The Instant Pot is without a doubt one of the most convenient appliances in modern cooking. (Here’s our Test Kitchen’s favorite model.) But it could quickly become the most unsanitary appliance if proper cleaning practices are not implemented. It should go without saying: If a piece of culinary equipment is removable, it should be thoroughly cleaned regularly.
What Are You Forgetting to Clean?
The piece we’re talking about here is the condensation collector. What is that, you ask? When you bought your Instant Pot, it came with a few accessories such as a ladle, a rice paddle and the condensation collector. This is the clear plastic piece that does as the name suggests—it catches the condensation that occurs during cooking.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean It?
Every time you use your Instant Pot (perhaps for one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes) it produces steam which turns into condensation. The condensation has to have somewhere to go: ergo the condensation collector. Unfortunately, it is the perfect breeding ground for maggots. Ugh, gross.
Avoiding them is simple: Clean your pressure cooker (and all its removable parts) on a regular basis. According to Instant Pot, you simply need to hand-wash it with soap and water. Here’s how to deep-clean your Instant Pot.
If you want to start with a clean slate, buy a new condensation collector. Be sure to get one that’s the right size for your appliance.
As long as proper cleaning methods are implemented, you’re sure to have years of tasty meals to come. Especially if you know how to get the most out of your Instant Pot. Happy pressure-cooking!
Finished cleaning? Cook these stunners in your Instant Pot.
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Pressure-Cooker Fabulous Fajitas
When friends call to ask for new recipes to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pressure-Cooker Char Siu Pork
I based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Pressure Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Black and Blue Cobbler
It never occurred to me that I could bake a cobbler in my pressure cooker until I saw some recipes and decided to try my favorite fruity dessert recipe. It took a bit of experimenting, but the tasty results were "berry" well worth it. -Martha Creveling, Orlando, Florida
Pressure Cooker Lemon Red Potatoes
Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the pressure cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
Pressure-Cooker Beef Tips
These beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook them with mushrooms and serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Check out these slow cooker beef recipes. 
Pressure Cooker Flan in a Jar
Spoil yourself or the people you love with these delightful portable custards—a cute and fun take on the Mexican dessert classic. Tuck a jar into your lunchbox for a sweet treat. —Megumi Garcia, Madison, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Beef Brisket in Beer
One bite of this super-tender brisket, and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes.—Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa
Pressure-Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff
My mother gave me this recipe 40 years ago. It's a wonderfully tasty dish to share around the dinner table. —Sue Mims, Macclenny, Florida
Pressure Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon
I've wanted to make beef Burgundy ever since I got one of Julia Child's cookbooks, but I wanted to find a way to fix it in a pressure cooker. My version of the popular beef stew is still rich, hearty and delicious, but without the need to watch on the stovetop or in the oven.—Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Don't miss our sauciest Instant Pot recipes.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and have dinner ready in just a few minutes. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
Find more chicken recipes for your Instant Pot.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
The flavors of this Indian-style entree keep me coming back for more. The dish isn’t fancy, and it’s simply spiced—but it’s simply amazing.—Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Pressure Cooker Very Vanilla Cheesecake
Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the pressure cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Ham & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This easy, cheesy casserole has made appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. It's my go-to recipe for action-packed mornings. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio
Pressure Cooker Short Ribs
These short ribs explode with flavor and tenderness. They are a quick and easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs. Serve with egg noodles, rice or polenta.—Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Pressure Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili
My sister shared this chili recipe with me. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pressure Cooker Beef Carnitas
I came up with this recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is.—Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Pressure Cooker Turkey with Berry Compote
This delicious dish is a great way to get all that yummy turkey flavor without heating up the house, and the berries make the perfect summer sauce. For a browner turkey, just broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Pressure Cooker Red Clam Sauce
This recipe tastes like it's been slaved over all day. What a great way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania
Pressure Cooker Orange Spice Carrots
To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My carrots with orange and cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Pressure Cooker Winter Fruit Compote
You can make this colorful and easy fruit relish up to a week in advance. It's an outstanding accompaniment to turkey, chicken or pork throughout the holiday season. —Esther Chesney , Carthage, Missouri
Pressure Cooker Frittata Provencal
This recipe means a delectable dinner is ready shortly after I walk in the door from work. The meatless pressure cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekend mornings. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pressure Cooker Italian Shrimp 'n' Pasta
This dish will remind you a bit of classic shrimp Creole, but it has a surprise Italian twist. Pressure cooking gives it hands-off ease—perfect for company. —Karen Edwards, Sanford, Maine
Pressure Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
Orzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Pressure Cooker Easy Pork Posole
Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage. hominy and more. It all goes into the pressure cooker, so you can come home at night and dinner is ready in a flash. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, TX
Pressure Cooker Molten Mocha Cake
When I first made my decadent chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. She says it's one of her "most favorites." Later, I took one of these to our next-door neighbors. Their teenage son, who answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee
