Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You open your beloved Instant Pot, ready to whip up a delicate cheesecake or a simple pot of yogurt, and you’re hit with the ghost of last night’s garlic-heavy chili. That lingering smell, trapped in the silicone ring, is one of the few downsides to this magical kitchen appliance. Knowing How To Clean An Instant Pot Sealing Ring effectively is not just about hygiene; it’s about protecting the flavor of your next meal. That little ring is a workhorse, critical for creating the airtight seal that allows your pressure cooker to do its thing. But its porous, food-grade silicone nature means it loves to hang onto strong aromas. Don’t worry, getting it fresh and clean is easier than you think.
Why Does My Instant Pot Ring Smell So Bad Anyway?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly touch on the “why.” Understanding the cause makes the solution make more sense. Your Instant Pot’s sealing ring is made from silicone, a fantastic material that’s durable, flexible, and can handle high temperatures. However, silicone is also slightly porous.
Think of it like a sponge, but on a microscopic level. When you cook aromatic foods—think curries, onions, garlic, or smoky meats—the tiny oil and odor molecules from the steam get trapped within the silicone’s pores. Over time, these build up, creating that stubborn, hard-to-kick smell. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean your ring is dirty or unsafe, but it can lead to some… interesting flavor combinations if you’re not careful. I’ll never forget the time my vanilla bean cheesecake had a faint, but distinct, hint of the beef stew I’d made two days prior. Lesson learned.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Clean an Instant Pot Sealing Ring
Getting that ring back to a neutral state is a simple process. Depending on the severity of the smell, you can choose from a few tried-and-true methods.
The Everyday Clean: The Dishwasher Method
For regular maintenance, this is your first and easiest line of defense. Most sealing rings are top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Remove the Ring: Gently pull the ring out from the inside of the Instant Pot lid.
- Place on Top Rack: Stretch it over the tines of the top rack of your dishwasher. This ensures it gets thoroughly cleaned and prevents it from getting tossed around during the cycle.
- Run a Cycle: Use your regular detergent and run a normal or hot water cycle. The heat and soap will wash away most of the surface oils and residue.
This method is great for day-to-day cleaning but might not be enough to tackle a really stubborn, set-in odor.
The Deep Clean: The White Vinegar Steam Bath
When the dishwasher isn’t cutting it, it’s time to bring out the big guns: white vinegar. This method uses the steam function of your Instant Pot to force a cleaning solution deep into the ring’s pores.
- Place the Ring: Put the sealing ring back into the lid as you normally would.
- Add Liquid: Pour one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water into the inner pot. Some people also add a few lemon peels for extra deodorizing power.
- Set to Steam: Secure the lid, make sure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing,” and run the “Steam” function for two to five minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally.
- Air Dry: Carefully open the lid, remove the ring, and let it air dry completely. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the foul food odors with it.
The Stubborn Odor Buster: The Baking Soda Paste
For the most persistent, eye-watering smells, a baking soda paste can work wonders. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a mild abrasive.
- Make a Paste: In a small bowl, mix enough baking soda with water to form a thick paste, similar in consistency to toothpaste.
- Coat the Ring: Remove the sealing ring from the lid and use your fingers or a small brush to cover the entire ring with the baking soda paste.
- Let it Sit: Place the coated ring on a plate or tray and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours for very strong smells.
- Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse all the baking soda off the ring with warm water and let it air dry completely before placing it back in the lid.
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Our Picks for the Best Pressure Cooker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker with WiFi and Built-in Scale - Easy-to-Use 10-in-1 Multicooker with 500+ Guided Recipes - Rice Cooker, Slow Cooker, Instant Meals for Foodies - 6 Quart - Family Size |
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| 2 | COSORI Pressure Cooker 6QT, Stainless Steel, 9-in-1 Multi Cooker, 12 Safety Features, Ceramic Inner Pot, Rice, Slow Cook, Sous Vide, Saute, 1100W |
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| 3 | Our Place Dream Cooker | 6-quart Multicooker | 4 Versatile Modes | Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Sear & Saute, Keep Warm | Hands-Free Steam Release | Tailored Control Panel | Steam |
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| 4 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart |
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| 5 | DUMOS 12-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 QT Stainless Steel Multi Cooker Electric for Pressure, Rice, Steamer, Yogurt Maker, Slow Cook,Meat Stew, Cake, Porridge, Multigrain, Sliver |
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| 6 | Safety Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker, 7.4 Qt with Release Valve & Multiple Protective Devices, Cooking Pressure Canner for Steam, Canning, Stewing on All Stovetops |
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| 7 | Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 3 Quart |
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| 8 | Visit the CUCKOO Store |
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| 9 | HealSmart 12-in-1 Multi Electric Pressure Cooker, Non-Stick 6QT Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker for Yogurt Maker, Slow Cooker, Cake, Multigrain, Dishwasher Safe |
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| 10 | Presto 01362 6-Quart Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker |
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Beyond Cleaning: Sealing Ring Care and Maintenance 101
Knowing how to clean an Instant Pot sealing ring is half the battle. Proper care and maintenance will extend its life and keep your meals tasting the way they’re supposed to.
