Everyone needs a clean pressure cooker that lasts the longest, c’mon! That’s the bare minimum, but is it? Often we find it hard to keep our pressure cookers in pristine condition, they get tainted, stained, or get the burns of overcooking. What’s the way out?
Maintenance is quite easy when you are in love with your utensils — the bearers of the culinary art you create every day. Thus, here is a crisp guide for fabulous stainless steel pressure cooker maintenance.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning might sound basic and boring, but thorough cleaning is a necessity! One must apply care and caution whilst cleaning.
After every use, let the cooker cool down. If there are overcooking stains and stuck food at the bottom then do not wait for it to cool down, as the stain might get more serious. Meanwhile, pour some water onto the affected surface and then wait for the vessel to cool down. Take a moderate scrubber and liquid soap, throw the water away, and then directly scrub the affected surface at the earliest.
Disassemble every removable part, like the gasket, lid, bearings, etc to individually clean them as well. Any remaining food particles in them can acidify and stain/corrode your utensils over time. Wash the parts with warm soapy water. Try not to use harsh scrubbers with any utensils, they leave micro scars on the metal surface which later develop into dull and old-looking surfaces.
Proper drying is as important as a thorough rinse. Do not dry them under direct sunlight, keep them in a dark and dry place. Avoid moisture exposure at all costs. These stainless steel pressure cookers can last you decades!
Periodic Deep Cleaning
Tracing out and cleaning the unseen is what makes a vessel last longer. The vents and the seals are often the main culprits of food residue. Soak the cooker and its removable parts in a vinegar solution (vinegar – water ratio of 1:1) to get rid of stubborn stains.
Want a quick homely remedy of external shine and polish of the micro-cuts in your steel surface? Try applying teeth-whitening toothpaste, keep it for 15 minutes, and wash it off.
To clean the valve use a thin brush or pipe cleaner. It will help to remove any trapped food particles.
Gasket Maintenance
This is where the ‘safety’ part comes in. Maintaining and proper cleaning of the gasket ensures that there are no cases of pressure leakage. Regular inspection is required to mitigate risks of cracks, tears, or deformation. Store the gasket separately.
Lid Care
Next comes the lid, an intrinsic part of your stainless steel pressure cooker. Clean it too after every use with special attention to the sealing area and vents.
Keep the vents under scrutiny to make sure they are not clogged and the valves are not leaky. Have specialized tools like brushes or pipe cleaners for minute cleanses.
General Tips
- The manufacturer manual should always be referred to when using a triply pressure cooker. Individual models have specific specialized requirements that should not be overlooked.
- Store the pressure cooker in a clean and dry place with the lid inverted on the pot to prevent odors.
Mandatory Safety Checks
- Test the seals and gaskets before using them to ensure safe pressure release.
- Replace malfunctioning or damaged parts immediately.