Pressure Cooker Buffalo Shrimp Mac & Cheese
For a rich, creamy and slightly spicy shrimp and pasta recipe, you can't beat this crowd-pleasing dish. It's a nice new twist on popular Buffalo chicken dishes.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Pressure Cooker Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork served there, so I went about making it for myself! The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, too. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas
Pressure Cooker Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches
Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a pressure cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is a finishing touch.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Pressure Cooker Truly Tasty Turnip Greens
These savory greens are a hit at every church dinner. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make the recipe your own. .—Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina
Pressure Cooker Pot Roast Hash
I love to cook a "Sunday style" pot roast for weeknights. Make it into pot roast hash for any day of the week. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Pressure-Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal
This warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pressure Cooker Herbed Chicken and Shrimp
Tender chicken and shrimp make a flavorful combination that's easy to prepare, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. While I clean the house, it practically cooks itself. I serve it over hot cooked rice with crusty bread and a green salad. —Diana Knight Reno, Nevada
Pressure Cooker Celebration Brussels Sprouts
This recipe hits all the flavor points and makes a fantastic Thanksgiving or Christmas side. Plus, you've got to love a dish that requires minimal effort and doesn't take up oven space. You can always omit the bacon if you need a vegetarian option. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Thai Coconut Beef
My husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious!—Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Cheddar Bacon Ale Dip
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Lentil Pumpkin Soup
Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI
Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a pressure cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania
Pressure Cooker Cranberry Hot Wings
Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we've had through the years. My daughter?s friends can?t get enough of them. —Noreen Danek, Cromwell, CT
Pressure Cooker Sausage-Stuffed Flank Steak
This rich and hearty entree is perfect for entertaining but easy enough for weeknight meals with the family. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Pressure Cooker Hoisin Meatballs
I love the start of fall because that means it's football season! Meatballs are filling and hearty and great for a tailgate. I served this for the first time at my favorite team's home opener. My best friend, who hates meatballs, couldn't get enough of them! I created a meatball convert! Woo-hoo! If you are serving children and prefer not to add the wine, substitute beef broth instead.—Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas
Pressure Cooker Cherry & Spice Rice Pudding
I live in Traverse City, which calls itself the cherry capital of the world. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This pressure-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
Pressure Cooker Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
To jazz up leftover ham, I cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Pressure-Cooker Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Pressure Cooker Potato Soup
I decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder by adding roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously unique twist to an otherwise ordinary soup.—Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Pressure Cooker Lora's Red Beans & Rice
My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans and savory veggies, it's tasty, easy and economical, too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi
Pressure Cooker Apple Balsamic Chicken
I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a few minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Pressure Cooker Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos
My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Pressure Cooker Italian Sausage & Kale Soup
The first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois
Pressure Cooker Beef Osso Bucco
Our beef osso bucco boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made of lemon zest, garlic and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pressure-Cooker Tuna Noodle Casserole
We tweaked this family friendly classic to work for the pressure cooker. It's easy, wholesome and totally homemade!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Maple Creme Brulee
The pressure cooker is the perfect cooking vessel for the classic dessert creme brulee. The crunchy brown sugar topping in this recipe is wonderful, and the custard is smooth and creamy.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pressure Cooker Sweet and Sour Brisket
Here’s one dish that never gets old in our house. Tender and juicy, with a great sweet and sour twist. We’d eat it every night if we could! —Jolie Albertazzie, Moreno Valley, California
Pressure Cooker Homemade Chicken Broth
There’s nothing better and more satisfying than making your own chicken broth. You can control the amount of seasoning and salt, so you can customize it for whatever recipes you’re using it in.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs
After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Pressure-Cooker Sicilian Meat Sauce
People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don't tell the older generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Pressure Cooker Barbecued Beef Ribs
These tender slow-cooked ribs with a tangy sauce are a cinch to make. They?re great for picnics and parties.—Erin Glass, White Hall, Maryland
Pressure Cooker Apple-Cranberry Grains
This quick and healthy recipe is a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
Pressure-Cooker Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Pressure Cooker Maple French Toast
My family and friends all love it when I make this delicious French toast in the morning. It's so delicious and easy! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Pressure Cooker Mango-Pineapple Chicken Tacos
I lived in the Caribbean when I was a child. Every time I make this yummy chicken, the fresh tropical fruits in it transport me back to those happy times.—Lissa Nelson, Provo, Utah
Pressure Cooker Chicken Bog
Traditional South Carolina chicken bog has lots of variations (think herbs, spices and fresh veggies), but the standard ingredients remain: sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
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The post The Shocking Reason Why You Need to Deep-Clean Your Instant Pot ASAP appeared first on Taste of Home.
Kaila Harmon