5 tips for cleaning a slow cooker
The weather's getting colder, and there's nothing like a hot stew, soup or casserole to warm the soul. A slow cooker can be your best friend in the kitchen at this time of year, allowing you to prep your meal in the morning and get on with your day.
Unfortunately, slow cookers are infamously annoying to clean. Some inner bowls can go in the dishwasher, but for those that can't, cooked-on stains can be tricky to shift. If your slow cooker needs a deep clean, we've put together some simple tips to get the job done.
5 steps to a clean slow cooker
1. Unplug and leave the slow cooker to cool down before cleaning. Better safe than sorry!
2. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and a solution of washing-up liquid. If stubborn stains persist, make up a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water and rub on - or try a good quality non-abrasive kitchen cleaner that's suitable for the finish. Rinse with a damp cloth once stains and grease are removed.
GHI Tip: If your slow cooker has a stainless steel finish, you can apply a dab of baby oil to remove finger marks and prevent them in the future.
3. Many slow cookers now have removable inner bowls and glass lids which are dishwasher safe, so this is worth checking. If suitable, load both in the lower rack of the dishwasher, away from the cutlery and run on a normal cycle. If not suitable, remove and wash in warm soapy water. If it's not removable, do the same in situ. Always ensure it's properly dried before you plug it in again.
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4. If you’re dealing with watermarks, distilled white vinegar can help with a microfibre cloth. Do not use anything abrasive to clean the pot or lid, such as steel wool or a scourer; these can scratch the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners as well. Do not subject the pot or lid to sudden temperature changes or you risk cracking.
5. If stains remain, fill with water to just above the residue, although don't exceed the maximum fill line, and heat on low for an hour to help dislodge burnt on food. You can add some distilled white vinegar for extra cleaning power if needed (1/2 a cup), but it’s worth opening a window first. Alternatively, leaving the bowl to soak with hot, soapy water will help to remove stains too.
Instructions may vary if you’re cleaning a multi-cooker; always refer to the manual for guidance.
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