Can a Crockpot go in the dishwasher?

Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, make cooking a breeze. However, washing them is a different story. A few individuals might be tempted to throw them in the dishwasher without a second thought. However, it would help if you considered whether that is a good idea before proceeding. Can a slow cooker be put in the dishwasher? 

Can a Crockpot go in the dishwasher?

Sometimes it is the short answer to this question. The entire slow cooker cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher. You must remove the inner stoneware bowl from the base of the heater. However, many older or smaller slow cookers lack a removable stoneware bowl. In these cases, only handwashing will be permitted. 

When purchasing a kitchen appliance, you should keep the manual safety. These will instruct you on the best way to clean your devices. Check the bottom for any engravings that may contain cleaning instructions if you lose the manual. Sometimes “Dishwasher Safe” is printed on the bottom of the crockpot. If you are uncertain, it may be best to handwash it. Any inconvenience associated with handwashing is preferable to replacing your slow cooker. 

What components of a slow cooker are dishwasher-safe? 

You can assume that the glass lid of your crockpot is dishwasher safe. If the internal bowl can be removed, it can also be placed in the dishwasher. However, the central heating element of the crockpot is never dishwasher safe. Fortunately, it would help if you did not have to clean this component as frequently. 

Other slow cooker accessories, such as roasting racks and thermometers, vary by brand and material. Always consult the instruction manual when in doubt. 

Which types of slow cookers are not dishwasher safe? 

Any slow cooker with an internal bowl that cannot be removed is not dishwasher safe. These items must always be washed by hand. If the manual for your slow cooker states that it is not dishwasher safe, you should also hand wash it. Even if the stoneware bowl is detachable, caution is still necessary. 

The Materials of Your Stoneware Bowl   

So, you’ve determined that your slow cooker can be cleaned in the dishwasher. But is it a good idea to include it? Before placing that bowl of stoneware in the dishwasher, determine whether it is made of ceramic or stainless steel. Additionally, you should decide if it has a non-stick coating. 

For example, ceramic and steel bowls can withstand the dishwasher’s heat. However, if your slow cooker has a nonstick coating, it may be best to wash it by hand. Over time, the heat from the dishwasher can erode the coating. Even if the manual specifies that the item is dishwasher-safe, you should avoid placing nonstick materials in the dishwasher. 

Is It Better to Clean a Crockpot by Hand or in the Dishwasher? 

Is it worthwhile even if a slow cooker can be cleaned in the dishwasher? Or should you make the additional effort to wash by hand? In general, the optimal cleaning method will depend on two factors: the size of your slow cooker and the amount of food that has served it. 

Many crockpot bowls will consume a disproportionate amount of space in the dishwasher. Consequently, you may end up having to wash more dishes. If dried food is stuck to the crockpot, your dishwasher may not thoroughly clean it. In the end, you may still need to wash your slow cooker by hand. 

However, if the bowl of your slow cooker is small, you should have no trouble placing it in the dishwasher. You may also thoroughly rinse the bowl before the food dries. This will make it easier for your dishwasher to clean your dishes thoroughly. Under certain conditions, cleaning your slow cooker in the dishwasher can save you time and effort. 

How to Safely Clean Your Crockpot in the Dishwasher  

If you’ve decided to clean your slow cooker in the dishwasher, here are the following steps. First, ensure that the slow cooker has completely cooled down. Next, remove the internal bowl, the lid, and other dishwasher-safe components. Rinse them thoroughly in the sink. After that, you may place the items in the dishwasher and operate them as usual. Ensure that any plastic accessories are placed on the top shelf. 

If your crockpot has a large bowl, avoid placing it too close to the detergent dispenser. Otherwise, this could prevent the detergent from being expelled from your dishwasher. 

How to Clean Non-Dishwasher-Safe Crockpot Parts 

Therefore, how should you clean the parts of your crockpot that cannot go in the dishwasher? For instance, food can occasionally spill onto the central heater. This accumulation can become gross over time. Fortunately, however, this area is quite simple to clean. 

Before cleaning, ensure that the heater is completely cooled. Then, wet a washcloth with soap and water and use it to scrub away any spilled residue. To remove tougher stains, you may need to use baking soda or vinegar and water. If the crockpot is cleaned regularly, there shouldn’t be too many baked-on stains. 

