Daily cleaning keeps your when ready Pot working safely

Clean your when ready Pot after every use—the inner pot, the sealing ring, and the lid all trap food and moisture that can affect how it cooks and how long it lasts. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing takes five minutes and prevents damage. The sealing ring especially needs attention because it absorbs odors and food particles that can transfer to your next meal.

The good news is that an when ready Pot is simpler to clean than a traditional pressure cooker. There are no hard-to-reach crevices in the cooking chamber, and the removable parts come out easily. You do not need special tools or harsh chemicals—warm soapy water and a soft sponge handle almost everything.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove and hand-wash the sealing ring, inner pot, and lid after every use, because these parts trap food and odors that affect future meals.
  • Wipe the heating element ring (the metal circle on the underside of the lid) with a damp cloth to prevent mineral buildup and food residue.
  • The outer housing and base should never go in the dishwasher—wipe them with a damp cloth only.
  • Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar and water once a month to dissolve mineral deposits inside the cooking chamber.
  • Store the sealing ring separately from the lid so it does not absorb odors and stays flexible longer.

Remove and rinse the inner pot right after cooking

Let the when ready Pot cool for a few minutes after the cooking cycle ends, then carefully remove the inner pot. Rinse it under warm running water and use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away food residue. For stuck-on food, fill the pot with warm water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub gently.

The inner pot is stainless steel and can go in the dishwasher, but hand-washing is faster and prevents water spots. Do not use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool—they scratch the surface and can eventually cause rust. A soft sponge and a little dish soap are all you need.

Clean the sealing ring and lid separately

The sealing ring is a rubber gasket that sits in a groove on the underside of the lid. Remove it by gently pulling it out of the groove—it comes out easily and does not require force. Rinse it under warm water and wash it with a soft sponge and dish soap, paying attention to the side that faces the cooking chamber.

The lid itself can go in the dishwasher, but hand-washing is gentler. Wipe the top and bottom with a damp cloth and soft sponge. Pay special attention to the heating element ring—the metal circle on the underside of the lid where the heating coil sits. Food splatters and mineral deposits collect there and can affect how the lid seals. Use a damp cloth to wipe it clean, and if mineral buildup is visible, dampen the cloth with a little white vinegar.

Store the sealing ring separately from the lid, in a cool dry place or in a container in the refrigerator. This prevents it from absorbing odors from the lid and keeps it flexible. Many when ready Pot owners buy a second sealing ring so one is always clean and ready to use.

Wipe the outer housing and base with a damp cloth only

The outer housing and the base of the when ready Pot contain electrical components and should never be submerged or put in the dishwasher. Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust and splatters. If there is dried food on the outside, dampen the cloth a little more and let it sit for a minute before wiping.

Pay attention to the seams where the base meets the sides—dust and food particles collect there. Use a corner of the damp cloth or an old toothbrush to gently clean these areas. Let the base air-dry completely before plugging the when ready Pot back in.

Run a monthly vinegar cleaning cycle to dissolve mineral buildup

Hard water leaves mineral deposits inside the cooking chamber over time. These deposits do not affect safety, but they can reduce heating efficiency and eventually clog the steam release valve. Once a month, run a cleaning cycle to dissolve them.

Fill the inner pot with two cups of white vinegar and two cups of water. Place the pot back in the when ready Pot, close the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Press the pressure cook button and set it for two minutes on high pressure. When the cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then turn the valve to venting to release any remaining steam. Carefully pour out the vinegar mixture, rinse the pot thoroughly, and wipe the inside of the cooking chamber with a damp cloth.

Clean the steam release valve and anti-block shield

The steam release valve is a small metal pin on top of the lid that can get clogged with food particles or mineral deposits. After each use, check that it moves freely. If it feels stuck, remove it by gently twisting and pulling it straight up. Rinse it under warm water and use a small brush or old toothbrush to clean around the opening. Reinstall it by pushing it straight down until it clicks into place.

The anti-block shield is a small metal cage that hangs from the lid and prevents food from blocking the steam vent. Remove it by gently pulling it down and away from the lid. Rinse it under warm water and scrub away any food buildup with a soft brush. Reinstall it by pushing it back up into the lid until it sits flush.

What to do if the sealing ring smells or stains

Sealing rings absorb odors and can stain from turmeric, tomato sauce, or other strong foods. If the ring smells, soak it in warm water with a little baking soda for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry it. If it has visible stains, they are harmless and do not affect how the when ready Pot works, but you can try soaking it in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for an hour.

If the ring no longer bounces back when you press it, or if it has cracks or tears, it is time to replace it. when ready Pot sells replacement rings, and they are inexpensive. A worn sealing ring will not seal properly and can cause steam to escape during cooking, which affects pressure and cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the inner pot in the dishwasher?

Yes, the inner pot is dishwasher-safe. However, hand-washing is faster and prevents water spots. If you use the dishwasher, place the pot on the top rack and use a gentle cycle.

What if food is stuck to the bottom of the inner pot?

Fill the pot with warm water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. For stubborn spots, add a little baking soda to the water. Scrub gently with a soft sponge—never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the stainless steel.

How often should I replace the sealing ring?

A sealing ring typically lasts one to two years with regular use. Replace it sooner if it no longer bounces back when pressed, has visible cracks, or no longer seals properly during cooking. Most people buy a replacement ring every 12 to 18 months.

Is it safe to use vinegar to clean the inside of the when ready Pot?

Yes, vinegar is safe and effective for dissolving mineral deposits. Run the vinegar cleaning cycle once a month if you have hard water. Always rinse the pot thoroughly with fresh water after the vinegar cycle before cooking food.

Why does my when ready Pot smell like old food even after washing?

The sealing ring absorbs odors and is usually the source. Remove the ring, soak it in warm water with baking soda for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry it. Store the ring separately from the lid to prevent it from absorbing odors between uses.