The weather's getting colder, and there's nothing like a hot stew, soup or casserole to warm the soul. A slow cooker can be your best friend in the kitchen, allowing you to prep your meal in the morning and get on with your day.
Unfortunately, slow cookers are infamously annoying to clean. Some can go in the dishwasher but for those that can't, cooked-on stains can be tricky to shift. If you're currently putting off getting your pot clean, we've put together some simple tips for getting the job done.
5 steps to a clean slow cooker
- Always unplug before cleaning.
- Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and solution of washing-up liquid. If stubborn stains persist make up a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water and rub on - or try a good quality kitchen cleaner that's suitable for the finish.
- Many slow cookers now have removable inner bowls so find out what yours is made of. Check if it can go in the dishwasher, and if so, place in the bottom shelf away from cutlery. If not, remove and wash in warm soapy water. If it's not removable, do the same. Always ensure it's properly dried before you plug it in again.
- If stains remain, fill with water and heat on low for an hour to help dislodge burnt on food.
- Don't forget to clean the base! Use a toothbrush to get into awkward areas and remove crumbs from under the element.