When we talk about smart equipment in a kitchen, a pressure cooker is an absolute favourite of many, as it is time- and money-saving.


From beginners to experts, everyone uses a pressure cooker, which is a must-have piece of cookware. But, once you get addicted to it, you realize that keeping it clean is not a cakewalk.

Fret not, we are here to be your saviour and share some easy tips and tricks to clean a stovetop pressure cooker at its cleanest.

1. Burnt food

If the food gets burned in the pressure cooker, fill it up with water at room temperature and put it on low heat for 15 minutes. Let it cool down a bit, and then use a sponge and dishwashing liquid to clean it.

2. Spice marks

It often happens that the spices leave a mark on the rim of the cooker. In such cases, sprinkle some baking soda and lemon juice on it and let it rest for 5 minutes. Next, use a sponge to clean it, and then wash it with regular liquid.

3. Food stains

Pressure cookers often fall prey to food stains, and to remove them, fill the pot up with water, covering all the stains. Add 5–6 outer layers of onion skin to the pot. Place it on high heat and don’t build pressure. Let it boil for 20 minutes, then gently scrub the stains.

4. Mineral deposit

In many cases, when you boil potatoes or any other vegetable in a cooker, it leaves behind a white layer on the base and sides of the cooker. To remove that mineral deposit, use vinegar. It is acidic in nature and helps dissolve the grime. Add water to a cooker along with a few drops of vinegar. Let the solution sit overnight and wash it the next morning.

5. Hard stains

For hard stains or discoloration of the cooker, add lemon juice along with 1 cup of water and pressure cook it for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release, and then wash it with dishwashing liquid.

6. Cooker valve

It is one of the most difficult areas to clean. Always use vinegar, or dishwashing liquid along with warm water and a flexible toothbrush to clean it.

7. For gasket

Always remove the gasket and clean it by soaking it in lukewarm water with dish soap. After cleaning, layer it with vegetable oil and put it back on the lid. Always replace the gasket after 18–20 months.