A multicooker is undoubtedly an excellent household appliance that allows for quick and tasty cooking, but after preparing food, the device needs to be cleaned. Cleaning products are essential for this task, and fortunately, we have plenty of options nowadays. However, it’s important not to use abrasive cleaners, powders, or harsh cleaning tools, as they can damage the appliance. Even the sponge or cloth should be soft, such as microfiber, to protect all parts of the multicooker from damage. To clean the body of the appliance, it’s best to use dishwashing detergent, but under no circumstances should solvents or similar products be used.
Before you begin cleaning the multicooker, you need to unplug it and wait for it to cool completely. Then, disassemble the appliance into its components, which the user manual can help with. Every multicooker has the same parts: the lid, bowl, condensation collector, steam valve, and heating element.
The Bowl
The first step is to clean the bowl of the appliance. In all multicookers, the bowl is removable and washed separately. Like modern frying pans, it has a special non-stick coating (Teflon or ceramic), so it should only be washed by hand, except in rare cases where it can go in the dishwasher. The non-stick coating can be:
- Teflon
- Ceramic
Ceramic coating is quite durable, but if the bowl is dropped, chips will likely form on the surface. This is why it is not recommended to wash a ceramic bowl in the dishwasher. If you decide to use the dishwasher, set it to the gentlest cycle. To properly hand-wash the bowl, use a soft sponge and dishwashing liquid; this will be sufficient. Never scrub ceramic with baking soda. If grease doesn’t come off the first time, soak the bowl in water for a while, and the dirt will come off easily afterward.
Teflon coating is prone to scratches, so you shouldn’t scrub it harshly or use abrasive cleaners and rough cloths. With Teflon, you have a better chance of using a dishwasher, but many manufacturers still recommend avoiding it. Teflon doesn’t like temperature changes, so let the bowl cool before washing. To speed up the cooling process, remove the bowl from the multicooker. After washing, thoroughly dry the bowl and leave it to air-dry. The outer part of the bowl contacts the heating element, so it’s important that the bowl is completely dry.
The Heating Element
Before placing the bowl back into the multicooker, inspect its bottom and sides. Food particles often fall outside the bowl and remain at the bottom of the appliance, or food may boil over onto its walls. Wipe the bottom and sides inside the multicooker with a damp cloth soaked in clean water. Remove all crumbs, which could scratch the bowl, and any food residue or buildup. Then, dry all the surfaces inside the appliance. The heating element at the bottom of the appliance should always be kept clean. If there is any grease or scale, it needs to be removed. This can be done with a regular soft sponge and dishwashing liquid. For tougher stains, you can use vinegar, but be sure to rinse off any vinegar residue with clean water and thoroughly dry the heating element.
The Lid
Many multicookers have a mechanism that allows the lid to be removed. If so, it can be easily cleaned with regular dishwashing detergent. A soft sponge won’t leave any marks, and after washing, the lid should be dried with a towel and reattached. If the multicooker’s lid is not removable, cleaning becomes a bit more challenging. You can use the appliance’s own steam power to clean the lid effectively. Pour a cup of water into the bowl, and squeeze a slice of lemon into the water. Lemon juice has excellent cleaning properties. Set the multicooker to steam mode for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the grease on the walls of the lid will melt, making it easier to clean. This method also helps eliminate unpleasant odors inside the appliance if any are present. To protect the lid’s connecting element from detergent and moisture, you can wrap it in a plastic bag. After that, cleaning the lid will be easy with a regular dish sponge and suitable cleaner. Wipe the lid dry, and it will be in perfect condition.
Other Parts
Once the main parts of the appliance are cleaned, you can move on to the secondary components. Modern kitchen appliances often have a condensation collector attached to the lid, which collects moisture. After each cooking cycle, this plastic container should be removed and rinsed with water. The steam valve is designed to release excess gas and steam. It’s crucial to keep it clean. If it gets clogged with grease or food residue, you can be sure your multicooker will overflow the next time you cook porridge. The steam valve doesn’t need to be cleaned after every use; just monitor for any dirt buildup and remove it. To clean greasy residue, use dishwashing liquid or another degreasing agent. Cleaning the appliance’s body is the simplest task. The most important thing is to ensure that no water gets into the control panel. If that happens, unplug the device, turn it upside down, and shake it. Most of the moisture will drain out, and the remaining water can be wiped away with a cloth. Any residual moisture will dry in 1-2 days, during which the appliance should not be used.
This simple sequence of actions will lead to excellent results. Your multicooker will be clean and ready for new use, and you’ll be satisfied. In general, the multicooker is a fairly easy-to-use household appliance that will last a long time with proper care.