😴 “I’ll Wash It Tomorrow.”
We’ve all said it.
You finish dinner.
You’re tired.
The crockpot is sitting there with a little sauce stuck to the sides.
You think:
“I’ll deal with that in the morning.”
Then morning comes.
You look at it.
And suddenly that tiny bit of sauce has become concrete. 😂
The longer food residue sits, the harder it can become to remove.
Cleaning the insert sooner rather than later usually makes the job much easier.
💦 The Easy Way to Clean a Slow Cooker
You don’t need an elaborate cleaning routine.
For most removable inserts:
1. Empty the Crock
Remove all leftover food.
2. Let It Cool
Don’t suddenly expose a very hot ceramic insert to cold water because rapid temperature changes can damage some cookware.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Soak
Fill the insert with warm water and a little dish soap.
Let it soak for a while if food has dried onto the surface.
4. Scrub Gently
Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber.
Avoid anything that could scratch the surface.
5. Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing.
🧼 What If Something Is Really Stuck?
Sometimes chili or sauce seems determined to become part of the crock.
Instead of attacking it with an abrasive scrubber, try soaking it in warm, soapy water.
For stubborn residue, a longer soak can soften the food and make it much easier to remove.
Always avoid cleaning methods that aren’t recommended for the material or finish of your particular slow cooker.