It turns out it can make rice smell bad, here’s a basic trick for cleaning a crusty rice cooker using 2 homemade ingredients

Instagram/@rumahzha

Brilio.net – Rice cooker It is often considered a tool that “just presses and you’re done,” even though its condition really determines the quality of the cooked rice. Many people only realize that the rice suddenly smells, turns yellow quickly, or tastes strange even though the rice is good. The problem is often not with the rice, but with the rice cooker which hasn’t been cleaned for a long time.

The inside of the rice cooker, especially the walls and lid, easily accumulate residual steam, oil and grains of rice. If left untreated, this dirt turns into a fine crust which gives off an unpleasant aroma during the cooking process. Finally, the steam mixed with the smell falls back onto the rice and changes the aroma.

The same thing also happens to the base or heating plate. The crust that sticks there makes the heat uneven, so the rice is cooked half-baked and easily goes stale. If this condition is allowed to continue, the rice cooker will not only make the rice spoil quickly, but will also shorten the life of the appliance itself.

In fact, cleaning the scale at the bottom of the rice cooker is not difficult, you know. You only need baking soda and toothpaste. So, for how to clean it, see the tutorial provided BrilioFood summarized from Instagram @rumahzha on Monday (21/11).

Tricks for cleaning the crusty bottom of the rice cooker.

1. Mix baking soda and toothpaste until it becomes a paste.

photo: Instagram/@rumahzha

Start first by making the cleaning mixture. Stir the baking soda and toothpaste until combined and form a fairly thick paste. This combination is very effective because baking soda removes crust, while toothpaste helps loosen dirt that has been stuck for a long time.

2. Apply it to the crusty area and let it sit for a while.

photo: Instagram/@rumahzha

Once the paste is ready, spread it evenly onto the crusty surface of the bottom of the rice cooker. Allow a few minutes for the active ingredients to work and soften the crust. That way, the scrubbing process will be lighter and won’t require much effort.

3. Rub, then wipe with wet tissue or microfiber.

photo: Instagram/@rumahzha

If the paste has been absorbed enough, immediately rub the area using an old brush or a slightly rough sponge. The crust usually lifts immediately and is easy to clean. After that, wipe the entire surface with a wet tissue or microfiber to ensure that the remaining paste is completely removed, then continue drying with a dry cloth.

4. The crust will disappear and the rice cooker will be clean again.

photo: Instagram/@rumahzha

After all the steps have been carried out, the crust at the bottom of the rice cooker will disappear completely. The heating surface is clean again so the heating process is more even. With this simple care, the cooked rice will be more fragrant, last longer, and the rice cooker will last longer.

FAQ Regarding the key to a durable rice cooker.

Many people use rice cookers every day, but not everyone knows how to care for them so they last. In fact, there are small habits that are often ignored and actually shorten the lifespan of the equipment.

1. Why is it important to clean the rice cooker lid every time you finish cooking?

The rice cooker lid is usually a place where water vapor, oil and remaining starch from the rice collect. If you don’t clean it, this dirt can accumulate and drip back onto the rice, causing the smell to quickly appear. Cleaning the lid after use keeps the rice fresh and keeps the components from getting damaged quickly.

2. Is it safe to wash the rice cooker pan with soap every day?

Safe, as long as the soap used is not too harsh and the sponge is not rough. The non-stick coating on the pan is quite sensitive, so avoid rubbing too hard. Wash as usual then dry completely so that the pan doesn’t get damp and quickly get moldy.

3. Why can’t the rice cooker be turned on without a pot in it?

Turning on a rice cooker without a pan can cause the heating element to overheat because the heat directly hits the surface. This condition can damage the temperature sensor and cause the heater to wear out quickly. So, make sure the pot is always plugged in before pressing the cook button.

4. Is it necessary to give a break before cooking rice again?

Yes, the rice cooker should ideally be given a break for a few minutes after it is finished using it. This gives the internal parts and temperature sensors time to stabilize again. If you force it to cook again immediately, the performance can decrease and the heat system will become less accurate.

5. How do you store a rice cooker so it doesn’t get damaged quickly?

Store the rice cooker in a dry place and not too close to a heat source such as a stove. Make sure the cable is not rolled too tightly because it can damage the cable fibers from the inside. If you rarely use it, open the lid a little so it doesn’t get damp and attract mold.

(brl/is)