Easy & Tested: How to Get Ink Out of Instant Pot

By Lisa Nguyen · February 11, 2026

Immediate Action (first 5 minutes)

If your toddler decided the brushed steel of your Instant Pot Duo Plus was a blank canvas, don't panic. I've dealt with this exact nightmare after hosting a chaotic birthday party last month. The very first thing you need to do is stop the ink from setting into the microscopic grooves of the stainless steel. Grab a dry paper towel immediately. Blot the wet ink gently. Never rub it.

Rubbing wet ink just pushes the pigments deeper into the metal's grain and spreads the mess across your expensive appliance, turning a tiny dot into a massive blue streak. Next, dampen a microfiber cloth with cold water. Wipe the area lightly to lift any surface residue. If the ink is already dry, skip the water entirely. Water actually sets certain dye-based marker inks, making them nearly impossible to lift with basic soap. You have about a 5-minute window where the solvents in the ink are still somewhat active. Act fast. Catching it early saves you from an hour of frustrating scrubbing later.

What You'll Need (tools/products)

I've tested dozens of cleaners on my own 6-quart Instant Pot over the last four years. You don't need expensive specialty chemicals to fix this. Most of these items are probably sitting under your kitchen sink or in your bathroom cabinet right now. Here is my exact toolkit for tackling ballpoint, gel, and permanent marker stains on both the stainless steel base and the inner cooking pot.

Product	Best For	Price Range
91% Isopropyl Alcohol	Ballpoint & Gel Ink	$3 - $5
Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser	Stubborn Stains & Scuffs	$4 - $6
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (Extra Durable)	Plastic Rims & Buttons	$6 - $9
WD-40 Multi-Use Product	Permanent Marker	$5 - $8
Microfiber Cloths (300 GSM)	Buffing & Wiping	$10 - $15 (pack)

I highly recommend buying the liquid Soft Cleanser version of Bar Keepers Friend instead of the powder. The liquid clings to the vertical sides of the Instant Pot base much better, preventing messy drips down your counter. This isn't the cheapest option, but it saves so much time.

Step-by-Step Removal (4-7 steps)

When your landlord inspects next week or you're just trying to keep your kitchen looking pristine, you need a method that actually works. I've refined this process through trial and error. Follow these exact steps to lift the ink without scratching the brushed finish of your appliance.

Step 1: Prep the Surface and Test

Unplug your Instant Pot and let it cool completely if you were just cooking. Find an inconspicuous spot on the back of the stainless steel base. Apply a tiny drop of your chosen solvent (like rubbing alcohol) to test for any adverse reactions. Wait 60 seconds. Wipe it away. If the steel looks fine, you're ready to tackle the main stain.

Step 2: Apply the Solvent

Pour a generous amount of 91% isopropyl alcohol directly onto a clean microfiber cloth. Don't spray it directly on the pot. Spraying risks getting liquid into the digital display or the heating element vents, which can short-circuit the motherboard. Press the damp cloth firmly against the ink stain. Hold it there for exactly 45 seconds to let the alcohol break down the ink's chemical bonds.

Step 3: Wipe With the Grain

Look closely at the stainless steel. You'll see faint horizontal lines. These are the grain of the metal. Wipe the ink firmly in the direction of that grain. Never scrub in circles. Circular scrubbing creates micro-scratches that catch light and make the pot look dull and cloudy over time.

Step 4: Use an Abrasive for Set-In Stains

If the alcohol doesn't remove everything, it's time for mild abrasion. Squeeze a dime-sized drop of Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser onto a damp sponge. I'll be honest, this takes elbow grease. Scrub the remaining ink spots using moderate pressure, again following the steel grain. The oxalic acid in the cleaner reacts with the stain, lifting it out of the microscopic pores.

Step 5: Rinse and Buff

Wipe away all the cleaning residue with a fresh, wet cloth. You must remove all traces of the cleaner, especially if the ink was near the inner rim where the cooking pot sits. Dry the surface immediately with a separate dry microfiber towel to prevent water spots. Buff it in quick, light strokes until it shines.

Alternative Methods (2-3 backup methods)

Sometimes the standard alcohol and abrasive combo just won't cut it. Maybe the ink has been baked onto the side of the pot from the residual heat of a long slow-cook cycle. If the primary method fails, try these backup techniques that I keep in my cleaning arsenal.

Method 1: WD-40 for Permanent Marker

Permanent marker is notoriously difficult because it's designed to bind to surfaces permanently. WD-40 acts as a powerful solvent that breaks down these tough resins. Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a paper towel. Rub it over the permanent marker stain in a well-ventilated area. Let it sit for 3 minutes. Wipe it away with a soapy cloth to remove the oily residue. The ink will practically melt off the steel.

Method 2: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Plastic Parts

The stainless steel base is tough, but the black plastic rim and the control panel bezel are easily scratched. Never use Bar Keepers Friend on the plastic parts. Instead, wet a corner of a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable sponge. Squeeze out the excess water. Gently rub the ink marks on the plastic housing. The melamine foam acts like ultra-fine sandpaper, lifting the ink without gouging the plastic. Just keep it far away from the digital screen, as it will strip the anti-glare coating right off the display.

Method 3: Hand Sanitizer in a Pinch

If you're at a friend's house or don't have pure rubbing alcohol, grab a bottle of gel hand sanitizer. Most sanitizers contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol, which is strong enough to dissolve standard ballpoint ink. Smear a thick layer of the gel over the stain. The gel consistency is actually great because it doesn't run down the side of the pot. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp paper towel. It leaves a slight sticky residue, so you'll need to follow up with a quick wipe of soapy water.

Prevention Tips

Cleaning ink is annoying. Preventing it is incredibly easy. After ruining the finish on my first Instant Pot, I implemented a few strict rules in my kitchen to keep the appliance looking brand new.

Buy a Silicone Cover: You can find stretchy, heat-resistant silicone covers online for about $12 to $18. They slip right over the lid and the base, completely protecting the steel from rogue pens, sticky fingers, and splattering sauces.
Establish a 'No Pen' Zone: I keep a small magnetic cup on the fridge for all kitchen pens and markers. If my kids need to draw, they do it at the dining table, far away from the countertops where the pressure cooker lives.
Apply a Protective Wax: Once a month, I wipe the exterior stainless steel with a tiny drop of mineral oil or a dedicated stainless steel polish like Weiman. This fills in the microscopic pores of the metal, creating a slick barrier that makes future ink marks wipe right off with a dry cloth.

FAQ

Will rubbing alcohol damage the Instant Pot's plastic parts?

Occasional use of 91% isopropyl alcohol on the hard black plastic housing is perfectly safe and won't cause immediate damage. However, frequent or prolonged exposure can dry out the plastics over time, leading to a chalky, faded appearance. Always dilute it slightly or wipe the plastic down with a damp, soapy cloth immediately after removing the ink stain.

How do I get ink out of the silicone sealing ring?

Silicone is highly porous and absorbs ink pigments rapidly, making surface wiping completely ineffective. Your best bet is to submerge the ring in a mixture of warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda for 24 hours. If the stain persists after soaking, place the wet ring in direct sunlight for an afternoon, as UV rays naturally bleach out organic dyes trapped in the silicone matrix.

Can I put the inner pot in the dishwasher if it has ink inside?

You should never put the inner pot in the dishwasher if it has wet ink inside, as the high heat and water pressure will bake the dye into the steel and spread it to your other dishes. Always hand-wash the inner pot with hot water, dish soap, and a non-scratch sponge to manually lift the ink first. Once the ink is completely gone, it is perfectly safe to run through a normal dishwasher cycle.