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Step 1
Clean your pressure cooker thoroughly after each use. This includes washing and drying the lid and the pot to remove any food residue and ensure that no food or moisture is present to promote corrosion.
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Step 2
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads on your pressure cooker. If you must remove stuck on food or stains, use soap and water with a plastic scouring pad instead.
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Step 3
Store your pressure cooker with the lid slightly ajar to allow for air circulation to prevent foul odors from developing in the pressure cooker. If you only use your pressure cooker occasionally, you can sprinkle some baking soda inside the pot to keep it fresh stinking. Be sure to rinse out the baking soda before using your pressure cooker.
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Step 4
Inspect your pressure cooker gasket to ensure it is in good shape. Some pressure cookers have a metal-on-metal seal while others use a removable rubber gasket to form a seal. If your pressure cooker has a gasket, keep a spare gasket or two on hand so that you can replace it at the first sign of cracking, flaking or tearing.
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Step 5
Make sure that all handles and knobs are securely fastened before using your pressure cooker. Tighten any other nuts or screws on the pressure cooker. The pressure cooker will be extremely hot during use, and maintaining the handles and knobs can prevent burns or other accidents.
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Step 6
Remove the pressure regulator weight from your pressure cooker if it has one, and clean the alignment holes with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner.
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Step 7
Have your pressure gauge calibrated at least once a year to ensure it is reading the pressure correctly. Incorrect readings could result in errors in the canning process, which could lead to illness for the people who consume the canned foods.
