Who hasn’t struggled with a pot of rice? Cooking it perfectly does not always work out and the rice often ends up too soggy, sticky, not soft enough, or burnt at the bottom. This is where rice cookers come in handy. They are extremely useful and ensure the perfect rice every time. Even though they work so well, they also need proper maintenance. The perfect rice addition to any meal comes at a cost. You should clean the appliance well after every use. By doing this you will prevent residue and build-up from accumulating all over the inside of your appliance. Once it stops cooking its best, it is probably time to deep clean your rice cooker. The good news is that this particular appliance’s deep cleaning is a lot easier than you might think. Keep reading to find out how to do it in the best way possible.

Things to consider prior to the deep cleaning

Before cleaning any equipment, read the manual to ensure there are no special instructions for your individual gadget. Begin by unplugging your rice cooker, allowing it to cool completely, and shielding any electrical parts from the soap and water you will use to clean it.

You should also consider what products you will use to clean your rice cooker. Since rice cookers utilise intense heat to prepare their food, this guidance suggests using gentle, non-toxic items. If you want to use a more powerful cleaner, that’s fine, but keep in mind what chemicals you’ll be cooking into your meal once you’re done cleaning.

How often should a rice cooker be cleaned?

It is best if you clean your rice cooker after every use. This is more sanitary and will help prevent rice grains from sticking on the inside of your device and creating a hard-to-remove mess that will require time and effort to get rid of. See what steps to take in order to properly clean your rice cooker below.

Take the rice cooker apart – To clean the rice cooker, you must disassemble it and hand-wash each component separately. Allow at least 30 minutes for the hot plate to cool before removing the internal pot and placing it in a basin or bucket filled with hot, soapy water. To make things easier, check your manual and see if some of the parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Do not attempt to wash anything there before checking since you may damage some of the components.
Soak in soap – Mix hot water and dishwashing liquid (it will help loosen the food buildup). Pour it into the pot and let it sit. If the rice bits are really stuck, immerse the saucepan for about twenty minutes. Depending on how much rice is stuck in the pot, you may need to adjust the soak duration.
Gently scrub any residue using a non-abrasive sponge – After thoroughly soaking the inside pot, gently brush away any stuck-on rice using a nonabrasive sponge. Clean the rice paddle and steam basket with the same sponge and soapy water. If you have a particularly crusty mess, use a plastic or rubber spatula to pull hard chunks of food off. When scraping off stuck-on rice, avoid using metal tools since they can damage the equipment. After you’ve finished washing, rinse and dry with a dry towel.
Remove the lid and clean it as well – If the lid of your rice cooker is removable (most are), take it off and carefully clean it with a sponge and soapy water. When you’re finished, wipe it clean with a moist microfiber cloth to get rid of any suds. If you haven’t previously, you can now replace the cover as well as the interior components.
Clean the exterior of your rice cooker – Pick your favourite multi-purpose cleaning solution (it is not so important if it contains toxic chemicals since the food you are preparing will not have direct contact with the treated area). If you don’t have an all-purpose cleaner on hand, combine one part water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle, shake it up, and use it instead. After thoroughly spraying the outside of the rice cooker, wipe it down with a microfiber towel. Avoid getting any electrical parts (plugs and switches) wet if at all possible.

Additional tips on maintaining your rice cooker clean for longer:

Remember regular care is essential. Cleaning your rice cooker after each use will not only make cleaning easier, but it will also function more efficiently, resulting in more tasty meals and minimal mess.
Never use steel wool, metal tools, or anything else that is extremely abrasive anywhere on your rice cooker. It will scratch the hardware and cause the appliance to malfunction.
Take care not to overcook the rice. The best defence against a sticky, crusty mess in your rice cooker is to use excellent cooking methods. If you are still getting used to cooking rice in the appliance, make sure you note down everything you do every time. This will help you understand what works best. Once you figure the best way out, stick to it and enjoy your fluffy, delicious rice.