How to clean a slow cooker

Slow cookers (a.k.a. the unsung heroes of the kitchen counter) are a one-stop shop for all your time-saving, tenderising and flavour-enhancing needs. Whether you’re whipping up a crowd-pleasing curry, beefy bolognese or a simple yet satisfying veggie soup, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked meal courtesy of this clever contraption. But when it comes to cleaning your slow cooker, things aren’t quite as clear cut. How often should you clean it? Can you hand wash it? Today, we’re answering all your slow cooker cleaning questions so you can spend less time researching and more time serving up slow-cooked goodness!

How often should you clean your slow cooker?

In short – after every use! The longer cooking times mean that slow cookers (particularly the ceramic insert and lid) are likely to be left with all manner of stubborn stains and baked-on burns. And the longer you leave your slow cooker to sit after use, the harder it will be to get it spick and span again.

However, deeper cleans (where you tackle the exterior and underneath the removable insert) can be left a little longer, for example, after every 2-3 uses.

Our step-by-step guide on how to clean a slow cooker

Step 1: Tackle tough stains

• The best way to clean a slow cooker that needs some extra TLC is to allow it to self-clean first. Start by filling your slow cooker with water up to the leftover food line.
• Next, add 1/2 a cup of distilled white vinegar into the slow cooker, followed by 1/2 a cup of baking soda (you might need to increase these measurements if you have a larger slow cooker).
• Pop the lid back on and set your slow cooker on its lowest setting for an hour. This step will help to soften and dislodge stubborn bits of food that would be tricky to wash by hand.
• Once one hour is up, switch off and unplug your slow cooker before emptying the solution into the sink.

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Step 2: Soak removable parts

• Place the lid and removable ceramic insert into a washing up bowl full of warm, soapy water and leave to soak for around an hour.
• If there are any leftover stains or residue, gently scrub them using a soft-bristled brush before rinsing and placing the parts on your drying rack.

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Step 3: Clean slow cooker interior

• While the removable parts are soaking/drying, now’s the time to freshen up the base of your slow cooker.
• Begin by making a paste using 1/2 a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of water.
• Add some of the paste to a soft cloth and gently scrub the interior of your slow cooker.
• Once you’re happy with the results, wipe the area clean with a lightly dampened cloth before drying with kitchen roll.

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Step 4: Wipe exterior

• Add some leftover paste from the previous step to a cloth and lightly buff away at the exterior before wiping clean with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners, as they can affect the finish of your slow cooker.
• Don’t forget to wipe the underneath of your slow cooker, along with the handles and knobs.
• Slow cooker cleaning hack: If you do find some food residue buried under the knobs, gently scrub around the area with an old toothbrush (or even a toothpick) to dislodge it.

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