New to Using a Pressure Cooker? Keep These Safety and Cleaning Tips Handy

The pressure cooker helps you save a lot of time and effort. It is one of the most commonly used kitchen cooking appliances. Yes, pressure cookers come with a user manual and you should read it carefully. However, here are a few safety and cleaning tips you should be aware of.  

1) Check the Gasket 

It happens more frequently than you’d imagine. A gasket is the rubber seal around the cooker lid. Sometimes, the seal gets dislocated or becomes loose. Adjust the gasket correctly before closing the lid. The gasket ensures that the cooker is locked properly with no room for vapour to escape from the sides. 

2) Check the Valve

Make it a habit to check the valve before you place your cooker on the stove. The valve helps build pressure in the cooker. 

3) Avoid Unfriendly Ingredients 

If you’re new to cooking, you’ll have to learn some basics. When cooking in a pressure cooker, you need liquid to build pressure. So, do not make your gravy too thick by adding excess flour. 

4) Lock Properly

If you see steam rising from the sides of your pressure cooker, switch off the stove immediately. Open the lid and lock it again correctly. 

5) Check Burner Size 

The size of your burner should always be smaller or equal to the size of the base of your pressure cooker. 

6) Soak the Pressure Cooker

After use, fill warm water in your cooker and add 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid to it. Let it soak for at least an hour. Then, drain the soapy solution and scrub your pressure cooker with dishwashing liquid. Rinse with plain water and let it air-dry.

7) Use Vinegar or Baking Soda

If you are dealing with stubborn stains, fill ½ the pressure cooker with water and mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar to it. Let this solution sit for a few hours before scrubbing your pressure cooker clean with dishwashing liquid. Alternatively, you could create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Let it rest on the stained areas of your pressure cooker for a few hours. Then clean as you normally would. If you’re looking for a good dishwashing liquid, we recommend using Vim Dishwash Gel as it is easily available in the market.            

These tips will help in cleaning your pressure cooker and restoring its shine.