During a recent internet browsing session, I stumbled upon a rather alarming post - a netizen discovered cockroaches in the bottom of their rice cooker, which hadn't been cleaned for a long time.
Image source: Xiaohongshu
Who knew? I used to only wash the inner pot of the rice cooker, thinking it was clean enough...
How should you really clean a rice cooker? Let's discuss today~
These 4 parts of the rice cooker must be cleaned regularly!
Many people think rice cookers don't need cleaning, or just washing the inner pot is enough. But in fact, rice cookers have a complex structure, with many hidden areas where dirt can accumulate. If not cleaned for a long time, it can breed bacteria and mold. Moreover, due to the steam cooking method of rice cookers, dirt stuck in other areas can contaminate ingredients with water droplets produced by steam when the pot boils.
Therefore, in addition to the inner pot of the rice cooker, these parts also need to be cleaned—jet nozzle, detachable lid and sealing ring, anti-overflow water tray, bottom heating element (electric heating plate), etc.
Early Mechanical Rice Cooker Schematic Diagram
The jet port of the rice cooker often experiences overflow of rice soup. If the rice soup residue in the jet port is not cleaned in time, it can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and carcinogenic molds like Aspergillus flavus. These bacteria can flow back into the pot with the next use of the rice cooker, contaminating the food and posing health risks.
Many people like to use rice cookers to stew meat dishes. The overflow of soup and oil from the jet port can create a more complex microbial environment. Oil stains may also clog the jet port, which, if it's a high-pressure rice cooker, can even lead to explosions.
Cleaning recommendation:
Many brands of rice cookers nowadays are designed with a detachable steam vent cap for easy cleaning. This detachable structure allows all removable parts (such as the cap and the steam vent rubber ring) to be taken apart for cleaning, and then dried thoroughly.
It's worth noting that the steam vent rubber ring is usually delicately structured and soft, so be careful when disassembling it to avoid damage.
The sealing ring is also a commonly overlooked hygiene blind spot. Residues of rice soup and vegetable soup inside the sealing ring can also harbor a large number of bacteria and molds. Many people, upon lifting the sealing ring of the rice cooker, may find a layer of black viscous substance inside, which, along with the distilled water flowing down the sealing ring upon the next opening of the lid, can contaminate the food.
Cleaning recommendation:
In most brands of rice cookers nowadays, the sealing ring is installed on a detachable lid. Simply remove it and wash it thoroughly by flipping it open on both sides. If it's the kind that can't be removed, use a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to wipe it clean and remove stubborn stains.
Some rice cookers are equipped with a concealed overflow prevention water tray. If left unwashed, it can also become moldy, and sometimes even insects like cockroaches can crawl into the structure, which is quite scary.
Cleaning recommendation:
Never wait until the overflow prevention tray is full to empty it!!!
Accidentally dropping food residues and dripping water and rice soup onto the heating element underneath the inner pot during rice serving can lead to the heating plate turning yellow and black over time, forming thick dirt layers. This can damage the performance of the rice cooker. While having undercooked rice is a minor issue, causing short circuits is a major concern.
Cleaning recommendation:
Use a small brush dipped in baking soda or a specialized cleaning agent to clean along the grooves of the heating plate. After cleaning, wipe it dry with a semi-dry soft cloth.
It's important to note that when cleaning the heating plate, make sure to disconnect the power and avoid submerging it in water, as it may cause a short circuit and even electric shock.
Apart from these, for those living in the southern regions, it's advisable to occasionally shake and observe the interior of the rice cooker's shell for any anomalies. If you feel something or notice impurities falling from the ventilation holes, it might be time to open it up and take a look... I won't mention the reasons, but you know why.
Usage Cautions for Rice Cookers
Although rice cookers are convenient to use, improper use can still lead to dangers. Apart from not submerging the heating elements during cleaning and ensuring to disconnect the power, there are many other precautions to be aware of when using and cleaning rice cookers.
Because rice cookers have the function of keeping warm and moist, after cleaning all removable parts including the detachable lid and inner pot, make sure to air dry or wipe them dry with a clean soft cloth before reinstalling them.
After using and cleaning the rice cooker, it's best to leave the lid open for a while in a clean and ventilated place before covering it again, as a damp interior environment can still breed bacteria and mold.
The rice cooker's keep warm function is very useful, but remember to unplug it after use. Never leave it on keep warm and walk away. Having sour rice is a minor issue, but it poses a fire hazard.
The inner pot of old rice cookers is usually made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, but in recent years, cast iron, ceramic, and composite material inner pots have become more common. The materials used for inner pot coatings vary, with common ones being Teflon, ceramics, PEEK, etc., each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Regardless of the type of inner pot, avoid using hard materials like steel wool for scrubbing, as it can easily damage the coating, leading to leakage of harmful substances and coating particles mixing into the food, thereby affecting health. If you find any damage to the inner pot coating, be sure to replace it promptly.
When using rice cookers, both the power and heat generated are relatively high. If you encounter products that use low-quality wires and heating plates, it can easily cause short circuits or even fires, which is extremely dangerous.
Besides the electrical components, the quality of the inner pot and lid material also affects the quality of the rice cooker. Some unscrupulous manufacturers cut corners and use non-compliant materials for production, leading to issues like strong metallic odors and pungent smells during use, which are detrimental to health. In any case, choosing reputable brands with good reputations can better ensure product safety and after-sales service.
Remember, high-pressure rice cookers are like pressure cookers. If the jet port is blocked, it can explode within minutes, which is extremely dangerous. So, never cover it with a towel for fear of food splashing, and never put anything on the lid during use. Before using this type of rice cooker, carefully read the instructions.
In conclusion:
Rice cookers must be washed, and they must be washed well. After washing, be sure to air dry before covering the lid. Regularly observe the wear and tear of the inner pot and lid to prevent foreign objects from entering. Most importantly, as a household appliance, rice cookers must be used and cleaned with safety in mind, always remembering to handle electricity safely. Now, hurry up and check your rice cooker at home.
(And don't worry if you find cockroaches in there. Apart from the psychological yuck factor, they're actually edible and safe to eat. Insect protein is the way forward for the future.)
Rice Cooker: Schematic Diagram
Planning and Production
Author: likely, Science Popularization Author
Reviewed by: Ruan Guangfeng, Director of the Science and Technology Department of the Science Communication Food and Nutrition Information Exchange Center
Planned by: Yang Yaping
Editor: Yang Yaping
Proofreader: Xu Lai, Lin Lin
