Easy Slow Cooker Cleaning Tips

Keeping your slow cooker clean is important for food safety, appliance longevity, and great-tasting meals. With regular use, slow cookers can accumulate burned on food, greasy build up, hard water stains, and unpleasant odors over time. Fortunately, cleaning a slow cooker is easier than you think with a few handy tips.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to keep your slow cooker sparkling clean and working like new.

Read More: Your Kitchen Cleaning Chemical Guide

Supplies You Will Need

Before we get into the nitty gritty of cleaning methods, let’s go over the supplies you will want to have on hand:

• Dish soap or dishwasher pods
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Non-abrasive sponges or soft cloth
• Old toothbrush or bottle brush
• Slow cooker liner bags

Pro Tips Before Cleaning

Follow these pro tips before getting started on any slow cooker cleaning task:

• Always unplug the slow cooker and allow it to fully cool before cleaning. Hot surfaces and electricity don’t mix!
• Remove the ceramic insert or liner and clean separately from the metal housing.
• Scrub gently to avoid scratching surfaces. Avoid using abrasive scouring pads or stiff bristle brushes.
• Use non-abrasive cleaners only. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
• If food is baked on tightly, let the insert soak in hot soapy water to loosen before scrubbing.
• Dry all parts thoroughly before storage or next use.

How to Clean a Slow Cooker Insert

The ceramic or stoneware insert is where the majority of the grime in your slow cooker accumulates. Here is a simple step-by-step method for cleaning the insert by hand:

What You Need

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Non-abrasive sponge

Instructions

1. Fill the insert with hot, soapy water and allow it to soak for 20-30 minutes. This will loosen any stuck-on food.
2. Drain the dirty water and scrub the inside of the insert with a non-abrasive sponge, dish brush, or soft cloth. Pay special attention to any stained or burned areas.
3. For stubborn stains and burned-on food residue:
   • Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and vinegar and use to gently scrub stained areas.
   • Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda directly on any stubborn spots then drizzle vinegar over the top. Let bubble for 5 minutes before scrubbing. The chemical reaction helps dissolve crusty buildup without harsh scrubbing.
4. Once the insert looks clean, rinse very thoroughly with clean water. Dry with a dishtowel.

For an extra clean and shiny finish, buff the dry insert with a microfiber cloth. The insert is now ready for your next yummy slow cooked meal!

Insert Cleaning Tips

• Avoid using metal scouring pads or abrasive cleansers on ceramic insert
• If odors linger even after cleaning, sprinkle baking soda in the insert and leave overnight before rinsing
• For dishwasher-safe inserts, clean in a dishwasher using dishwasher pods

How to Clean Slow Cooker Base and Lid

The metal exterior of the base and lid mostly just need a good wipe down after use. Follow these instructions:

What You Need

• Dish soap
• Sponge or soft cloth
• Toothbrush (optional)

Instructions

1. Unplug the slow cooker and allow it to fully cool.
2. With a damp soapy sponge or cloth, wipe down the exterior of the metal housing base including the side handles. Pay special attention to grooves and crevices around the heating element.
3. Use a toothbrush dipped in diluted dish soap to gently scrub any stuck-on debris in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Take a clean damp sponge or cloth and wipe away any residual soap and grime.
5. Use a dry soft towel to wipe the base completely dry. Allow to fully air dry before the next use.

Follow the same process to wipe down the interior and exterior of the metal lid with dish soap and water. If minerals from water have left any spots, wipe with undiluted white vinegar followed by a dish soap scrub. Rinse and dry completely.

Metal Housing Cleaning Tips

• Avoid submerging the metal housing in water
• Check manufacturer instructions before using any cleaning products
• Occasionally wipe down with stainless steel cleaner to restore shine
• Ensure the housing is completely dry before storing or next use

How to Clean a Slow Cooker with Baking Soda and Vinegar

For a deeper clean to remove odors and residue buildup, use baking soda and vinegar to clean the stoneware insert and metal housing:

What You Need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Large plastic bag
• Rubber bands or twist tie
• Sponge or soft cloth

Instructions

1. Remove the insert from the metal housing if possible. Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda evenly over the bottom of the insert.
2. Fill the insert with enough white vinegar to cover the layer of baking soda. Place the lid on top.
3. Let the mixture bubble for 10-15 minutes, or until fizzing stops. The chemical reaction will help break down residue.
4. Pour out the vinegar mixture and scrub away any debris with a soft sponge.
5. Rinse thoroughly before drying.

For the metal housing:

1. Place 1 cup baking soda in a large plastic bag. Add 1 cup of vinegar.
2. Tie or seal the bag with rubber bands or twist tie. Agitate the bag to mix ingredients and spread over the interior surface of the bag.
3. Place the bag inside the metal housing so vinegar-soaked walls are touching the interior metal.
4. Let sit for 10 minutes then scrub the interior with a sponge. The activated solution in the bag will steam clean the metal walls.
5. Rinse the housing interior thoroughly before drying.

Routine cleaning with this simple baking soda + vinegar method keeps your slow cooker fresh and stain free!

