Are you struggling with a dirty slow cooker that has cooked-on food residue? Discover expert tips on how to clean your crock pot effectively, including the heating base, stoneware, and more!
Recently, I pulled out my trusty crock pot for a delicious meal and was shocked to see how grimy it had become. While I regularly wash the stoneware, I often neglect the heating base, which can accumulate dirt over time. It was clear that a deep clean was overdue. If you frequently use your crock pot and it’s in need of a thorough cleaning, follow these straightforward tips on how to clean a crock pot.
Can A Crockpot Go In The Dishwasher?
Absolutely! The stoneware component of the crock pot is generally dishwasher safe. However, like many households, mine often requires more than just a quick trip through the dishwasher; a good soaking and gentle scrubbing are typically necessary to restore it to its former glory.
How To Clean A Crock Pot
First and foremost, ensure your slow cooker is unplugged and completely cooled down before you start the cleaning process. Carefully remove the stoneware from the crock pot and place it in the sink. Be cautious not to expose the hot stoneware to cold water, as this can lead to cracking.
How To Clean The Stoneware
Even though I wash my crock pot regularly, it can still harbor stubborn food remnants. As you can see in the photo below, there were some stuck-on bits on the sides of my crock pot, even after going through the dishwasher. To tackle this, I recommend creating a paste using Dawn dish soap and baking soda. Simply mix about a tablespoon of Dawn with a tablespoon or two of baking soda until you achieve a paste with a consistency similar to toothpaste.
Using a microfiber cloth (I highly recommend this brand), spread the paste evenly over the sides and bottom of the stoneware. Allow the paste to sit for a while to work its magic.
How To Clean A Crock Pot Base
While the stoneware is soaking in the paste, turn your attention to the base of the crock pot. If yours is anything like mine, you’ll likely find bits of food that have dripped down and burned during cooking. My crock pot base was in desperate need of attention! Take a clean, damp microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the interior. Ensure your cloth isn’t too wet—standing water is the last thing you want in there. Spend a minute or two removing any burnt food residue.
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If you encounter particularly stubborn spots after wiping down the base, you can apply a bit of the paste you created for the stoneware to tackle the baked-on food. Just be sure to wipe it all off thoroughly. As you can see in the photo below, my base looks significantly improved after a good cleaning!
Once you’ve finished cleaning the base, it’s time to address the exterior. I like to use a good all-purpose counter spray to clean the outside of my crock pot. This not only cleans but also eliminates any germs or bacteria that may be lingering on the surface.
Now that the base is sparkling clean, return to the stoneware. Use a damp microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean the sides, then rinse out the stoneware. Allow it to dry completely before placing it back into the base, and voilà—you’re done!
It doesn’t take much time to give your slow cooker a thorough deep clean. With these simple tips on how to clean a crock pot, you can keep your appliance looking as good as new. For more cleaning tips, don’t miss my guide on how to easily clean a Keurig.
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