Can You Put an Instant Pot Lid in the Dishwasher? Full Guide + Pro Tips

Okay, picture this. You just whipped up a killer beef stew in your Instant Pot—like, the kind your family brags about to their coworkers. The kitchen smells amazing, your belly’s full, life is good… until you look at that lid.

Yeah, that lid. The one with all the grooves, the steam valve, the sealing ring, the “do not immerse” warning stamped into the metal. You freeze. You squint. You wonder:
“Can this thing go in the dishwasher, or am I about to ruin a $100 piece of magic?”

You’re not alone, my friend. Let’s dig in.

The Quick Answer: Yes, But… There’s a Catch

Alright, let’s not play around—yes, you can put your Instant Pot lid in the dishwasher, but it’s not a “toss it in and forget about it” situation. There are a few caveats, and some smart ways to do it without damaging the parts.

You know how some friends are low-maintenance and some need a full skincare routine?
Your Instant Pot lid is more like the second one.

Let’s break down which parts of the lid can handle the heat (literally) and which ones need a bit more TLC.

Ready to geek out on lid anatomy?

Lid Breakdown: What’s What on Your Instant Pot Lid?

Let’s get up close and personal with the lid—because not all parts are created equal. If you’ve ever looked at it and thought, “What even is all this stuff?”—you’re not alone.

Here’s the lowdown:

Stainless Steel Lid (Outer Shell)

Good news! This part is totally dishwasher-safe. It’s made to handle heat, moisture, and general kitchen chaos. So go ahead—pop it on the top rack.

Sealing Ring (That squishy silicone circle)

This one’s tricky. Technically, yes, the silicone sealing ring is dishwasher-safe.
BUT… it tends to absorb smells. Like, if you cooked curry last night, you might be tasting it again in tomorrow’s cheesecake. Gross, right?

Pro Tip: Run it through the dishwasher on a separate load or with a bowl of white vinegar to help neutralize smells. Or better yet—grab an extra ring for sweet vs. savory dishes.

Anti-Block Shield, Float Valve & Silicone Cap

These little bits? Dishwasher? Not ideal. They’re small, delicate, and if you lose one—well, it’s Instant Not Pot.
Hand wash these babies with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. It takes 2 minutes and saves you a headache.

Why It Matters: What Could Go Wrong If You Don’t Clean It Right?

Okay, real talk: the Instant Pot lid isn’t just a cover. It’s basically the brain of the operation—loaded with valves, seals, and tiny parts that control pressure, steam, and safety.

So if you’re thinking “Meh, it looks clean enough” after rinsing it under the tap for 5 seconds… please reconsider, my friend.

Here’s What Could Happen If You’re Not Careful:

🔺 Weird Smells That Linger Forever
Did you make chili last week but your rice tastes like garlic this week? That’s probably your sealing ring doing its best haunting impression. Dishwasher heat can help, but hand washing with baking soda or white vinegar might be even better.

🔺 Faulty Pressure Build-Up
If the float valve or anti-block shield gets gunked up, the Instant Pot might not pressurize correctly. No pressure = no tender meat = sad dinner.

🔺 Safety Issues
This one’s big. If the lid’s mechanisms are blocked, pressure could build incorrectly—or not release the way it should. Instant Pot has great safety features, but it can’t work magic if the parts are grimy.

🔺 Performance Drops Over Time
Just like any machine, clean parts work better. A well-maintained lid seals faster, cooks more evenly, and saves you from those “why is this taking so long?” moments.

How to Clean Your Instant Pot Lid (Without Losing Your Mind)

Okay, let’s break this down into a super simple, no-fuss routine. Whether you’re a cleaning ninja or just trying to not destroy your appliance, this guide’s got your back.

What You’ll Need:

Warm, soapy water

Soft sponge or cloth
A clean toothbrush (not the one you used this morning, please)
White vinegar or baking soda (optional, for odors)

A drying rack or clean towel

Step-by-Step: The Lid TLC Routine

Remove All the Detachable Parts
- Take off the sealing ring
- Pop off the anti-block shield (use a spoon if it’s snug)
- Pull out the float valve and silicone cap
Don’t worry—they all snap back easily when you’re done.

Wash the Outer Lid
- This is your stainless steel hero.
- Throw it in the dishwasher (top rack), or wash with warm soapy water if you’re feeling classic.
- Dry it well—no water puddles!
Scrub the Sealing Ring
- Soak it in vinegar for 10–15 minutes if it smells like last week’s dinner.
- Or scrub gently with baking soda + water paste for extra freshness.
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes. But consider handwashing to extend its life.
Clean the Tiny Parts (Carefully)
- Use that toothbrush to scrub the anti-block shield and float valve.
- Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.
- Make sure nothing’s clogged—especially those tiny holes.

