Instant Pot to keep it moisture-free.

Cleaning the Sealing Ring

The circle of silicone inside the lid is called the “sealing ring.” Instant Pot recommends you replace it every 12-18 months, depending on how much you use it. It’s also advisable to use a separate one for savories and sweets, so the smells won’t transfer.

It’s super-easy to remove—just watch the video above if you need some help. You can either hand-wash it or place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Be sure to remove it completely to ensure it’s cleaned thoroughly, though.

Make sure it’s completely dry before you pop it back in place.

The Official Sealing Ring

Instant Pot Sealing Ring Clear 5 & 6 Quart

The inner pot might be invisible stainless steel, but you have to replace the sealing ring due to wear and tear.

Cleaning the Condensation Collector

If you turn your Instant Pot around, you’ll see a clear plastic cup on the back. This collects all the condensation that steams out while your Instant Pot is working its magic. If you didn’t even know it was there, it’s most likely gross by now.

Just slide it off and toss it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Occasionally, you might need to use a thin tooth- or scrub brush to tackle built-up grime.

We also recommend picking up a few extras.

Replacement Cups

Original Condensation Collector Cup Replacement for Instant Pot DUO, ULTRA, LUX, 5, 6, 8 Quart All Series Ultra 60, DUO60, DUO89, and LUX80 by ZoneFly

These are so cheap, you might as well pick up a few extras!

Cleaning the Base

Sadly, you can’t put the cooker base in the dishwasher, nor should you immerse it in water. Why not? Well, it isn’t waterproof.

Also, while your old-school pressure cooker is just a steel chamber with valves you can dunk to your heart’s content, the Instant Pot has a more sophisticated electronic control panel.

You Can Turn Your Instant Pot into an Air Fryer

Instead, simply wipe down the outside with a damp or dry cloth. Don’t use a soaking wet cloth or any cleaning solvents. If you need to clean the inside, use a slightly damp, soft cloth and make sure it’s completely dry afterward. Never leave the inside wet, as this can damage the heating elements.

If necessary, you can use a toothbrush to work any yucky debris or chunks of food out of the grooves around the edge.

A clean, well-maintained Instant Pot will ensure you can enjoy hot, delicious meals for years to come!