Rice cookers are the necessary part of the kitchen, because it makes easy to cook rice. But like other kitchen appliances cooker needs to stay clean so that it can work properly.
I still remember the first time i cleaned my rice cooker I was confused about is deep cleaning can damage my rice cooker but after sometime I learned the best methods to clean a rice cooker without damaging it.
In this article i will share my experience so you can completely understand to clean a cooker without any mistakes and keep your cooker stay safe.
How to Clean a Rice Cooker Without Damaging It
One of the conversation in reddit about the topic how to clean a rice cooker without damaging it, one user name Mpstark said that “Vinegar and baking soda should work fine, just make sure to get all of it off with some soap and water so you don’t have any off smells while cooking your next batch. Make sure to dry thoroughly, especially any below the liner.”
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is the first step in cleaning a rice cooker. Every rice cooker has specific parts and components that may require different cleaning methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I safely wash my rice cooker without causing any damage:
- Read manufacturer instructions for the cooker company
- Unplug it before cleaning
- Remove the cooker’s inner pot
- Clean the lid
- Clear steam vent
- Use a damp cloth to clean the outside
- Clean Heating Plate
The first step I follow in cleaning a rice cooker is to make sure that follow proper instructions. Every rice cooker has custom parts, which need different cleaning methods. These are the steps I follow when I wash a rice cooker.
First, I unplug the rice cooker from the electrical outlet. One of my house helpers tried to wash the cooker while it was still plugged into an electrical outlet. She knew it was necessary, but he forgot to unplug it at that time, so be careful about these little things.
Because it can cause biggest lost so be careful to avoid the risk of electrical shock or damage to the machine, after this incident, I advise my house helper to check that it’s unplugged before starting the cleaning process.
The next step is to remove the inner pot; some rice cookers come with non-stick and removable inner pots. This part gets dirty when I cook rice, especially if rice sticks to the bottom. Once I removed the inner pot, I separated it and cooled it down if it was still warm.
The inner pot, where the rice is cooked, is usually non-stick and removable. This is the part that gets dirtiest, especially if rice sticks to the bottom. Once I remove the inner pot, I allow it to cool down; if it is still warm, don’t put cold water on it. Doing that could cause it to bend or damage the non-stick coating.
I use warm water, a soft sponge, and dish soap to clean my cooker’s inner pot. I avoid using scrubbers because they can scratch, or some pieces stick to the inner pot. If there is any stuck on the rice, I try my grandmother’s method of soaking the pot in warm water for a few minutes, and after some time, it separates from the pot without putting any effort into scrubbing too hard.
One of the best methods is soaking the pot in warm water to deal with stubborn particles. After that, I use a soft sponge. It will be completely clean. Once cleaned, I rinse the inner pot to make sure no soap is left behind, which can affect the rice taste. Then, I let it dry with a soft cloth before placing it back in the rice cooker.
Some rice cookers have removable lids, so they can wash them in warm, soapy water. If your rice cooker has a fixed lid, wipe it with a cloth. It’s important to clean the steam vent so that you don’t face any complications when you use it again.
I use a small brush or a toothpick to remove any bits stuck in it. Also, I clean the outside of the rice cooker. Then I use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the outside of the cooker, but I keep water away from the electrical parts of the cooker.
The last thing is the heating plate. I wipe it with a cloth and use a little water. Finally, my rice cooker is clean and dry, so I put my rice cooker back together in a store.
Related: Best Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
Why Cleaning a Rice Cooker is Important
When I cook rice in a cooker after serving rice in another bowl, I see some leftover rice particles in the cooker, but when I wash it with water, they don’t come out. If this particle still sticks in the cooker, it can affect the taste of food and make it smell not good.
A clean rice cooker works best, helping the heat to spread equally so your rice can cook perfectly. I realized cleaning a cooker isn’t about caring about your hygiene. It also helps the cooker stay longer.
I still remember when I first used a rice cooker to cook rice, and I did not clean it properly. After some time, when I cook rice again, it tastes weird, and the bad smell also damages my cooker. Then I realized my mistake, and after this, I used to wash the cooker twice a week deeply. It keeps my cooker safe from damage.
Conclusion
So, in this article, you learned about How to Clean a Rice Cooker Without Damaging It. Hopefully, you got the answer based on my experience cleaning an electric rice cooker.
Cleaning a rice cooker is easy, but it isn’t easy for first-time users to clean. Just follow the mentioned steps I discussed above, then apply. You will perfectly clean your rice cooker.
As you know, avoiding cleaning a rice cooker may cause problems in the future, like a bad smell and weird taste, and after some time, your cooker will come with many problems. Clean it properly after use if you don’t want to face problems.