Originally Created on: March 1, 2023 @ 12:12 pm
Can rice cooker pot go in the dishwasher? Let’s find out! A rice cooker is a great addition to any kitchen. Not only does it make cooking rice hassle-free, but hands-free saving you time.
However, there is a downside. When cooking rice, it sticks to the inner pot on certain occasions which makes it difficult to clean.
There is always the option of putting a kitchen appliance in the dishwasher but can you put a rice cooker in your dishwasher? If you want to know if you can put your rice cooker in your dishwasher or how to clean it after use, then please, dive right in!
Also Read: Can You Put Oven Racks in the Dishwasher (The Ultimate TRUTH!)
Table of Content
Can Rice Cooker Pot Go In The Dishwasher?
Rice cookers are an amazing addition to your kitchen. Like other kitchen appliances, rice cookers need some extra care especially when it comes to cleaning. As you already know, rice is a hard food to clean off any surface. But one of the best ways to tackle sticky rice grains is by using a dishwasher.
A rice cooker pot is not dishwasher safe. This is because of the electrical components that help to power the kitchen appliance. However, the inner bowl of the cooker is dishwasher safe. You can remove the inner bowl, wash and replace it.
Before putting the inner bowl in the rice cooker, soak it in soapy warm water for a while. This will help remove the burnt rice sticking to the pot. We recommend checking the instruction manual of the rice cooker. This will enable you to know what parts are dishwasher safe and which are not.
Is the Rice Cooker Bowl Microwave Safe?
The majority of rice cookers have inner bowls made of thin aluminum with a non-stick coating such as Teflon. As such, the rice cooker bowl is microwave safe. Major studies led by the European Aluminum Foil Association show that aluminum containers are perfectly suited for use in microwave cooking.
You may also find rice cooker bowls made of kiln-fired ceramic. Such bowls are fine for use in microwaves up to 400 degrees F. However, you should make sure the bowl is not close to coils and walls where the temperature is often high.
What Is the Easiest Way to Clean a Rice Cooker?
The easiest way to clean a rice cooker is with a damp clean cloth. However, you must first turn off the rice cooker, unplug the power cord from the wall and allow the rice cooker to cool down.
Remove the inner lid, inner pot, steam cap, dew collector, gaskets, and spatula. Then remove any leftover grains you’ll find on the center sensor or heating plate. Now, wipe the inside and outside of the rice cooker.
When wiping the power cord, we recommend using a clean dry cloth. For hard-to-remove stains, use natural cooker cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. Simply mix equal parts of the two to form a cleaning solution.
By keeping your rice cooker clean, you’ll get rid of abnormal odors plus you’ll ensure that uncooked rice will not get stuck in those hard-to-reach places.
What Is the First Thing to Do Before Cleaning the Rice Cooker?
As aforementioned, the first thing to do before you clean your rice cooker is to turn it off. Then, unplug the power cord before allowing the rice cooker to cool. Then, allow your rice cooker to cool to room temperature before you remove the inner pot, inner lid, dew collector, and other components.
If the lid does not detach, we recommend using a sponge soaked in hot soapy water. This will remove the stains and residue then you can clean the lid with a clean cloth. We recommend that you locate the rice cooker’s instruction manual to know how to safely remove the inner components and clean the rice cooker.
How Often Should I Wash Rice Cooker?
When you cook rice in your rice cooker, the starch from the rice usually builds up in the inner pot. If you fail to wash it off, it will start to harden. Later, it will be difficult to remove it. Additionally, the build-up of starch will affect the way your rice cooker cooks the rice. Basically, the build-up will make the rice cooker less effective.
To prevent the build-up of starch, you should clean your rice cooker after every use. This will prevent stuck-on food and hard-to-remove stains. The removable parts, such as the detachable lids and inner pots are dishwasher safe or you can hand wash them with a mild detergent.
Conclusion
Keeping your rice cooker clean is important. Not only does it help to prevent odors, but it also helps to remove the build-up of starch which makes the rice cooker ineffective. Cleaning your rice cooker after each use will ensure the kitchen appliance serves you for several years.
When it comes to cleaning the inner bowl, never use the abrasive side of a sponge. After cleaning the inner pot, never place it upside down or on top of the dishes to dry. Any of the actions above could result in permanent damage to the non-stick coating.