How to Clean the Inside of a Crockpot

A crockpot is a great way to cook in bulk and save money on your food. Crockpots come in three parts: the liner, the cooker, and the lid. The liner is the removable pot that holds the food as it cooks. However, crud and grease can build up on the liner, making it difficult to clean. Also, washing a crockpot in a dishwasher can damage the liner.  Read on for tips on how to clean the inside of a crockpot.

Cleaning the Inside of a Crockpot Using a Store-Bought Cleaner

One way to clean the inside of a crockpot is to use a store-bought cleaner. Some of these cleaners are designed specifically for cleaning crockpots and slow cookers. Be sure to follow the directions on the cleaner, as some require you to soak the pot in the solution for an extended period of time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for using a store-bought cleaner:

1. Buy the right cleaner product. Be sure to read the warnings and directions carefully. This is especially important if you are using a chemical cleaner, as some can be toxic.
2. Clean the crockpot in a well-ventilated area. This is to avoid inhaling any toxic fumes from the cleaner. Some slow cookers may emit fumes even when using a non-chemical cleaner.
3. Remove the liner from the crockpot. This will make it easier to clean the inside of the pot. If you don’t have a removable liner, skip this step.
4. Spray or coat the inside of the crockpot with the cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the cleaner. Some require you to let the solution sit for some time before wiping it clean.
5. Use a dishcloth or sponge to wipe the inside of the pot clean. Doing so will remove any residue from the cleaner. Scrub any stubborn bits with a non-abrasive scrubber.
6. Rinse the crockpot with water. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleaner before using it again.
7. Dry the crockpot with a clean towel.
8. Replace the liner and lid on the crockpot.

Cleaning the Inside of a Crockpot Using Ammonia

If you’re not able to clean the inside of your crockpot using a store-bought cleaner, you can try using ammonia. Ammonia is a strong-smelling chemical that can be used to loosen grime and dirt from surfaces. However, it’s important to take precautions when using ammonia, as it can be toxic if inhaled. Here’s a step-by-step guide for using ammonia to clean your crockpot:

1. Buy a bottle of ammonia. Be sure to get pure ammonia, as diluted solutions won’t work as well. Also, make sure you have plenty of ventilation in the room where you’ll be cleaning.
2. Place a bowl of ammonia inside the crockpot. Never put the ammonia directly on the surface of the crockpot, as this could damage it. Always use a bowl to hold the ammonia.
3. Cover the crockpot and wait for 12-24 hours. The ammonia fumes need time to collect in the cooker and loosen the grime and dirt. This process works best if you do it overnight.
4. Remove the lid after 12-24 hours and take the ammonia bowl out of the crockpot. Be careful not to inhale the fumes, as they can be toxic.
5. Wipe the loosened crud inside the crockpot using paper towels. For tougher stains, you can scrub with a sponge or brush dipped in ammonia. You can use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste for really stubborn stains.
6. Rinse the crockpot with water and dry it before using it again.

Cleaning the inside of your crockpot doesn’t have to be difficult. By using ammonia fumes, you can easily loosen and remove grime and dirt. Just be sure to take precautions when using ammonia, as it can be harmful if inhaled.  Also never mix cleaners!

Cleaning the Inside of a Crockpot Without Removable Liners

There are three ways to clean the interior of a crockpot without removable liners – quick cleanup, easy to clean, and tough to clean.

For the quick cleanup method, simply empty the cooker and fill it with water. Turn the heat to low and let it sit for about an hour. The gunk will loosen and will be much easier to remove. You can then rinse it out with hot water.

For the easy to clean method, pour dish soap and add hot water to the crockpot. Create suds and scrub the interior with a sponge. This will remove most of the gunk. Rinse it out with hot water and dry it off.

For the tough to clean method, make hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. This is abrasive on stubborn stains and gunk. Scrub with a sponge and rinse out with hot water. Dry it off completely.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to rinse out the crockpot with hot water before using it again.

Other Tips for Cleaning The Inside Of A Crockpot

If the inside of your crockpot is still not clean after trying the methods above, here are a few other tips:

• If you have a ceramic crockpot, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives. These can damage the ceramic coating. Instead, stick to gentle cleansers like soap and water.
• If your crockpot has a nonstick surface, be careful not to scratch it when cleaning. Use only soft sponges or cloths, and avoid using any abrasive cleaners.
• To prevent the need for deep cleaning, wipe the inside of the crockpot with a paper towel after each use. This will remove any residue before it has a chance to build up.
• If your crockpot has a self-cleaning cycle, you can use this to help with the cleaning process. Simply run the cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you have a stainless steel crockpot, you can use vinegar or lemon juice to clean it. Just mix equal parts of the acid with water and use it to scrub the inside of the crockpot. Rinse it out with hot water when you’re done.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning the inside of a crockpot can be a daunting task, but with these simple steps, it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you never put your crockpot in the dishwasher, and always use hot water and soap to clean it by hand. If you follow these easy tips, your crockpot will stay clean and look new for years to come.