How to clean a crock pot

A slow cooker or crock pot can be a real time saver in the kitchen. If you know how to clean a crock pot, and keep it working well, your investment in a good crock pot will keep easy crock pot recipes on your table for many years.

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A Slow cooker, or crock pot, can be such a time saver when it comes to preparing dinner. Whether you want to throw all of your ingredients in before work and have delicious chicken recipe ready by the time you get home, or you want to simmer a soup or stew all day in a slow cooker for a large family, a crock pot can be a real game changer. But at the end of the day, one thing remains true: no one likes cleaning up. So how do you clean a crock pot? Keep reading for some tips on the best way to clean your slow cooker.

How to Clean a Crock Pot

If you’re like me, your crock pot is one of your most-used kitchen appliances. It’s so convenient for making big batches of food that can last us several meals. But as anyone who has ever owned a crock pot knows, they can be notoriously difficult to clean. Food gets burnt on, stuck on, and just generally makes a mess.

Crock pots are great for making soups, stews, chili, and more. But if you don’t clean them properly, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Here are some tips for keeping your crock pot clean:

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Basic slow cooker cleaning precautions

For your safety and to make sure your crock pot is protected:

• always unplug your crock pot after each use
• allow your slow cooker to cool completely before cleaning
• never submerge the base of the unit in water as this could damage the electrical components

What tools do I need to clean my crock pot?

A few basic tools can make cleaning your slow cooker super easy. You may already have many of them in your kitchen:

• A good scrub brush
• cleaning paste for stains
• non scratch scrubbing pads
• other crock pot accessories, storage and cleaning aids

Basic Slow Cooker Cleaning

After each use, wipe down the inside of the pot with a damp cloth. This will help remove any food debris or spills that may have occurred during cooking. Remove the pot from the base and wash it in hot, soapy water. Be sure to brush away any cooked-on food that may be stuck to the sides or bottom of the pot with a non scratch scrubbing pad. Rinse well and dry before replacing on the base.

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How do you clean the outside of the crock pot?

The outside of your crock pot can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Wipe down the control panel and lid with a damp cloth, being careful not to get any moisture inside the pot. Dry with a soft cloth or paper towel before storing.

How do you clean the metal part of a crock pot?

Cleaning the base or the inside metal part of a crock pot is essential. Sometimes food will leak down inside while transferring the crock and it is important to remove this food and keep the inside clean for proper function.

If your model has a removable heating element, take that out and soak it in hot, soapy water for about 15 minutes. If not, don’t worry – you can still clean the base without removing the heating element. Just be sure to exercise caution so you don’t get water on any exposed electrical components. To clean the base, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and some all-purpose cleaner or white vinegar. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as food tends to build up there. Rinse well and set aside to dry. Do not put the base in a dishwasher.

How do you clean burnt food out of a crock pot?

Burnt food can be particularly difficult to clean from a slow cooker. Do avoid food being stuck to the crock you can use slow cooker liners and just pull those out and toss them. However, if you prefer to not use the liners and need to clean off burned food, use the following steps:

• unplug the slow cooker and remove the cover
• fill with warm water
• add several drops of dish detergent such as Dawn Dish Liquid
• replace to cover and turn on low and let cook for a couple of hours
• turn off the crockpot, unplug, and dump out the soapy water in the sink
• the burned food should now wipe off easily

How do I get residue off my crock pot?

Residue can build up on the inside of a slow cooker just like any other kitchen pot or pan. Cleaning promptly after use and frequently will help prevent residue build up. However, if you do being to notice some residue build up on the inside of your slow cooker, just fill the insert with warm water to the top, add a few tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap, and then turn the setting to low. After a few hours, dump out the water and wipe down the insert with a little more baking soda and a non-scratch pad such as an e-cloth.

Can you use steel wool on a crock pot?

You should avoid using steel wool or harsh scrubbers in your slow cooker as this can damage the ceramic of the the insert. Use a mild dish soap and a non scratch scrubbing pad to clean your crockpot.

Can I put my crock pot in the refrigerator?

If you have leftovers, you may want to simply transfer the ceramic crock insert of your slow cooker to the refrigerator. You can do this only when the insert is cooled completely to prevent cracking when exposed to the cold of the refrigerator. You should also wait until the insert returns to room temperature before returning the insert to the slow cooker base for re-heating.

Can I put my crockpot in the freezer?

You should not put your crock pot, whether the insert or the entire appliance in the freezer. The temperatures may damage the appliance or the insert. Also, the expansion of liquids when freezing could also cause damage to your slow cooker. You can, however, transfer your leftovers to a plastic freezer bag for freezing.

Can I put my crockpot in a dishwasher?

The ceramic insert of some slow cookers is considered dishwasher safe. You should refer to your owners manual to verify this information and for other cleaning and maintenance tips. However, you should never put the base of your crock pot, or any other electronic appliance, in a dishwasher.

There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day and having to face a dirty kitchen. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have the time (or energy) to spend scrubbing pots and pans. That’s where the crock pot comes in handy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can throw everything into the pot in the morning and have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home. But what about cleanup? Read on for some tips on how to clean a crock pot so that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Taking care of your crockpot is important if you want it to last for years (trust me, I should know – I’ve had mine for nearly 10!). By following these simple tips, you can clean your slow cooker quickly and easily – without spending hours scrubbing! Cleaning a crock pot doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can have your crock pot looking like new again – Ready for many more delicious meals!

Do you have any tried-and-true tips for cleaning a crockpot? Share them in the comments below!

Other Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes

• Easy Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
• Crack Chicken Crock Pot
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
• White Chicken Chili
• Cock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole via Crystal & Comp.