Under no circumstances should the heater be submerged in water. In the best case, you will damage it, and in the worst case, you will be electrocuted. Additionally, you should avoid getting the cord wet at all costs. In general, you should be very careful when washing the heater base of your slow cooker. 

If the accessories cannot be cleaned in a dishwasher, they should be simple to clean by hand. Wash them with soap, water, and a washcloth like any other dish or implement. 

How to Clean Your Crockpot Bowl by Hand  

Is the bowl of your slow cooker not dishwasher-safe? Or do you prefer handwashing? Even though crockpots are large and bulky, cleaning them in the kitchen sink is more accessible. 

Always unplug the slow cooker and allow it to cool completely before washing it. To prevent the food from drying out, you can let it soak in some soapy water. Ensure the water is warm, as abrupt temperature changes can cause the ceramic to crack. 

After it has cooled, wash it with a sponge, dishcloth, and soap. Do not use harsh chemicals or a coarse-textured sponge, especially if the surface is non-stick. 

Do you have a slow cooker with an immovable base? It will help if you exercise extreme caution when handling these. Try not to allow the sink to fill with water while washing dishes. If possible, pass these slow cookers without getting the base wet. 

Hand-dry it with a towel or place it upside down on a drying rack when you are finished. If dried food adheres to your slow cooker, you can soak the bowl in soapy water overnight. The soak will soften the food, making it easier to remove with a scrub brush. Additionally, stoneware-specific cleaners are available for purchase. If you regularly clean your slow cooker, you should not need them. 

Other Tips for Maintaining a Clean Crockpot 

Whether you use a dishwasher or not, here are a few general tips for keeping your slow cooker in excellent condition. 

• Try to clean your slow cooker as soon as possible after use. Or at least let it soak in water. It is essential to allow it to cool but waiting too long will make cleaning difficult. 
• Do not leave food in the slow cooker for too long. Transfer leftovers to a new container as soon as possible. 
• If something spills on the exterior of your slow cooker, clean it up immediately. 
• You can eliminate unpleasant odors with baking soda or vinegar diluted with water. 
• To make cleanup more accessible, you can use disposable slow cooker liners. 
• Do not keep the slow cooker on for too long. In addition to being a fire hazard, burnt food is more challenging to remove. 
• Before using, spray the interior of your slow cooker with cooking oil. The oil can prevent food from adhering to surfaces in the first place. 

How to Make Your Slow Cooker Self-Clean 

Is your slow cooker not dishwasher-safe? Or perhaps you lack access to a dishwasher. There is a way to make your slow cooker clean itself! This technique can eliminate stubborn stains and leave your slow cooker looking brand new. 

Only vinegar, baking soda, water, and a few hours of your time are required. 

Here is the detailed procedure. 

• Fill your slow cooker to the brim with water. Ensure that it is tall enough to conceal all stains and dried food. 
• Add half a cup of white vinegar to the water for smaller slow cookers. For larger portions, add an entire cup. 
• Next, add baking soda in the same quantity as vinegar. Could you make sure to pour it slowly? Otherwise, the baking soda will create a mess by bubbling up. 
• Cover your slow cooker and set it to the lowest setting. 
• Allow your slow cooker to cook for approximately one hour. For more persistent stains, you may wait up to four hours. 
• Once complete, turn off the slow cooker and allow it to cool completely. 
• Pour in the vinegar and baking soda solution, then thoroughly rinse the bowl. 

When you’re finished, your crockpot will be as good as new! 

Why is it essential to keep my slow cooker clean? 

As with any kitchen appliance, you’ll want to ensure that your crockpot is thoroughly clean. If it is not regularly washed, bacteria that can cause foodborne illness may grow. 

Using your slow cooker to cook raw meat increases the likelihood of bacterial growth. Therefore, it is essential to clean the slow cooker after every use. Be sure to use soap and water or another antibacterial agent. 

Cleaning the exterior of your slow cooker is also essential. Otherwise, food on the heater can attract ants and other pests into the kitchen. For your health, you must keep your slow cooker clean.