An electric rice cooker is a device used almost every day in Vietnamese families. However, many people only wash the intestines of the cooker and forget that the electric rice cooker also has many parts that easily stick to rice residue, steam and grease. If not cleaned properly, the cooker may become smelly, the rice will spoil quickly and even cause dangerous short circuits.
Some wrong habits such as pouring water directly into the pot body, using a hard object to scrub the bottom of the pot, or improperly removing and installing components can damage the non-stick layer and reduce the lifespan of the device.
Below are simple, standard and safe rice cooker cleaning methods at home that everyone should know.
1. Disconnect the power and let the pot cool completely
Before cleaning, it is necessary to drain the electricity and wait for the pot to cool completely to avoid burns and ensure safety. Absolutely do not wipe when the pot is still hot.
2. Boiler intestines hygiene
The interior of the pot should be washed with a soft sponge, avoid using a metal brush as it can scratch the non-stick layer. After washing, completely dry it before putting it back in the pot.
3. Wipe the heating tray and the bottom of the pot.
The heat tray is a place for direct heat transfer, if rice or water residue sticks, it will make the pot heat unevenly and easily spoiled. Wipe it off with a damp cloth, then dry it with a soft cloth.
4. Clean the inner lid and vent valve
Many rice cookers have detachable internal lids and vent valves. This is a place that easily sticks to starch residue and steam, if not cleaned regularly, it will cause odors and create conditions for bacteria to grow.
You should remove them, wash them with warm water and dry them before reinstalling.
5. Clean rubber joints if any
Some types of cookers have rubber gaskets on the lid. If the gaskets are dirty or moldy, the rice is easily odorized and the cooker reduces heat retention. You should wipe the gaskets with a damp cloth or diluted warm water.
6. Do not pour water directly into the pot body
The most serious mistake is washing the entire pot body under the tap. The pot body contains electrical components, if water gets in, it will easily cause a short circuit and pot damage.
Only use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe the pot body.
7. Deodorize rice cookers with lemon or vinegar
If the pot is smelly, you can use a trick to boil water with a few slices of lemon or a little vinegar in the pot for about 5-10 minutes, then wipe it clean. This method helps reduce odors effectively.
Cleaning a rice cooker properly not only helps make rice more delicious but also helps the device operate durablely, safely and limit bacteria during use. Just spend a few minutes after each cooking, you will avoid many unnecessary risks.
