Nothing hurts more than pulling out your trusty hot pot to discover crusty remnants from the last supper stuck to the bottom. While hot pots provide such warmth and comfort during a meal, the cleaning aftermath can be a headache. Scouring burnt-on sauces and cleaning around heating elements and wires is no fun.
The good news is a few simple steps will have your electric hot pot sparkling again. Taking time to properly clean and care for your hot pot ensures it will function efficiently and provide years of delicious communal dinners. Don’t let lingering odors, grime or Mineral deposits ruin the experience.
Read on to learn insider tips to effortlessly clean both the inner pot and heating base of your electric hot pot. We’ll provide suggested tools and step-by-step instructions tailored to your model. With the right techniques, you’ll have your hot pot looking brand new and ready for its next flavorful meal in no time at all.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Electric Hot Pot
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to clean your electric hot pot, let’s go over why it’s so important to keep it clean in the first place.
- Prevent Food Build Up – Leftover food and oil can bake onto the hot pot over time. This not only looks unappetizing, but can also alter the taste of future dishes you cook.
- Stop Bacteria Growth – Dirt, grime and leftover food are breeding grounds for bacteria. Give bacteria an inch and it will take a mile. Keep things clean to stay healthy.
- Maintain Function – If you don’t clean your electric hot pot regularly, limescale build up can occur which affects the hot pot’s heating functionality.
- Make it Last – With proper care and cleaning, your electric hot pot can give you many years of reliable service. Neglect it and you may be shopping for a new one sooner than you’d like.
So in summary, cleaning your electric hot pot will make your food taste better, your kitchen healthier, and your hot pot last longer. Time to roll up those sleeves!
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you get elbow deep in hot pot grime, make sure you have the right cleaning supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hot water – The hotter the better to help loosen stuck on food and grease.
- Mild dish soap – Look for a soap free of strong perfumes or additives that could leave a residue.
- Soft sponge – Choose a sponge with a soft side that won’t scratch the hot pot surface.
- Scrubbing pad – Look for a pad with tough scrubbing power but won’t mar surfaces.
- Old toothbrush – Great for getting in small crevices and corners.
- Vinegar – Helps dissolve mineral deposits and kills bacteria. White distilled vinegar works best.
- Baking soda – Acts as a gentle abrasive to lift dirt and grease when made into a paste with water.
With the right tools, you’re ready to revitalize that dirty hot pot!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Electric Hot Pot
Follow these simple steps for hot pot cleaning success:
1. Unplug and Allow to Cool
- Always unplug your electric hot pot and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Hot surfaces and water don’t mix!
2. Remove Removable Pieces
- Many electric hot pots have removable inner pots or cooking plates. Take these out and clean separately if possible.
3. Empty Out Excess Food
- Scrape out any chunks of stuck on food residue from the pot and plates. This will make cleaning much easier.
4. Wash with Hot Soapy Water
- Fill the inner pot with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. For tough stains, let it soak for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
5. Scrub Inside Surfaces
- Use your soft sponge or scrubbing pad to clean all interior surfaces. Give extra attention to stained areas.
6. Detail Hard to Reach Areas
- Use your toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub crevices, seams and the heating element.
7. Rinse Thoroughly
- Dump out soapy water and give everything a thorough hot water rinse until all soap residue is gone.
8. Disinfect with Vinegar
- Wipe down all surfaces with undiluted white vinegar to kill any lingering bacteria.
9. Remove Mineral Deposits
- For limescale build up, make a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply to affected areas and let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing away. Rinse thoroughly after.
10. Dry Completely
- Allow all parts to air dry fully before reassembling and using your clean hot pot!
Extra Cleaning Tips
- For tough odors, try soaking the unplugged inner pot for 1 hour in a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup vinegar, and 2 tablespoons baking soda. Scrub and rinse well after.
- Don’t forget to wash lids, handles, and other removable parts. These need cleaning too!
- Check the heating element for any food debris. Wipe carefully with a toothbrush and soapy water.
- Occasionally wipe down the hot pot’s exterior and control panel with a soft damp cloth. Avoid wetting any electronic components.
- Store your clean hot pot with the lid off or partially cracked to allow air flow and prevent odors.
Make It Look Like New Again
With some elbow grease and the right cleaning methods, you can get your electric hot pot looking and working like new again. No need to replace it just yet! Keep these tips in mind and take time after each use to promptly clean your hot pot. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.
Now that you know how to clean electric hot pot like a boss, you can get back to cooking up delicious hot pot meals for family and friends. Just be sure to call on these cleaning techniques anytime your hot pot is looking grimy. Happy hot potting!
