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It’s been a very long time since I posted a cleaning tip! I guess I’ve tried everything Pinterest has to offer 😉 I use my slow cooker all year, but it seems to get more use in the Fall and Winter when soups and other hearty meals like roasts are on the menu. You might not have ever wondered how to clean your slow cooker but at some point you’re going to need to know!
I pulled it out tonight to get ready for lunch tomorrow, and it was gross! Something spilled inside the heating element and it was NOT coming off with soap and water. Plus, you can’t just fill up the sink and soak your slow cooker! After scrubbing for a while, I remembered a pin I’d seen a while ago, and behold, this post was born: How to Clean Your Slow Cooker.
Note: this is for cleaning your slow cooker’s heating element. The inside part, you know? NOT the actual “crock” from your crock pot.
What you’ll need to clean your crockpot:
One can of oven cleaner. I got mine at the dollar store. Yay for cheap! Not all oven cleaners are safe to use with aluminum. It will most likely be marked on the can if it’s not safe to use on aluminum surfaces, so be sure to read the labels.
What to do:
Spray an even coat of foam around the inside of the cooker. You really should do this outside. I’m pretty sure I hacked up a lung after I inhaled some of the cleaner. Lesson learned. After you have a nice, even coat of foam, let it sit for a couple hours.
I left mine outside and went to make dinner and eat. As we were cleaning up afterwards, I pulled it back inside to finish. So it was probably closer to ninety minutes. Then, just use a scrubby sponge to wipe out the foam! Everything but the most caked-on spot just wiped right off. The big yucky spot took some scrubbing, but it was WAY easier than when I was trying to clean it before. So there you go. Now that you know, there’s no excuse. 🙂
While you’re cleaning your slow cooker, you might as well get started on your stove top as well! This is another “set it and forget it” cleaning tip that I use ALL THE TIME for my stove grates and burner covers. It’s the easiest way I’ve ever tried to get the stove clean. Click here to see the “after” photo and get the instructions!
Some of my favorite cleaning tips:
- Chocolate Orange Cookies - November 2, 2024
- Nutella Banana Bread - October 14, 2024
- Bacon Onion Dip - September 13, 2024
Linda says
Oven cleaner is caustic and should never be used on aluminum!
Amanda says
She said plainly in the instructions to read on the can if it’s safe for aluminum or not!!!
Kathy says
Thanks, Nicole. You have awesome ideas!
Darlene says
I love the idea, but I think I’ll try the Baking Soda & Vinegar 1st. I’ve had the enameled bottom of a R Ray pot partially ruined when I tried oven cleaner before….just a suggestion: maybe edit your initial article to add the possible paint problem to the sides?
Nicole Burkholder says
The oven cleaner shouldn’t be applied to anything enameled or to the sides of the pot- this is strictly for the heating element inside.
Ruthie WIlliams says
I tried this today and it ruined the inside of my crockpot!
Nicole Burkholder says
I’m so sorry to hear that! I wonder what it was made of that it would react that way to oven cleaner?
Kerri says
I shuddered when I saw my crock pot last night….. it’s disgusting. I have no idea how it even got that dirty but low and behold, it’s bad. Thank you for this tip. I will be doing this tomorrow!
Nicole Burkholder says
I’ll bet mine is worse! 🙂 I spilled a bunch of sauce over the side and it poured all over the heating element. What a mess! Happy to help 🙂