The Instant Pot Omni Pro is a versatile multi-cooker that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and warm food. It’s a convenient appliance that can help you cook meals faster and more efficiently. However, like any kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot Omni Pro needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it in good working condition.
Proper cleaning is important for two main reasons:
- It prevents leftover food and residue from building up and affecting the taste of future dishes.
- It helps maintain the various components and prevents corrosion or damage over time.
The good news is that cleaning the Instant Pot Omni Pro is a straightforward process if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean the different parts of the Instant Pot Omni Pro.
Cleaning the Main Pot and Lid
The main stainless steel inner pot and lid are the parts that come in direct contact with food during cooking. These should be cleaned after every use.
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Sponge or dish brush
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot housing using oven mitts. Place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Open the lid away from you to allow steam to escape gradually.
- Discard any remaining food and liquid from the pot.
- Allow the pot and lid to cool slightly before washing, around 10 minutes.
- Wash the inner pot and lid with hot water and dish soap. Use a sponge or dish brush to scrub away any stuck-on food residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap.
- Dry the pot and lid completely with a dish towel.
For stubborn stains, fill the pot with water and a drop of dish soap and bring it to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. This can help loosen stuck-on food. Scrub and rinse as usual afterward.
Cleaning the Exterior Housing
The exterior housing contains the heating element, control panel, and electronics that operate the Instant Pot. It’s important to keep this component clean as well.
What You’ll Need:
- Damp cloth or paper towel
- Mild soap and water solution (optional)
Instructions:
- Wipe down the stainless steel exterior housing using a damp cloth or paper towel.
- For more thorough cleaning, create a mild soap and water solution. Dampen a cloth and wipe down the housing.
- Take care not to get any liquid in the vents or control panel.
- Dry the housing completely with a soft cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on the exterior, as they can scratch the surface.
Cleaning the Inner Components and Accessories
In addition to the main pot and lid, the Instant Pot Omni Pro comes with several removable parts and accessories:
- Stainless steel steaming rack
- Broil/dehydrating tray
- Protective pad for the heating element
- Drip pan
- Condensation collector
These accessories make it easy to steam, broil, dehydrate, and catch drips and condensation. Here’s how to clean them after use:
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Remove all inner accessories from the Instant Pot after cooking.
- Wash accessories in hot, soapy water using a sponge or dish brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a dish towel.
- Avoid putting small accessories in the dishwasher, as they can deform from high heat.
- Condensation collector can be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack.
Cleaning the Sensors
There are several sensors inside the Instant Pot lid that help monitor temperature and pressure. These can get dirty over time, which could affect their accuracy.
What You’ll Need:
- Cotton swabs
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions:
- Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol.
- Gently wipe down the metal disk and probe sensors on the inside of the lid.
- Take care not to press too hard on the sensors.
- Allow the alcohol to air dry completely before putting the lid back on the Instant Pot.
Descaling the Instant Pot
Over time, mineral deposits from water and food can build up in the inner pot. This is called scaling or limescale. It’s important to regularly descale the Instant Pot to prevent these mineral deposits.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
Instructions:
- Fill the inner pot about 2/3 full with white vinegar.
- Add enough water to fill the pot up to the Max Fill line.
- Place the inner pot into the Instant Pot housing.
- Run a steam cycle for 5-10 minutes.
- Once complete, carefully remove the pot using mitts.
- Rinse the pot thoroughly until the vinegar smell is gone.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining deposits.
- Dry the pot completely before returning it to the housing.
For severe scaling, you may need to repeat the descaling process a few times. It’s a good idea to descale the Instant Pot every 3-6 months depending on usage and water hardness.
Maintenance Tips
Here are some additional maintenance tips to keep your Instant Pot Omni Pro in optimal condition:
- Always check that the bottom of the inner pot is dry before inserting it into the housing. Moisture can damage the heating element.
- Replace the silicone gasket around the lid every 6-12 months or if it becomes deformed.
- Lubricate the gasket occasionally with cooking oil to maintain flexibility.
- If any error codes appear on the display, unplug the Instant Pot and contact customer support.
- Store the lid upside down on top of the pot after cleaning and drying to prevent odor buildup.
- Don’t immerse the housing base, cord or plug in water. Simply wipe with a damp cloth if needed.
Conclusion
Keeping the Instant Pot Omni Pro clean is easy with regular washing, descaling, sensor cleaning, and basic maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the most up-to-date cleaning recommendations. With proper care and cleaning, your Instant Pot should provide many years of delicious meals!
| Instant Pot Part | Cleaning Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Pot | Hot soapy water, scrub with sponge/brush | After each use |
| Lid | Hot soapy water, scrub with sponge/brush | After each use |
| Exterior Housing | Wipe with damp cloth and mild soap solution | As needed |
| Accessories | Hot soapy water, scrub with sponge/brush | After each use |
| Sensors | Cotton swab + rubbing alcohol | Every few months |
| Descaling | Vinegar + water method | Every 3-6 months |