How to remove the odor from the rice cooker

The peculiar smell of rice cookers can be removed by cleaning with white vinegar, adsorbing with baking soda, deodorizing with tea leaves, boiling with lemon water, ventilating and drying, and other methods.

1. White Vinegar Cleaning

Mix white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and pour it into the inner pot of the rice cooker. Heat it on until it automatically trips and let it sit for 1 hour. The acetic acid in white vinegar can decompose oil residues and alkaline dirt, and is particularly effective in reducing the odor caused by burnt rice. After cooling, wipe the gap between the inner liner and steam valve with a soft cloth, and finally rinse twice with clean water. Be careful to avoid contact between vinegar and the metal casing to prevent corrosion.

2. Baking Soda Adsorption

Take three spoons of edible baking soda powder and sprinkle it evenly on the inner pot of the rice cooker. Add a small amount of water to make a paste and let it sit overnight. The fine particles of baking soda can penetrate porous materials and adsorb odor molecules such as sulfides, making it particularly suitable for removing aged odors accumulated over long-term use. The next day, when using a sponge to scrub, focus on cleaning the rubber ring at the edge of the inner container, which is an area where mold is prone to grow.

3. Tea deodorization

Tea residue brewed with boiling water is spread flat on the bottom of the inner container, covered with plastic wrap and sealed, and placed in a warm environment for 6-8 hours. Tea polyphenols have strong oxidizing properties and can neutralize volatile odor substances such as amines. This method has a significant effect on the odor emitted by plastic parts, and can leave a faint tea aroma after treatment. It should be noted that the effect of green tea is better than that of fermented tea. Avoid using tea bags containing essence.

4. Boil lemon water

Cut two pieces of fresh lemon and add 300ml of water. Boil with electricity for 10 minutes. Citric acid can dissolve scale and inhibit bacterial growth, while terpenes in fruit peels can replace odor molecules. This method is particularly suitable for removing stubborn scale and odor on the heating plate of the inner liner. After treatment, it is recommended to clean the metal contacts between the heating plate and the inner liner with a cotton swab.

5. Ventilate and air dry

Place the inner pot of the rice cooker upside down in direct sunlight and air dry for 3-4 hours. Ultraviolet radiation can kill mold spores in the gaps. At the same time, keep the power socket of the rice cooker facing downwards and use air convection to remove moisture from the inside of the machine. For sealing ring parts that cannot be disassembled, a hair dryer can be used to intermittently blow for 10 minutes to accelerate the volatilization of organic odor substances.

When using an electric rice cooker in daily life, it is advisable to avoid storing leftover food for a long time. After each use, the inner pot should be cleaned with a neutral detergent and wiped dry. At least once a month, perform deep deodorization care, and immediately wipe the inner walls with grapefruit peel after cooking strong smelling foods such as seafood. If the odor persists or is accompanied by circuit abnormalities, it is recommended to contact after-sales service to check whether the sealing strip is aging or if there are internal component failures. Maintaining a dry and ventilated storage environment for rice cookers can effectively prevent the recurrence of odors.