I love my slow cooker! I don’t know what I would do without it! The other day I was putting some pork chops in it for dinner and noticed the inside of my prized possession was looking a bit abused (OK, it doesn’t look that bad, but this crockpot is not that old.) Anyway, I realized I don’t think I’ve EVER cleaned the inside of ANY of my slow cookers before. I figured it was high time to give it a try.
I decided to use some of my tried-and-true cleaning techniques (ie. Cleaning Those Nasty Stove Burners and My Kitchen Miracle Cleaner) and just like that my best friend in the kitchen looked good as new!
How to Clean the Inside of Your Slow Cooker
Start by filling a small bowl with ammonia and placing it in the bottom of your slow cooker (without the crock liner.) DON’T pour the ammonia directly into the bottom of the cooker because it will simply run out all over your countertop. Not that I would know. ;-)
Place the lid on and walk away! (You were expecting more?) :-) It’s just that easy! The ammonia fumes will do all the work for you.
I let mine sit overnight and the next day I removed the bowl, poured out the ammonia, and almost all of the burnt on mess wiped right off!
I then used a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, “My Miracle Cleaner,” to scrub the last bits of gunk off (mostly around the top edge.)
After these two simple steps my slow cooker really did look practically brand new, from the inside out. If it weren’t for a small dent in the front, I might not have recognized it. :-)
If you think your trusty old slow cooker is just destined to look like the ugly stepchild of your cookware….think again! Try this two-step method to restore it to its well-earned glory!
Have you ever tried to clean the inside of your slow cooker?
Awesome! I can’t wait to try this. The inside of mr crockpot looks like a victim of Mount Vesuvius.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yay! Hope you love it Lisa :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Being asthmatic I can get anywhere near ammonia. I take a cup of vinegar, boil for 2 mins in microwave then place that dish inside the pot, same as Jillee does with the ammonia. I let it rest for the night and in the morning remove lid and use a hot cloth to wipe up the mess. What I can’t get off with the cloth I grab a magic eraser and the rest wipes clean. Thanks Jillee for all your hard work and wonderful ideas!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That is a great idea. I was a little concerned about using the ammonia in the house, I have cleaned oven grates in plastic bags with it but I do that outside.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love this post and can’t wait to try this. I’ve never had a clue how to clean the inside and it drove me nuts. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Glad to help, Pam!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Fantastic Jillee! I have often wondered how to clean the “inside”. WOW And such a simple solution. Amazing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will definitely try it–
I’m all about simple solutions! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have said it before and I will say it again; you are a genius.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you Margot!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m afraid I’ve never had any luck with ammonia fumes cleaning anything, but I will try the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Thanks for the info!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The trick with ammonia fumes is time! Let it sit – maybe even for a couple days :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I got pneumonia from using ammonia in 1968.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I always checked ingredients on every cleaner I used to make sure it didn’t have ammonia as an ingredient.
Now 46 years later so many tips say to use it.
I’m going to wait until summer,buy ammonia but pour it outside per your directions.
I hope I remember but I save almost all of your ideas.
Thanks again Jillie
I love you for this! My crock pot is exactly the same as yours, color and everything, except the dial is a digital display. LOVE the fact you can lock the lid in place and avoid messy splatters that normally come out from under the lid, but I digress… I have never been able to scrub the inside of any crock pot clean. Can’t wait to try this!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Angie, DON’T LOCK THE LID WHILE COOKING. IT’S FOR TRANSPORT ONLY. Check your owner’s guide booklet, on page 6, under NOTE: Unit SHOULD NOT (underlined) be in the locked position while cooking. I also own a cook and carry Crock Pot (name brand) and LOVE IT. It’s so practical when transporting to and from potlucks, parties etc………………………..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Glad to help Angie!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you, it always bothers me to see the burnt on gunk on the inside of my slow cooker. I will try this.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you cover the crockpot with a lid or some other cover after placing the ammonia in it?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillian said you cover it with the lid.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.PER JILLEE:
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Place the lid on and walk away! (You were expecting more?) :-) It’s just that easy! The ammonia fumes will do all the work for you.
How would you recommend cleaning the outside of the slow cooker? Mine is a burned greasy mess on the outside as well. (It’s all metal & I can’t get the gunk off )
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Maybe find a plastic storage container large enough to fit your crock pot in and allows the lid to close. You may have to add 2 or 3 small dishes near the worst spots. I’d probably tape a plastic bag over the electrical cord to protect it. Make sure it’s a container that would not hold food, and be sure to take out the ceramic insert before trying so you don’t contaminate anything.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just use the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste – maybe a magic eraser to scrub a bit :-)
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