How to Clean a Vegetable Steamer

A vegetable steamer is a convenient kitchen tool that uses steam to cook food, such as carrots, zucchini and broccoli. After you use a vegetable steamer, you will need to clean this utensil to wash off any food residue. You may clean a vegetable steamer either by hand or in a dishwasher (although some steamers may not be dishwasher safe). It's important to wash your steamer after each use to make sure it's clean for the next time you need it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hot water
• Dish soap
• Wash cloth or sponge

1. Throw out any remaining vegetables. If you still have vegetables sitting in your steamer, you should throw them away or store them in your refrigerator.

2. Soak the vegetable steamer. Fill your sink with hot water, and squirt five to six drops of dishwasher soap into the water. Then, put the steamer into the sink, and let it sit for three to four minutes. By soaking your steamer in hot water, you can soften pieces of food that have become encrusted on the steamer.

3. Wash the vegetable steamer. If your steamer is dishwasher safe, you may place it inside your dishwasher along with your other dirty utensils. If your steamer is not dishwasher safe, you can clean the steamer by using warm water and dish soap.

4. Dry off the vegetable steamer. Use a clean wash cloth to dry the steamer. Then, put the steamer away until you need to use it again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a rice cooker to steam your vegetables, do not immerse the cooker's base, cord or plug in water. Instead, wash the steamer basket separately in hot water and soap. Then, wipe down the cooker's base with a damp cloth.

References

• How Do I Clean My Vegetable Steamer?