Keep your favorite slow cooker clean and functional with these pro tips.
Before You Start
Before you begin, you’ll need to take a few extra safety precautions, including waiting for it to cool down. “Cleaning while your slow cooker is hot could damage the crock,” says Lynne Just, consumer test kitchen manager at Hamilton Beach. Additionally, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, says you’ll need to beware of getting any water or moisture near your appliance’s wiring, which includes ensuring that you’ve unplugged the device before you begin cleaning. “Using anything wet or damp could ruin the electric components,” Mock says.
I’ve learned the hard way that rushing to clean a hot slow cooker is a recipe for trouble—cracked crocks are no fun to replace! To avoid any mishaps, I always give my slow cooker at least an hour to cool down after unplugging it. It’s also worth double-checking the plug is out of the socket, as even a small splash near the wiring can spell disaster for your appliance. For extra peace of mind, I keep a dry towel nearby to wipe up any accidental spills while cleaning. This small step can save you from costly repairs, especially since replacing a slow cooker’s electrical components can set you back significantly—sometimes as much as buying a new one!
Materials You’ll Need
Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Washcloths
Toothbrush
Moderately abrasive pad
Depending on how messy your cooker is, you should only need a few key cleaning items, most of which you likely already have on hand. “A dishwasher or hot water and dish soap will clean most slow cooker crocks,” Just says. “Baking soda and white vinegar can help with hard-to-remove foods.” Mock says you’ll also need some clean washcloths or towels and a toothbrush to get the job done.
These cleaning staples are super affordable, which is great because I hate spending extra on fancy cleaning products. For example, a box of baking soda costs about $1, and white vinegar is usually under $3 for a gallon—both are multitasking heroes in my kitchen! I’ve found that keeping an old toothbrush dedicated to cleaning saves me from scrubbing fatigue; its small bristles are perfect for tight spots. If you’re out of moderately abrasive pads, a scrubby sponge works just as well, but avoid anything too harsh to prevent scratching the crock. Pro tip: I always check my pantry before heading to the store—chances are, you’ve got most of these items already, so you can save a trip!
Cleaning the Lid
To clean the top of your slow cooker, remove and turn it over before taking a damp cloth and soapy water to it. Next, Mock says you’ll need to scrub around the edges, using a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies on the underside of the lid.
I’ve noticed that the lid can get surprisingly grimy, especially around the edges where steam and food splatter tend to build up. Using a toothbrush is a game-changer—it gets into those tiny crevices that a regular cloth just can’t reach. If you’re dealing with stubborn grease, I sometimes add a drop of dish soap directly to the toothbrush for extra cleaning power. For glass lids, a quick wipe with a vinegar-soaked cloth can make them sparkle again, which is super satisfying. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any soapy taste lingering in your next meal!
Cleaning the Seal
To clean the rubber seal, Mock says you’ll need to scrub the ring with hot, soapy water and let it soak. If your slow cooker has a steam setting, you can use that to remove any stubborn or stuck on messes. If that doesn’t work, you can put the lid into the dishwasher. “With your slow cooker put back together, add two cups of water and a tablespoon of lemon zest,” Mock says. “You can also use white vinegar instead of water. After running the steaming setting, let all the components air dry.”
The rubber seal is one of those spots I used to overlook, and let me tell you, it can get funky fast if you don’t stay on top of it! I’ve found that soaking the seal in hot, soapy water for about 10 minutes loosens up grease and food bits. If your slow cooker has a steam setting, it’s like a mini spa treatment for the lid—those tough stains just melt away. The lemon zest trick Mock mentions is awesome not just for cleaning but also for leaving a fresh scent. If you’re out of lemon zest, a splash of vinegar works just as well and costs pennies. I always air dry the seal to prevent any mildew buildup, especially since damp rubber can be a breeding ground for odors.
Cleaning the Heating Element
Mock says you’ll need to wait until your appliance is completely cool and unplugged before you attempt to clean the heating element. “Use a dry cloth or a moderately abrasive pad to lightly scrub while being careful not to damage the burner,” she says.
Cleaning the heating element always makes me a bit nervous because it’s the heart of the slow cooker. I stick to a dry cloth to avoid any risk of water sneaking into the wrong places. If there’s caked-on grime, I use a slightly damp cloth (barely wet!) and go over it with a dry one immediately after. A quick tip from my own trial and error: check the heating element after every few uses, as splatters can build up over time and affect performance. Keeping it clean ensures your slow cooker heats evenly, which is key for those long-simmering recipes!
Getting Rid of Stuck-On Food
If the above hasn’t worked, Just says there are a few methods for cleaning stubborn, stuck-on foods that include making a paste with baking soda mixed with dish soap and gently rubbing it until the food is released. “If necessary, let this paste sit on the stuck-on food for an hour,” she says. “Baking soda neutralizes acids and breaks down the grease, allowing you to clean without a lot of elbow grease.” “Another method is to add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda per quart size of the slow cooker,” Just says. “Cover and set the slow cooker on low for about an hour.” You can then let the appliance cool and wash the crock in the dishwasher or in hot, soapy water to ensure the mess is gone. If burnt/stuck food doesn’t come off by hand-washing with warm, soapy water, Mock says you can try using a toothbrush to get into the nooks and crannies.
Stuck-on food is the bane of my slow cooker existence, especially after making something like cheesy potatoes or a sticky glaze. The baking soda and dish soap paste is my go-to—it’s like magic for lifting grease without scratching the crock. I usually let it sit for about 30 minutes to save time, and it still works great. The vinegar and baking soda method is another lifesaver, especially for burnt bits. I love that it uses the slow cooker’s own heat to do the heavy lifting! One thing I’ve learned: don’t skip rinsing thoroughly after these methods, as leftover residue can affect the flavor of your next dish. If you’re scrubbing with a toothbrush, go gently—overdoing it can wear down the ceramic over time.
Are Slow Cookers Dishwasher Safe?
Most crocks and lids are dishwasher safe, according to Just. Of course, that doesn’t apply to their electrical components, which should never be immersed in any liquid. Additionally, she says that it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific slow cooker. To simplify things, Mock says that if your slow cooker’s inner pot is removable, it can be put into the dishwasher. So, if you have lost the instructions, but your cooker comes completely apart, it’s a pretty good sign that your set is dishwasher-safe.
I’m a big fan of tossing the crock and lid in the dishwasher when I can—it saves so much time! But I always double-check the manual (or a quick Google search for the model number) to confirm it’s safe. If you’re like me and misplace manuals, the removable pot trick is a solid rule of thumb. One thing to watch out for: dishwashers can sometimes leave a filmy residue on ceramic crocks, so I give mine a quick rinse afterward to keep it spotless. Also, avoid dishwashing if your crock has any chips or cracks—water can seep in and cause damage over time. Keeping the electrical base far away from water is a must; I’ve seen friends ruin perfectly good slow cookers by getting careless here!
