Tuesday Tip: Cleaning a Crock-Pot

After grabbing a cleaned crock-pot (the hubby so graciously washed), I was hit by this smell.  The crock-pot was clean, but it smelled like there was still food inside!  Not good!

{Better Homes and Gardens Skinny Slow Cooker is on stands now!}

I bought a Better Homes and Garden Slow Cooker cookbook (so many helpful hints and tips PLUS I want to make about 75% of the recipes--so go get one!).  As fate would have it, that afternoon, I read about how to clean your crock-pot from smells and hard stains.   So I've tried it a couple of times, and it actually works!  It's easy and simple, and the cleaning supplies are in your kitchen right now!

Smells

Mix 2 cups baking soda with 1 cup water (should be a thick paste that can easily be spread).  Spread along all inside surfaces of your crock-pot and allow to sit for 20 minutes.  Rinse, wash, and use!

 {Mixing the paste on the left and applying it on the right}

Stains/Discoloration

In a clean crock-pot, fill it halfway full of warm water.  Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the water.  Turn the crock-pot on low.  Leave the vinegar water in the crock-pot for 8-10 hours (or overnight).  Cool. Wash before next use.

 {Use vinegar to get rid of stains and discolorations from minerals in your food and/or water}

What did all of this result in?  A good-smelling, almost-brand-new-looking crock-pot!!!  I do have to say that I have been cooking in it about 4 days a week for the last year, so she needed some TLC!

{Clean crock-pot}

Now I bet you are itching to go home and make your crock-pot look as awesome as mine came out!  How often have I cleaned it like this?  Only when it was needed.  Otherwise, soap and warm water does the trick!

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