How to Clean Slow Cooker Parts by Boiling Water

For a chemical-free cleansing, follow this hot water boiling method:

What You Need

• Water
• Dish soap
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Fill insert 3/4 full with water and add a squirt of dish soap.
2. Place insert into metal housing. Add 2 cups water to base.
3. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour. Bubbling hot water will loosen residue.
4. Allow to cool completely then empty water.
5. Use a sponge with dish soap to wipe away any remaining debris.
6. Rinse all parts thoroughly and dry with soft cloth.

The heat of boiling water cuts through grease and food residue without harsh scrubbing. Follow up with a dish soap scrub for squeaky clean results.

Removing Lingering Odors from Slow Cooker Parts

Even with regular cleaning, slow cookers can sometimes retain unpleasant leftover food odors. Here are some handy methods for removing stubborn smells:

• Baking Soda: Coat the bottom of empty insert with a layer of baking soda. Place lid on top and let sit overnight before rinsing clean in the morning. The baking soda will absorb odors.
• White Vinegar: Fill the insert about 1 inch deep with undiluted white vinegar. Heat on low setting for 1 hour allowing vinegar to steam. Unplug and rinse thoroughly. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer.
• Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto interior surfaces of the insert. Let sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. The acidity in lemon cuts through odors.
• Salt: Pour a handful of salt into the insert and gently rub over interior surfaces with a paper towel. Let sit 1 hour before rinsing. The salt will pull odor molecules away from the stoneware.
• Slow Cooker Liners: Using disposable liner bags in future cooking sessions prevents food from contacting interior surfaces which is the main source of lingering smells.

With regular cleaning and these deodorizing tricks, you can keep your slow cooker smelling as good as new!

Tips for Cleaning Neglected Slow Cooker

We all get busy sometimes resulting in the slow cooker being ignored for longer than we should. If you are faced with cleaning a very messy neglected appliance, try this cleaning checklist:

• Declutter loose debris – Remove all leftover food, bags, and utensils sitting inside. Properly dispose of excess food waste.
• Inspect for damage – Check for cracks or broken parts. Do NOT immerse base in water if damaged.
• Wash removable parts – Follow normal dish soap hand washing methods for stoneware insert and lid.
• Tackle dried on crust – Fill insert with hot water and dish soap. Let soak 30 minutes to 1 hour before scrubbing. Repeat if needed.
• Remove staining/discoloration – Make a baking soda and vinegar paste and apply to stained areas. Let bubble 5 minutes then scrub.
• Eliminate odors – Sprinkle baking soda in insert and leave overnight. The soda will absorb lingering smells.
• Deep clean metal housing – Use the baking soda + vinegar plastic bag method to steam clean the base interior.
• Sanitize surfaces – Wipe down all interior surfaces with disinfectant cleaner or sanitizing wipes.
• Air dry thoroughly – Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling and storing. Lingering moisture breeds bacteria!

Don’t be discouraged if the cleanup takes a little extra effort. Take your time with each step and your slow cooker will be back to normal in no time!

How to Clean a Slow Cooker with Dishwasher Safe Parts

If your removable crock insert and lid are dishwasher safe, the cleanup process is even simpler.

Tips for Dishwasher Cleaning

• Scrape out large food debris before placing parts in dishwasher
• Use dishwasher cleaning pods for best results
• Place crock insert upside down on lower rack
• Ensure parts are thoroughly dry before storing
• Clean metal base separately by hand wiping only

Dishwasher cleaning makes the post-cooking clean up a breeze! Check your slow cooker manual to confirm whether this method is recommended by the manufacturer.

Tips to Prevent Messy Slow Cooker Spills

The best way to avoid major cleanup frustration is to prevent avoidable spills and messes in the first place. Follow these pro tips:

• Don’t overfill the crock – Leave 2 inches of clearance between food level and insert rim
• Use slow cooker liners – Disposable bags prevent leaks and make cleanup fast
• Transport slow cooker with care – Grip base handles firmly and walk slowly
• Store cooker properly – Place on flat, secure surface away from table edges
• Clean up spills ASAP – Quickly absorb any leaks or drips to prevent crusting

With a little care and precaution, you can avoid unnecessary slow cooker mess disasters!

Storing Your Slow Cooker Properly

Proper storage between uses ensures your slow cooker stays in peak operating condition.

• Allow all parts to fully air dry after cleaning
• Reassemble crock insert and metal housing
• Store assembled unit with lid placed upside down over stoneware insert
• Wrap cord loosely around metal housing poles
• Select cool, dry storage space away from sinks or stoves
• Avoid stacking other appliances or objects on top while stored

Taking care to correctly store your slow cooker prevents damage, lost parts, and accidental spills during retrieval for your next mouthwatering meal!

Also Read: Slow Cooker Problems and How to Fix Them

The Takeaway on Cleaning Slow Cookers

Cleaning your beloved slow cooker doesn’t need to be a daunting chore. With regular wiping down after use and occasional deep cleaning sessions, you can keep your appliance looking and smelling fresh for years of yummy recipes to come.

As you get more practice under your belt, slow cooker cleaning will become second nature. Refer back to these handy tips and cleaning checklists anytime you need a refresher!