How to Get Mildew Out of Instant Pot: Proven 2026 Guide

Immediate Action (first 5 minutes)

You open your Instant Pot Duo Plus 6-Quart after a busy weekend. A sour, damp smell hits you right in the face. I've been there. Leaving leftover pot roast in the cooker for just 48 hours creates the perfect breeding ground for mildew. Don't panic. Your first move is to unplug the base immediately. Next, pop off the silicone sealing ring. That little rubber loop traps moisture and food particles better than a sponge. Toss the ring into a bowl of hot tap water (around 120°F) with a squirt of Dawn Ultra dish soap. Let it soak while you grab your cleaning supplies. Wipe down the inside of the stainless steel inner pot with a dry paper towel to remove any visible fuzzy spots. If you have kids who track mud everywhere and you're rushing to cook dinner, this 5-minute triage stops the mildew from spreading to the heating element. It buys you time to do a deep clean later.

What You'll Need (tools/products)

I'll be honest, this takes elbow grease if the mildew has set in for weeks. You don't need expensive specialty cleaners. I've tested this on my own pressure cookers for over 8 years. Basic pantry staples work best. Here is my exact toolkit for banishing that funky smell.

• White vinegar (Heinz brand, $3-4 per gallon)
• Baking soda (Arm & Hammer, $1-2 per box)
• Dawn Ultra dish soap (Original scent)
• OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover ($10-15 for a 3lb tub)
• Microfiber cloths (Pack of 12, roughly $15)
• Soft-bristle toothbrush
• Instant Pot replacement sealing rings (2-pack, $15-20)

Below is a quick comparison of the cleaning agents I use most often. This isn't the cheapest option if you buy everything at once, but these supplies last for months.

Product	Best For	Price Range
Heinz White Vinegar	Steam cleaning the lid	$3 - $4
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda	Scrubbing the silicone ring	$1 - $2
OxiClean Versatile	Overnight deep soaking	$10 - $15

Step-by-Step Removal

Follow these exact steps to restore your cooker. I recommend doing this on a Sunday afternoon when you have plenty of time to let things soak.

Step 1: The Vinegar Steam Bath

Pour 2 cups of cold water and 1 cup of Heinz white vinegar directly into the stainless steel inner pot. Place the lid on the cooker. Lock it into place. Turn the steam release valve to the "Sealing" position. Press the "Steam" button on your Instant Pot panel. Adjust the time to 14 minutes on high pressure. The hot acidic steam penetrates every microscopic crevice in the lid. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip the valve to "Venting" using a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Scrub the Silicone Ring

Remove the silicone ring from the lid. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of Arm & Hammer baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste all over the ring. Use your soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub the grooves where mildew loves to hide. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly under warm running water. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that lifts the mold without tearing the silicone.

Step 3: Clean the Lid and Anti-Block Shield

Pop off the anti-block shield on the underside of the lid. It's that small metal disc near the rim. Wash it in warm soapy water. Take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire underside of the lid, paying special attention to the steam release valve. Mildew spores love the dark, damp area around the float valve. Dry every component completely with a clean towel.

Step 4: Wash the Inner Pot

Dump out the vinegar water from the inner pot. Wash the stainless steel insert with Dawn Ultra dish soap and a non-scratch sponge. If you see any stubborn water spots or lingering mildew stains at the bottom, sprinkle a little baking soda and scrub. Rinse it well. The stainless steel is non-porous, so mildew rarely penetrates the surface here.

Step 5: Air Dry Completely

Moisture is the enemy. Leave the lid upside down on a drying rack. Place the inner pot and the silicone ring next to it. Let everything air dry for at least 4 hours before reassembling. I usually leave mine out overnight to ensure zero moisture remains trapped in the valves.

Alternative Methods

Sometimes the standard vinegar bath isn't enough. If you are dealing with a severe mildew infestation, try one of these backup methods.

Method 1: The OxiClean Overnight Soak

Fill your kitchen sink or a large basin with hot water. Add one scoop of OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover and stir until it dissolves. Submerge the silicone ring and the anti-block shield completely. Let them soak for 12 to 24 hours. The oxygen bubbles break down the organic mold structures at a molecular level. Rinse everything thoroughly the next morning. This method works wonders when your landlord inspects next week and you need the kitchen appliances looking spotless.

Method 2: Baking Soda and Sunlight

UV rays are a natural mold killer. Coat the damp silicone ring in a thick layer of dry baking soda. Place it on a baking sheet and set it outside in direct sunlight for 6 hours. The sun bakes the moisture out while the baking soda absorbs the odors. I use this method during the summer months. It's completely free and highly effective for light mildew spots.

Method 3: Diluted Bleach Solution

I only recommend this as a last resort. Mix 1 tablespoon of standard household bleach with 1 gallon of cold water. Submerge the silicone ring for exactly 10 minutes. Do not soak it any longer, or the bleach will degrade the rubber and cause it to snap during pressure cooking. Rinse the ring under cold water for a full 5 minutes to remove all chemical residue. Never use bleach on the stainless steel inner pot, as it will cause permanent pitting and rust.

Prevention Tips

Cleaning mildew is a hassle. Preventing it is incredibly easy. After hosting a dinner party and forgetting to empty the pot, I learned these rules the hard way.

• Store the lid upside down: Never lock the lid onto the base when storing the appliance. Rest the lid upside down on top of the pot to allow air circulation.
• Buy color-coded rings: Instant Pot sells a 2-pack of sealing rings for about $15-20. Use the red ring for savory, pungent meals like chili. Use the blue ring for sweet dishes or steaming vegetables. This prevents cross-contamination of odors.
• Remove the ring immediately: As soon as you finish cooking and the pressure drops, take the silicone ring off the lid. Let it dry on the counter while you eat.
• Wipe the rim: Food particles often get stuck on the metal rim of the cooker base. Wipe this rim with a damp cloth after every single use.

FAQ

Can I put the silicone ring in the dishwasher?

Yes, the Instant Pot silicone sealing ring is completely dishwasher safe. I recommend placing it on the top rack to prevent any warping from the bottom heating element. However, dishwashing won't remove deep-set mildew odors on its own.

Why does my Instant Pot still smell after cleaning?

Silicone is highly porous and absorbs strong food odors and mildew spores at a microscopic level. If the smell lingers, the mildew has likely penetrated deeper than surface cleaning can reach. You will need to try the OxiClean overnight soak or simply buy a replacement ring.

Is mildew in my Instant Pot dangerous to eat from?

Yes, consuming food cooked in a mildew-contaminated pressure cooker can cause respiratory issues and foodborne illness. The high heat of pressure cooking kills some bacteria, but it doesn't neutralize the toxic mycotoxins produced by certain mold strains. Always deep clean the pot before using it again.

How often should I replace the sealing ring?

Instant Pot officially recommends replacing the silicone sealing ring every 12 to 18 months. I personally swap mine out every year, especially if I cook heavily spiced dishes or notice any cracking. Keeping a spare on hand ensures you are never caught off guard during a busy weeknight.