Let’s be real, we’ve all been there. You lift the lid on your Crock Pot, anticipating that mouth-watering aroma of a slow-simmered meal, only to be met with a dark, crusty ring of… well, what used to be your dinner. That moment of culinary dread is universal. But before you banish your beloved slow cooker to the back of the cupboard, I’m here to tell you that learning How To Clean Burnt On Food From A Crock Pot is easier than you think. No marathon scrubbing sessions required, I promise.
Here at Crock Potz, we believe that the “set it and forget it” magic should apply to the cleanup, too. After years of making everything from sticky barbecue pulled pork to rich, dark chilis, I’ve battled my fair share of stubborn stains. Today, I’m sharing the tried-and-true methods that will restore your slow cooker insert to its former glory, so you can get back to creating those effortless, delicious meals we all love.
Why Does Food Burn in a Crock Pot Anyway?
It seems counterintuitive, right? A slow cooker is supposed to be the champion of low-and-slow, gentle cooking. However, a few common culprits can lead to that dreaded crust.
- Sugar is the Enemy: Recipes high in sugar (think barbecue sauce, honey glazes, or even teriyaki) are the number one cause. As the liquid reduces over hours, the sugars caramelize and, if left too long, will burn onto the sides.
- Direct Heat Contact: The heating elements in most Crock Pots are around the bottom and lower sides of the base. Ingredients resting directly against these hotspots, especially starchy ones like potatoes or pasta, are more likely to scorch.
- Not Enough Liquid: If your recipe’s liquid evaporates too much during the long cook time, the ingredients at the bottom can start to fry and burn instead of simmer.
Understanding the why is the first step to prevention, but for now, let’s focus on the cure.
Essential Supplies for a Sparkling Clean Crock Pot
The good news is you probably already have everything you need. No fancy, expensive cleaners are necessary.
- Baking Soda: The gentle, abrasive workhorse of natural cleaning.
- White Vinegar: The acidic powerhouse that breaks down tough grime.
- Dish Soap: A good quality, grease-cutting dish soap is a must.
- A Non-Abrasive Sponge or Scrubber: Think of a plastic scraper or a nylon mesh sponge.
- Water: Your best friend in this process.
What Should You Never Use to Clean Your Crock Pot?
To protect the glaze on your ceramic or stoneware insert, absolutely avoid abrasive tools like steel wool, metal scouring pads, or harsh, gritty cleaners like Comet. These will create tiny scratches on the surface, which, ironically, will make food stick and burn even more in the future.
How to Clean Burnt On Food From a Crock Pot: 4 Foolproof Methods
Depending on the severity of the mess, you can choose the method that works best for you. Start with the gentlest method first and work your way up if needed.
Method 1: The Simple Soak (For Minor Messes)
If you just have a light film or a few stuck-on bits, this is your first line of defense.
- After you’ve removed all the food, fill the Crock Pot insert with hot water, enough to cover the burnt-on areas.
- Add a good squirt of dish soap and let it sit in the sink for at least an hour, or even overnight for tougher spots.
- After soaking, most of the grime should wipe away easily with a sponge.
Method 2: The Baking Soda & Vinegar Fizz (The Classic Fix)
This is my go-to method for 90% of slow cooker messes. The chemical reaction between the baking soda (an alkaline) and vinegar (an acid) creates a fizzing action that works wonders at lifting grime.
- Create a Paste: Empty the Crock Pot insert. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the burnt-on areas. Add just a tiny bit of water to create a thick paste.
- Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit and work its magic for at least 30 minutes. For really stubborn stains, let it sit for a few hours.
- Add Vinegar and Watch the Fizz: Pour in a splash of white vinegar. You’ll see an immediate, satisfying fizzing reaction. This is the cleaning power in action!
- Gentle Scrub: Once the fizzing subsides, use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the burnt areas. The grime should lift with minimal effort.
- Wash and Rinse: Wash the insert with warm, soapy water as you normally would to remove any residue, and rinse thoroughly.
Method 3: The “Cook It Clean” Method (Set-It-and-Forget-It Cleaning)
Why not use the Crock Pot to clean itself? This method is perfect for when you have a seriously baked-on, full-crock disaster.
- Fill the Crock: Place the empty insert back into the slow cooker base. Fill it with water until the burnt-on food is completely submerged.
- Add Your Cleaners: Add about 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water. Don’t worry if it fizzes up.
- Cook it Clean: Place the lid on top, plug it in, and turn the Crock Pot on to the “Low” setting for 2 to 4 hours.
- Cool and Clean: Carefully turn off and unplug the Crock Pot. Let the water cool down to a safe temperature. Once cool, pour out the water and wash the insert with a sponge and dish soap. You’ll be amazed at how easily everything wipes away.
