How to Clean a Slow Cooker with Natural DIY Cleaner

Ingredients:

1. Baking Soda: A natural cleaning agent with mild abrasive properties.

2. White Vinegar: A powerful natural degreaser and disinfectant.

3. Salt: Coarse salt acts as a gentle abrasive and helps scrub away stuck-on food bits.

4. Lemon: The citric acid in lemon juice helps remove stubborn stains and odors.

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

- Before cleaning, ensure that the slow cooker is unplugged and completely cooled down.

Remove the lid and crock from the base unit.

Discard any leftover food scraps.

2. Baking Soda Paste:

- Create a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio.

- Spread the paste evenly inside the slow cooker crock, paying attention to the corners and bottom.

3. White Vinegar and Water Solution:

- In a separate bowl, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.

4. Cleaning the Crock:

- Pour the vinegar and water solution into the slow cooker crock, covering the baking soda paste.

- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the mixture to work its magic on stubborn stains and grime.

5. Scrubbing:

- After the wait, use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the inside of the crock, including the base and sides.

- The baking soda paste will act as a gentle abrasive, helping to remove burnt food particles and stains.

6. Rinse:

- Thoroughly rinse the crock with warm water to remove any residue of the cleaning mixture.

7. Salt Scrub (optional):

- For extra stubborn stains or burnt-on food, sprinkle some coarse salt onto the affected areas and gently rub with a sponge.

- The salt will act as a mild abrasive to help lift off stubborn residues.

8. Lemon Rinse:

- To freshen up the slow cooker and eliminate any lingering odors, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the crock and rinse it thoroughly.

9. Lid Cleaning:

- Clean the lid with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

- Pay attention to the sealing rim of the lid, where food residue might accumulate.

10. Base Unit:

- Wipe the outside of the slow cooker's base unit with a damp cloth.

- Avoid submerging the base unit in water to prevent electrical damage.

11. Drying:

- Thoroughly dry all components of the slow cooker with a clean cloth.

12. Reassembly:

- Once everything is dry, reassemble the slow cooker by placing the crock inside the base unit and securing the lid.

13. Regular Maintenance:

- To keep your slow cooker clean, avoid using metal utensils that may scratch the ceramic coating.

- Always allow the slow cooker to cool down completely before cleaning.

By using this natural DIY cleaner, you'll be able to effectively clean your slow cooker without the need for harsh chemicals, protecting your appliance and promoting eco-friendly cleaning practices.