How To Clean A Ceramic Crock Pot? (Dos and Don’ts)

Here is how to clean a ceramic crock pot without damaging that stoneware vessel.

Ceramic crockpots or slow cookers are great options for cooking because they are convenient. It is so easy to throw ingredients into the pot, turn it on, and eight to ten hours later, you have a hot, home-cooked meal. But sometimes, maybe the meal cooks a little too long and leaves food stuck to the sides of the crockpot or stains on the bottom and sides.

However, cleaning a ceramic crock pot can be a bit tricky, as the surface of the pot is delicate and can easily scratch, and the ceramic coating could be damaged. But, with the right techniques and the right cleaning product, you can easily get your crock pot looking like new.

In this article, I will go over some tips and tricks for cleaning your ceramic crock pot, including what to use and what to avoid, as well as some common mistakes to avoid. So, whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains, white residue, burnt bottom, or just want to give your crock pot a good deep clean, I’ve got you covered.

Did You Know? A crockpot, also known as a slow cooker, is typically made from ceramic or stoneware material like glazed ceramic or porcelain that is placed inside a metal heating unit. The ceramic or stoneware pot is removable and can be used to serve food directly from the appliance. Some crockpots also have a non-stick coating on the interior surface of the pot to make cleaning easier.

Transform Your Dirty Crockpot in No Time: Discover the Proven Methods to Make it Look Like New.

Do’s and Don’ts Of Cleaning Ceramic or Porcelain Crock Pot

1. Try to remove any stains, food particles, or burnt food as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming harder to remove.
2. Unplug the appliance and take out the round or oval stoneware before cleaning it.
3. Use mild soap and warm water.
4. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers.
5. Do rinse the pot thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue.
6. Removable stoneware models can have their stoneware taken out and cleaned in a dishwasher.
7. Do let the pot air dry completely before storing it.

How To Clean A Ceramic Crock Pot?

Okay, so let’s get started. Obviously, you want to make sure your crockpot is unplugged and cool. Here, we are just focusing on the removable porcelain or ceramic insert and not the metal base it sits in.

There are many options for cleaning your crockpot, so it comes down to whether it is a regular cleaning or whether it needs deep bring-me-back-to-life cleaning from stubborn stains or burnt food.

Effective and safe cleaning product for cleaning crock pot:

There are several cleaning products and methods that can be used to clean porcelain and ceramic cookware. Some popular options include:

1. Baking soda: Baking soda is my favorite natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains and discoloration from ceramic and porcelain cookware. Mix baking soda with a small amount of warm water to make a paste, and then apply it to the stain. Scrub the surface gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
2. Dish detergent: A solution of warm water and dish detergent can be used to clean porcelain and ceramic crock pot. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub your pot’s surface.
3. Distilled vinegar: Distilled vinegar can be used to remove tough stains from porcelain and ceramic cookware such as crock pots. Mix equal parts of distilled vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, and then spray the solution on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
4. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains and discoloration from your crockpot insert. Mix lemon juice with a small baking soda to make a paste, and then apply it to the stain.
5. Bon Ami: It is a brand of cleaning powder that is safe for use on your ceramic crock pot. I have often used it to remove stains and discoloration on the surface of my cookware.
6. Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove tough white stains from a ceramic crock pot. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution on the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

Note: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning product on ceramic cookware.

So, here is how I usually clean my ceramic crock pot:

For general cleaning, I fill the sink with hot, soapy water, and I use a nonabrasive sponge to scrub the ceramic insert until clean. Then I rinse and dry off to prevent water spots.

For stubborn, cooked-on food or burnt pot, I soak it in soapy water for at least 30 minutes before trying to clean it.

If there are any stubborn stains or white residue, I use a paste of baking soda, vinegar or lemon juice, or Hydrogen peroxide. I let it sit on the stains for about 20 minutes and then gently scrub it until it comes clean.

I never use a harsh abrasive on my crockpot because it can damage the ceramic surface. I also never use steel wool or metal pads on my ceramic crockpot because they can cause scratches.

Read Also: Is It Safe To Leave Slow Cooker On Overnight?

My Alternative Crock Pot Cleaning Method

I mentioned this cleaning method briefly above, but since it is quite effective, I want to cover it in more detail.

So, if you need a little more than soap and water, you can clean it naturally with baking soda and water or use a product like Bon Ami.

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Bon Ami is a cleaning product that is non-toxic and non-scratching. You can make a paste of Bon Ami and water, about cake-frosting consistency. To clean the ceramic insert, use a damp sponge or scrub brush in a circular or back-and-forth motion.

To finish up, hydrogen peroxide is great at lightening the finish, which may have become discolored over time from use and burnt food. Pour enough 3% peroxide to cover the bottom of the insert and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry.

Read Also: Ziploc Bags Vs. Slow-Cooker Liners (What Everybody Ought to Know!)

In Summary

Cleaning your ceramic crockpot is quite easy. You can tackle these stains, food particles, and burnt food quickly using mild soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbers, and rinse the pot thoroughly after cleaning.

For more thorough cleaning, use baking soda paste and a solution of warm water and dish detergent or distilled vinegar. I’ve also found lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide helpful for tough stains. Overall, cleaning my ceramic crockpot is now a manageable task.

Sources:

• [1]How to Clean Ceramic Pans and Cookware (thespruce.com)
• [2] How to Clean White Film Out of a Ceramic Crock Pot (hunker.com)
• [3] How to Clean That Ceramic Crockpot – YouTube (Around the Home Channel)
• [4] How to Clean a Crock Pot Insert – The Kim Six Fix
• [5] How to Clean Crock Pot Inside Out & Top to Bottom (ceramiccookwarehub.com)
• [6] Cleaning Your Slow Cooker & Stoneware | Crockpot (crockpot.com)