After an all-day chili or a cheesy dip, the crock can look rough. Here is how to clean a crock pot the easy way, including a hands-off baking soda soak that lifts burnt-on food while you do something else.
The Short Answer
Let the insert cool, soak it in hot soapy water for 30 minutes, then wash with a non-scratch sponge. For burnt-on food, fill the crock with water to above the stain, add 1/4 cup baking soda, and run it on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Wipe white mineral rings with white vinegar. Never submerge the heating base.
Everyday Cleaning
- Let the ceramic insert cool completely; hot-to-cold shocks can crack it.
- Fill with warm, soapy water and soak 15 to 30 minutes.
- Wash with a non-scratch sponge or a silicone dish brush.
- Rinse and dry. Many inserts and lids are dishwasher safe; check your manual.
Burnt-On Food: The Baking Soda Soak
Fill the insert with water to about an inch above the crusty line, stir in 1/4 cup baking soda (and a squirt of dish soap), cover and set it on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Let it cool, then scrub; the residue wipes off. Repeat for very heavy buildup.
White Rings and Cloudy Film
Mineral deposits from hard water leave white rings. Fill the crock above the ring with equal parts water and white vinegar, heat on LOW for 1 to 2 hours, cool, and wash.
How to Clean the Base
Unplug the cooker and let it cool. Wipe the inside and outside with a damp microfiber cloth and a little dish soap. For crusty spills, use a paste of baking soda and water and a gap cleaning brush. Never put the base in water.
Make Cleanup Easier Next Time
- Grease the crock before cheesy or egg recipes.
- Use a slow cooker liner or parchment sling; see our crockpot liners guide.
- Soak as soon as the crock is empty.
- Use a wooden ladle to avoid scratching the glaze.
Equipment I Used
- Teak wood soup ladle: will not scratch the ceramic crock insert.
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Clean a Crock Pot FAQ
How do you get burnt food off a crock pot?
Fill it with water above the burnt line, add 1/4 cup baking soda and heat on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, then scrub.
Can you put a crock pot insert in the dishwasher?
Most ceramic inserts and glass lids are dishwasher safe. Check your model’s manual.
How do you remove white residue from a slow cooker?
Heat a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar on LOW for 1 to 2 hours, then wash.
Can I use steel wool on my crock pot?
No. It can scratch the glaze. Use a baking soda soak and a non-scratch scrubber.