How Often Should I Clean the Sealing Ring?
The simple answer is after every use. At a minimum, you should remove it, wash it with hot, soapy water, and dry it completely. This prevents the initial buildup of food residue and oils that lead to stubborn smells. A quick wash is far easier than a deep-cleaning marathon later.
“I always advise my students to invest in two sealing rings—one for savory dishes and one for sweet. It’s a small, inexpensive step that completely eliminates the risk of flavor transfer. Mark them with a permanent marker or buy different colors. It will save your cheesecakes and yogurts, trust me.” – Chef Isabella Rossi, author of “The Modern Pressure Cooker”
Storing Your Sealing Ring the Right Way
Here’s a pro tip that makes a huge difference: don’t store your Instant Pot with the lid sealed tightly. This traps moisture and odors, allowing them to fester. Instead, place the lid upside down on top of the pot. This allows air to circulate around the lid and the sealing ring, helping any residual moisture and odors to dissipate naturally.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Sealing Ring?
Even with perfect cleaning, your sealing ring is not meant to last forever. It’s a wearable part that will degrade over time. Using a worn-out ring can prevent your electric pressure cooker from reaching pressure, or worse, compromise its safety features. You should plan to replace it every 12-18 months, but inspect it regularly for these signs of wear:
- Cracks, tears, or deep nicks.
- Stretching or looseness. If the ring doesn’t fit snugly in the lid anymore, it’s time for a new one.
- Hardness or lack of flexibility.
- Permanent discoloration or a persistent odor that no amount of cleaning can remove.
Replacing the ring is a cheap and easy way to ensure your pressure cooker operates safely and efficiently. Always purchase genuine, manufacturer-approved replacements to guarantee a proper fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put my Instant Pot sealing ring in the dishwasher?
Yes, absolutely. Most are designed to be top-rack dishwasher safe. This is a great method for regular, everyday cleaning to prevent oil and residue buildup.
Will the vinegar steam clean make my ring smell like vinegar?
The vinegar smell is temporary. Once you remove the ring from the lid and let it air dry completely, the vinegar scent will dissipate, taking the unpleasant food odors along with it.
How do I know if I put the sealing ring back correctly?
The ring should fit snugly into the metal rack on the underside of the lid. It should feel secure and not be loose or floppy. Make sure it is fully seated in the channel all the way around before you lock the lid for cooking.
Is a discolored sealing ring still safe to use?
Yes, discoloration is normal, especially after cooking with ingredients like turmeric, paprika, or tomato sauce. A stained ring is not necessarily a dirty or unsafe one. As long as it is free of cracks and fits snugly, it is safe to use.
Why do I really need a separate ring for sweet and savory dishes?
While you can get by with one, having two is a game-changer. The silicone is so prone to absorbing strong savory smells (like garlic and onion) that even a deep clean might not remove them 100%. Using a dedicated ring for delicate desserts, yogurts, or cheesecakes guarantees their flavor will be pure and untainted.
A Fresh Start for Your Next Meal
Your Instant Pot is an incredible tool, and its sealing ring is the unsung hero that makes the pressure-cooking magic happen. By taking a few minutes to care for it, you ensure every meal you make tastes exactly as intended. Mastering how to clean an Instant Pot sealing ring is a simple skill that pays huge dividends in flavor and peace of mind. So go ahead, clean that ring with confidence and get ready to explore a world of delicious, perfectly-flavored pressure-cooked meals.