Wipe Everything Down & Reassemble
- Double-check all parts are dry.
- Reattach each one where it belongs—don’t forget the silicone cap under the float valve.

How Often Should You Clean (or Replace) Instant Pot Lid Parts?

So now you’re thinking: “Alright, I cleaned it once—do I have to do this every single time?”

Great question. The answer is: it depends on what you’re cooking… but yes, kinda. Don’t worry though—we’ll break it down in a way that doesn’t feel like another chore on your already-packed to-do list.

Clean After Every Use?

Here’s the deal:

Quick wipe? Yes, after every use. At the very least, rinse off the lid and wipe it down to avoid build-up.
Deep clean (disassemble parts)? Once a week or after any super-smelly, greasy, or saucy recipe (looking at you, pulled pork).
Sealing ring? Wash every few uses. Dishwasher works, but handwashing helps it last longer and smell less… funky.

When Should You Replace Parts?

You don’t need to replace the whole lid, but certain parts do get tired over time. Here’s a cheat sheet:

Sealing Ring: Every 12–18 months, or sooner if it’s stretched out or won’t hold pressure.
Float Valve & Silicone Cap: If they’re warped, cracked, or just looking sad—swap ’em.

Anti-Block Shield: Rarely needs replacing, but make sure it’s not bent or rusted.

Pro tip: Keep an extra sealing ring on hand. Some folks even use separate ones for sweet vs savory meals (genius, right?).

Can You Store Your Instant Pot with the Lid Sealed?

Here’s the scenario: you’ve just finished washing and drying your Instant Pot lid. Everything’s squeaky clean. You go to stash it away and you wonder—“Should I close the lid? Leave it open? Balance it awkwardly sideways like I always do?”

Let’s get into it.

Why You Shouldn’t Store It Sealed

The sealing ring? Yeah, that silicone genius that holds in pressure? It’s also a bit of a smell magnet. If you store the Instant Pot with the lid fully locked on:

Moisture gets trapped = mold and mildew risk

Stale food odors get sealed in
Your next batch of rice might taste… suspiciously like yesterday’s chili

Not ideal, right?

Better Storage Options

Lid upside down: Just place the lid on top of the pot but not sealed. This keeps air flowing and smells out.
Use the lid holders: Many Instant Pots have built-in lid holders on the handles. Use them!
Store sealing ring separately: If you want to go full chef mode, remove the ring and store it in a bag or container with a little baking soda to keep it fresh.

Imagine this: You go to use your Instant Pot and it smells like nothing at all. Not garlic. Not stew. Just clean. Magical.

The Instant Pot Lid DOs and DON’Ts (That No One Told You)

Okay, so we’ve talked about cleaning, dishwashers, and even storing your lid like a kitchen pro. But now—let’s talk about the golden rules. The things that will either keep your lid happy for years… or have you googling “why does my Instant Pot sound like a steam train?”

DOs: Treat Your Lid Right

Do clean the lid after every use—even a quick rinse keeps smells and residue in check.

Do remove and clean all the removable parts (anti-block shield, sealing ring, float valve).
Do check for wear and tear. If that sealing ring looks like it’s seen better days? It has.
Do use only genuine Instant Pot replacement parts. Third-party seals might look the same, but often don’t hold pressure properly.

Do dry it completely before storing—no one likes moldy surprises.

DON’Ts: Avoid These Lid Landmines

Don’t throw the whole lid in the dishwasher without checking if your model allows it (some older ones don’t like that).
Don’t use abrasive sponges—scratches = spots for gunk to hide.

Don’t store the lid sealed onto the pot. We’re avoiding the Funk Zone™, remember?
Don’t pressure cook without making sure all the lid parts are in place.
Don’t forget the float valve cap (seriously—without it, the Instant Pot won’t pressurize at all).

Try thinking of your Instant Pot lid like a bicycle helmet—it protects everything, but only if it’s well-maintained and all the parts are intact.

TL;DR: Instant Pot Lid Care in One Minute (Because Time = Dinner)

Alright, here’s the whole saga condensed like your favorite stew:

Can the lid go in the dishwasher? Yes, most models say it’s fine—just double-check your manual, and remove small parts first.

Do you need to take it apart to clean? Yup. The sealing ring, float valve, and anti-block shield all need love.
Can you store the lid sealed? Big no-no. Traps moisture, smells, and possibly a future science experiment.
How should you store it? Upside down, off to the side, or using the nifty lid holders on the handles.

Any cleaning rules? Gentle soap, no abrasives, and dry everything before it disappears into the cupboard.
Replace anything? The sealing ring every 12–18 months (or sooner if it’s stretched, cracked, or smelly beyond redemption).

Bonus tip: Want your kitchen to smell less like garlic? Store the ring in a ziplock with baking soda. You’re welcome.