Things You'll Need:
- Mild dish detergent
- Glass cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Butter knife
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Step 1
Stainless steel basins are fairly easy to clean because they are not as susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Even when they are still warm and the food inside is still soft, you can place them directly into the sink for washing. This will prevent you from having to use scouring pads on them and dulling their shine. Glass and stoneware basins, which are more popular because they cook more evenly, can crack or shatter if shocked with a sudden temperature change, so they should never go directly into the sink. Unfortunately, waiting for them to cool only causes more stuck-on food. After emptying them of food, while the particles remaining are still warm and soft, unplug the crock pot and add about a cup of water to the basin with a few drops of dishwashing liquid while it is still hot.
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Step 2
Don't put your hand directly into the water, as the crock pot can heat it up as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, use a glass cleaner, which is basically as sponge on a stick, to rub around the sides and bottom of the crock pot basin. If the food remains are still stubborn, use a kitchen scrub brush with a handle long enough to reach the bottom without putting your hands inside.
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Step 3
Using pot holders, empty the hot water into the sink. Wipe any drips from the outside of the basin and replace the basin in the heating unit. Add a little more water and detergent if necessary, and continue scrubbing at the food until no stuck-on particles remain. Allow the basin to cool before putting it in the sink for a last wipe and rinse.
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Step 4
If you find you've let a crock pot basin sit for too long after emptying it and it has grown cold and the food remnants have dried or congealed, simply reheat it. Add water high enough to cover the "ring" left where the top of the food touched. Turn the crock pot on high and wait an hour or two for the water to heat up. Dump out the water, replace the crock pot in the basin and proceed to step one.
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Step 5
Hard clumps of food or food stuck onto the edges of stoneware and glass basins can also be removed by using a dull butter knife. Carefully chip away at the dried-on particles until they crumble off. This method can scratch steel crock pot basins and should be avoided.