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Our Picks for the Best Crockpot in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker, Portable Programmable with Timer, Locking Lid, Stainless Steel; an Essential Kitchen Appliance, Perfect for Families and Gatherings |
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| 2 | Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black |
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| 3 | Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer Stainless Steel (CPSCVC60LL-S) pack of 1 |
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| 4 | Sunvivi Dual Pot Slow Cooker, 2 Pot Small Mini Crock Buffet Server and Warmer, Upgraded Oval Ceramic Double Pot Buffet Food Warmer Adjustable Temp Glass Lid, Total 2.5 Quarts |
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| 5 | bella 6.0 Qt Programmable Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Cooking Times, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot & Tempered Glass Lid, Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Plum |
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| 6 | Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker PRO- Sous Vide & Proof 6-in-1 Multi-Cooker, with 8.5 Quarts, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven & More, Glass Lid & Integrated Spoon, Oven Safe Pot to 500°F, Black, MC1010 |
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| 7 | Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) |
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| 8 | Double Slow Cooker, 2 x 1.25 QT Portable Small Dual Crock Cooker, Buffet Servers and Warmers Dishwasher Safe, Removable Ceramic Pot Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Black |
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| 9 | Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining |
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| 10 | Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting Black Stainless Steel |
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Method 4: The Last Resort (For The Toughest Stains)
Have you inherited a vintage slow cooker with years of buildup, or did you really scorch that pot roast? This method uses a bit more power.
A Quick Word of Caution: Only use this for extreme cases. A dishwasher detergent pod contains powerful enzymes designed to break down baked-on food.
- Fill the insert with a few inches of hot water.
- Drop in one dishwasher detergent pod (not liquid detergent).
- Let it soak for several hours, or run it through a “Cook It Clean” cycle on Low as described in Method 3.
- Once cool, pour out the water and scrub gently. Be sure to rinse the insert extremely well afterward to remove all detergent residue.
Pro Tips to Prevent Future Burnt-On Messes
The best way to clean a Crock Pot is to not have to clean it at all! Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours.
- Use a Liner: Slow cooker liners are a game-changer for messy recipes like cheesy dips or sugary sauces. They make cleanup as easy as lifting out the bag and throwing it away. [Check out our guide to the best Crock Pot liners here!]
- Grease the Insert: Before adding your ingredients, a light coating of cooking spray or butter can create a non-stick barrier.
- Layer Correctly: Place hard, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots on the bottom. They can handle the direct heat and create a buffer for more delicate ingredients.
- Ensure Enough Liquid: Always make sure your recipe has enough liquid to last the entire cook time, especially for dishes that cook for 8+ hours.
“The biggest mistake I see people make is overfilling their slow cooker. Keeping the contents at or below the three-quarters mark ensures even cooking and prevents the top layer from drying out and scorching on the sides.”
– Sarah Carter, Family Meals Blogger
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put my Crock Pot insert in the dishwasher?
Most modern ceramic and stoneware inserts are dishwasher safe. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model first. For heavily burnt-on food, pre-treating with one of the methods above before putting it in the dishwasher will yield the best results.
How do I clean the outside of the Crock Pot base?
Never submerge the heating base in water. Simply unplug it and wipe the exterior with a damp, soapy cloth. For any drips or spills on the heating element itself, use a damp cloth to wipe them away once the unit is completely cool.
Is it safe to use oven cleaner on my Crock Pot?
I strongly advise against using oven cleaner. It contains extremely harsh chemicals that can damage the glaze on the ceramic insert and may not be food-safe, even after rinsing. Stick to the safer, more effective methods above.
My Crock Pot has white stains (mineral deposits). How do I remove them?
Those white, chalky stains are usually from mineral deposits in your water. The “Cook It Clean” method with vinegar is perfect for this! The acidity in the vinegar will break down the mineral deposits easily.
Can I use a magic eraser on my slow cooker insert?
While magic erasers are great for many things, they are a form of micro-abrasive. Using one repeatedly could dull the finish of your insert over time. It’s best to stick to a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
Back to The Joy of Cooking
There you have it—a complete guide on how to clean burnt on food from a crock pot. Now you can tackle any culinary creation, from the stickiest honey garlic chicken to the richest beef bourguignon, without fearing the cleanup. A clean Crock Pot is a happy Crock Pot, ready and waiting to help you make your next incredible, convenient, and memorable one-pot meal.
Have you tried any of these methods, or do you have a secret cleaning trick of your own? Share your experiences in the comments below! We love learning from our amazing community of slow cooker enthusiasts.