Rice Cooker Cleaning: Extend Lifespan with These Simple Steps

Balihow – The rice cooker is an incredibly helpful kitchen appliance for easy and practical rice cooking.

However, like any appliance, a rice cooker needs to be cleaned properly to ensure its longevity. If not cleaned well, leftover food and accumulated steam can cause unpleasant odors, mold, and even damage the heating element. Therefore, cleaning your rice cooker correctly is crucial to keep it in good condition and ensure the rice you cook remains hygienic.

According to The Spruce, Saturday (08/03/2026), here are the steps to thoroughly clean your rice cooker.

Read also: 6 Reasons Why Your Rice Cooker Isn’t Heating Up

Preparation Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning the rice cooker, keep a few things in mind:

* Unplug the power cord to avoid any risk of short circuits or electric shock.
* Allow the rice cooker to cool down completely before cleaning to ensure it is safe to touch.

Cleaning the Rice Cooker Pot

The inner pot of a rice cooker usually has a non-stick coating that is prone to scratches. To maintain its durability, clean it using these steps:

* Remove the pot and discard any remaining rice or water.
* If there is sticky rice or crust, soak the pot in warm water for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to clean.
* Wash with a soft sponge and dish soap. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
* Rinse with clean water until there is no soap residue.
* Dry with a clean cloth or let it air dry completely before reassembling.

Read also: Want to Buy a Rice Cooker? Consider These 4 Things First

Cleaning the Rice Cooker Lid

The rice cooker lid is often exposed to steam and starch residue from the rice, which can cause mold or unpleasant odors.

If the lid is removable, detach it from the rice cooker. Wash it with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge, rinse thoroughly, and dry before reattaching.

If the lid cannot be removed, use a damp cloth with soapy water to wipe the inside of the lid. Use a cotton swab or small brush to clean hard-to-reach crevices, then wipe again with a dry cloth.

Read also: How to Determine the Right Rice Cooker Size to Avoid a Mistake

Cleaning the Inside of the Rice Cooker

The inside of the rice cooker, especially the heating element, often comes into contact with leftover rice or water spills, which can interfere with the heating performance if not cleaned regularly.

Use a soft cloth or dry sponge to clean any rice residue or dust that sticks to the heating element.

For stubborn stains, use a slightly damp cloth and rub gently. Remember, do not pour water directly into the rice cooker as this can damage the electrical components.

Finally, make sure the inside is completely dry before reinserting the pot.

Read also: 6 Reasons Why Your Rice Cooker Smells and How to Prevent It

Cleaning the Outside of the Rice Cooker

The outside of the rice cooker often gets stained with oil or dust from the kitchen. To keep it clean and looking like new, perform routine cleaning.

Use a damp cloth with a little dish soap. Wipe the outside of the rice cooker gently until the stains disappear.

For stubborn stains, use a multi-purpose cleaner that is safe for kitchen appliances. Dry immediately with a clean cloth to prevent any water residue from entering the electrical components.

Read also: Check Out These Tips for Choosing the Right Rice Cooker

Drying

After all parts of the rice cooker have been cleaned, make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling.

Check every part of the rice cooker, including the pot, lid, and inside, to ensure no water residue remains.

Reinstall the pot into the rice cooker correctly. Close the rice cooker and store it in a dry and clean place to keep it in good condition.