How to Clean Zojirushi Rice Cooker?

Cleaning your kitchen appliances often feels like a chore we all dread. We all try to avoid it whenever possible. Here the dishwasher does quick work and helps us to clean the dishes. However, you cannot take this easy route to clean rice cookers. They need more attention.

The rice cooker requires a little extra tender loving care to maintain its outstanding performance and continues serving those fluffy rice grains. There is a proper care and cleaning method for the Zojirushi rice cooker that you must follow. You need to know whether it is dishwasher safe or not.

This article will give you a thorough cleaning guide for your Zojirushi rice cooker and answer your common questions.

How Often Should I Clean Zojirushi Rice Cooker?

It is essential to make a habit of cleaning your Zojirushi rice cooker after every use. This promotes better hygiene and helps prevent the formation of stubborn, crusty stains. When you regularly clean the rice cooker, the leftover rice grains are promptly removed from the inner pot and other components. If these food residues are left on the cooker, they can become a crusty layer that you have to clean with a lot of scrubbing.

How to Clean Zojirushi Rice Cooker? Step by Step Instructions

Zojirushi Rice Cookers are famous and worth buying due to their excellent build quality. If you own a Zojirushi, ensure you do its proper cleaning so that it continues to serve perfectly cooked rice and dishes. It increases the food safety you cook in it and prolongs the appliance’s lifespan. Follow the below step-by-step instructions to keep your rice cooker spotless and shiny.

Things You’ll Need

Instructions to Follow

Do you gather all the things you will need for cleaning? Well, if you do. Now follow the below instructions carefully to get a crystal-clear rice cooker.

1. Pre-Cleaning Steps

Before you start the cleaning process, ensure you perform its pre-cleaning steps.

1. First, unplug the rice cooker from the outlet.
2. Rice cookers contain electrical components like thermostats and heating plates. They can cause risks if they come into contact with water.
3. Once you unplug the cooker, open the lid, and allow all the parts, like the steam vent and inner pot, to cool down completely.
4. Wait an hour before disassembling the rice cooker because some internal components take time to cool down. 

2. Cleaning the Removable Components

Once you ensure all the components are cool, start your cleaning process. First, start with the removable parts of the rice cooker.

1. Please take out the inner pot and wash it in warm water using dishwashing soap with the help of a non-abrasive sponge.
2. Dry it with a towel.
3.  After the inner pot, clean other rice cooker accessories like rice spatula, rice cooker cup, and steam basket.
4. Then comes the inner lid; pull it off or pull on the release tab if it has one to take it out.
5. To clean the inner lid, wash it in soapy water. You can also use a soft brush to scrub any stubborn stains.

3. Cleaning the Interior

After you are done washing removable components, then clean the inside of the cooker. Use a moist cloth to clean the rice bits or water stains on the heating element or inside of the main body. When you clean the heating element, it prevents uneven heat distribution. So, ensure you clean it properly.

4. Cleaning the Exterior

Now it’s time to clean the exterior of a rice cooker. Clean the outside of the body with a soft, damp cloth. If your rice cooker comes with a removable steam vent or dew collector, take them out and clean them. Then wipe the cord and cooker’s display with a dry towel.

5. Final Step to take

Let all the components and the main body of the rice cooker dry in the air. When you make sure all the parts are completely dried, assemble them.

Regular Maintenance of Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Regular maintenance of the Zojirushi Rice Cooker ensures its longevity and optimal performance. Here are a few things to do to maintain your rice cooker regularly.

1. Do Frequent Cleaning

When you cook in the rice cooker, clean it after use. Remove the lid and allow the cooker to cool down. Clean it and wipe away any excess moisture. This step is essential because leftover food particles can become baked on and damage the cooker.

2. Place the Rice cooker on Stable Surface

Always place the rice cooker on a flat surface, such as a counter or sturdy countertop, to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Don’t let the cord drape over the edge or come into contact with hot surfaces. These precautions will help the rice cook evenly and avoid being burnt at the bottom.

3. Handle it with Care

Handle your rice cooker with care. Refrain from immersing it in water. Additionally, always keep it unplugged when not in use or before you are ready to cook. Refrain from using your rice cooker outdoors, and never use metal utensils inside the cooker. These safety measures will prevent potential electrical hazards and protect the nonstick coating inside the rice cooker.

Final Verdict

Proper maintenance and regular cleaning of the Zojirushi Rice Cooker are essential for both its long-term performance and culinary pleasure. Follow the above step-by-step instructions, and you can easily incorporate cleaning into your post-cooking routine so that your rice cooker will be in perfect condition after usage. If your Zojirushi rice cooker is not working or needs a reset, check out our articles for a proper guideline.

FAQs