The Instant Pot is a cooking wonder. You can put pretty much anything on it, be it baked potatoes or spaghetti squash, and it’ll cook meals in a minute. However, you’ve certainly noticed that the sealing ring inside the lid tends to keep the smell from whatever you’ve been cooking, particularly if it was something strong like curry, right?
The hidden silicone ring inside the lid may be more difficult to deal with than the rest of the pot’s surface. However, with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, that smell will be gone in no time.
What is an Instant Pot Sealing Ring?
The Instant Pot ring is a rubber O-ring that helps to create a seal between the lid and the pot. It is how the Instant Pot can build up enough pressure to cook food quickly. However, the downside is that smells from whatever you’re cooking can get trapped inside the ring.
The sealing ring is crucial in the Instant Pot since it ensures an airtight seal on the closed cooker, allowing it to pressurize effectively and cook all food efficiently. The silicone material the ring is made of, however, is porous. It can absorb smells from whatever you’re cooking, especially if it’s something savory like curry.
If you don’t clean the Instant Pot ring regularly, those smells will become more and more difficult to get rid of. Not to mention, they’ll make your food taste somewhat terrible since the ring will absorb the flavors.
How to Get Smell Out of Instant Pot Ring
When you open the pot after it’s been cooking, you might be hit with a wall of a funky smell. While this isn’t necessarily harmful, it can be quite overwhelming, and no one wants a kitchen to smell like whatever meal for dinner.
The good news is that there are a few ways to get rid of the smell, so your Instant Pot will be as good as new again. Here are a few of our favorite methods:
🗸Steam Clean with Lemon or White Vinegar
One of the most effective ways to clean an Instant Pot ring (or any other type of silicone cooking accessory) is to steam clean it. It will help loosen and remove any caked-on food or residue causing the smell.
To steam clean your Instant Pot ring, add one cup of water and either half a lemon or one cup of white vinegar to the pot. Close the lid and set it to steam for five minutes. Once the time is up, open the lid and remove the ring. Rinse it off with hot water and dish soap before putting it back on the Instant Pot.
🗸Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber, making it perfect for getting rid of smells in the Instant Pot ring. Simply make a paste out of baking soda and water to use this method. Rub it all over the ring, making sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with hot water.
🗸Make a DIY Cleaning Solution
If you don’t have any lemons or vinegar on hand, you can also make your own cleaning solution using dish soap and hydrogen peroxide. Simply mix equal parts of each liquid together in a bowl or cup. Rub the solution all over the Instant Pot ring using a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse it off with hot water and dry the ring before putting it back on the pot.
🗸Use boiling water
Another way to get rid of smells in the Instant Pot ring is to boil it. It will help kill any bacteria or germs that might be causing the smell. To do this, simply add two cups of water to the Instant Pot and place the ring inside. Close the lid and set it to manual mode for one minute. Once the time is up, use tongs to remove the ring from the pot and rinse it off with hot water.
🗸Cleaning in the Dishwasher
If you’re struggling to get the smell out of your Instant Pot ring, you can also clean it in the dishwasher. Just make sure to place it on the top rack, so it doesn’t get damaged. Run it through a normal cycle and let it air dry before putting it back on the pot.
Tips to Prevent Smells In Your Instant Pot Ring
While it’s inevitable that your Instant Pot ring will start to smell over time, there are a few things you can do to prevent smells from developing in the first place.
🟠Always Store Your Pot’s Lid Upside Down
One of the main reasons smells develop in the Instant Pot ring is that food and residue get trapped inside the lid. To prevent this, always store your pot’s lid upside down so that nothing can get caught inside.
🟠Wash Your Ring After Every Use
Another way to prevent smells from developing is to wash your Instant Pot ring after every use. It will help to remove any residue or food that might be lingering on the ring. Simply rinse it off with hot water and dish soap, or run it through the dishwasher if you’re short on time.
🟠Store the Silicon Ring in the Freezer Between Uses
If you’re really worried about smells developing, you can also store your Instant Pot seal ring in the freezer between uses. It will help to prevent any bacteria from growing on the ring. Make sure to wrap it in plastic or place it in a zip-top bag before putting it in the freezer.
You can keep your Instant Pot sealing ring smelling fresh and clean for months by following these tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to tell if I need to buy a new sealing ring?
If your IP is no longer coming to pressure, it might be time to replace the sealing ring. It can also be caused by a build-up of food or residue on the ring. If you’ve tried cleaning it, but the problem persists, it’s probably time to buy a new one.
Q: Can I clean my Instant Pot ring with bleach?
No, you should never clean the sealing ring with bleach. It can damage the ring and cause it to break down over time. If you’re struggling to get the smell out of your ring, try one of the other methods listed in this article.
Q: How often should I replace my sealing ring?
You should replace the sealing ring at least once a year if it shows signs of wear and tear. You can also purchase a spare sealing ring on hand if your original one needs to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Your Instant Pot seal ring will inevitably start to smell over time. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent or get rid of smells. Try one of the methods listed in this article and see which one works best.
Do you have any tips for preventing or getting rid of smells in the Instant Pot ring? Share them in the comments below!