After a day’s worth of cooking, you will find yourself clearing a soiled slow cooker. Deep-seated dirt may have stuck on the slow cooker, which can be a tad tiring when hand washed.
The great news is there are slow cookers that are dishwasher-safe. Detachable parts like the lid, pot, and other inserts are dishwasher-safe. The best call of action is to identify what parts of your slow cooker can be washed in the dishwasher by checking the instructions manual or visiting the manufacturer’s website.
How Do I Clean My Slow Cooker?
Cleaning your slow cooker may be a tough cookie, especially if it can only be washed by hand. The good thing is, there are hacks and tips to effectively clean your slow cooker without the need to scrub your heart out of the cooker. To return your slow cooker to its fresh, clean state—here are the things you must do:
- Clean your slow cooker as soon as it is cool to touch. Prolonging your soiled equipment will make the grease and oils stay further—making it harder to remove.
- Begin working on your slow cooker. Pour water on the pot until the easy to remove dirt is removed. Slowly, pour warm water with dishwashing liquid inside the pot. Let it sit for 20 minutes or as soon as the dirt starts to rise on the soap.
- Do not use scouring pads and chemicals that might strip nonstick layers to clean your slow cooker. Using soft sponges, clothes, or rubber spatula is enough to remove stubborn spots.
- Do not pour cold water if the pot is hot. If it is made with ceramic, it will have a high chance of cracking. Metal-based pot tends to warp and bend when placed under thermal shock.
- Dry the slow cooker completely before placing it back on its respective spots. The dripping liquid may reach the electric components—which may damage the equipment.
How to Deodorize a Slow Cooker?
Deep-seated oils and tough stains usually leave an unpleasant food odor on your slow cooker. This food odor may affect the next food’s flavor and aroma to be cooked inside the slow cooker. You may consider deodorizing your slow cooker—by using the equipment itself:
- Grab the following materials: distilled white vinegar, water, and baking soda. If your pot is made with metal, replace white vinegar with lemon.
- Prepare your slow cooker and fill it with water until it is above the leftover food line.
- For vinegar: add half a cup of vinegar for every three quarts of liquid.
- For lemon: add half a cup (2 lemons) for every three quarts of liquid.
- Slowly pour baking soda into the mixture. Place half a cup of baking soda for every three quarts of liquid.
- Cover your slow cooker with a lid and set it under low temperature for one to four hours. If there is still food odor, remove the used liquid and repeat the process.
- Cool the slow cooker through the air. Do not place it on cold water to prevent the pot from damaging. Dry it completely before storing or placing it back on the counter.
Picture from www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/the-best-slow-cooker/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
