
How to Clean an Electric Food Steamer
Are you looking for a comprehensive guide on how to clean your food steamer? You’ve come to the right place. In this informative article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning your electric steamer, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or just starting your appliance cleaning journey, our expert tips and techniques will empower you to tackle this task with confidence. So, let’s dive in.
Why Should You Clean Your Steamer
- Enhanced Performance: Regular cleaning ensures that it operates at its optimal capacity, allowing for efficient steaming and better food preparation results.
- Improved Food Taste and Quality: A clean appliance eliminates any lingering odors, flavors, or residues from previous cooking sessions, allowing your food to maintain its natural taste and quality.
- Hygiene and Food Safety: Cleaning removes bacteria, germs, and food particles that can accumulate over time, promoting a clean and hygienic environment for preparing meals.
- Prolonged Lifespan: By keeping it clean, you help prevent mineral deposits and scale buildup, which can cause damage and reduce the appliance’s lifespan.
- Ease of Use: Smooth and effortless operation makes it easier and more convenient for you to prepare your favorite dishes.
- Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Regular cleaning prevents the transfer of flavors or allergens from one food item to another, ensuring safe cooking and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Efficient Steam Generation: Allows for proper steam generation, ensuring even and consistent cooking throughout your food items.
- Visual Appeal: A well-maintained, clean electric steamer adds to the visual appeal of your kitchen, creating a pleasant and inviting cooking environment.
- Avoidance of Unpleasant Odors: Cleaning eliminates any buildup of food residues, preventing unpleasant odors that can linger and impact the aroma of your food.

How often should you clean your Steamer
- After Each Use: Cleaning your electric food steamer after each use is a good practice to maintain cleanliness and prevent the buildup of food residue. Wipe down the exterior surfaces and remove any remaining food particles from the steaming baskets and drip tray.
- Weekly: Perform a more thorough cleaning at least once a week. This includes cleaning the water reservoir, steaming baskets, drip tray, and the lid. Use mild detergent, warm soapy water, and a soft brush or sponge to remove any stains or residue.
- Monthly: Conduct a deep cleaning on a monthly basis to remove mineral deposits and scale buildup. This process, known as descaling, helps ensure optimal performance. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for descaling methods and recommended solutions, which may involve using vinegar or commercial descaling products.
- Seasonally: Consider performing a comprehensive cleaning seasonally, especially if it has been used frequently. This involves disassembling it, thoroughly cleaning all parts, and inspecting for any signs of wear or damage.
How to clean your electric food steamer
Gather tools and materials
Mechanical Tools:
- Soft Brush or Sponge: A soft brush or sponge is ideal for scrubbing off residue and stains from the steaming baskets and interior surfaces without causing any damage.
- Microfiber Cloth: A microfiber cloth is gentle yet effective in wiping down the exterior surfaces, removing dirt and fingerprints while leaving a streak-free finish.
- Toothbrush: A toothbrush with soft bristles can be handy for reaching small crevices and corners, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach areas effectively.
- Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs are useful for detailed cleaning, especially in tight spots and delicate areas where precision is required.
Chemical Products:
- Mild Detergent: A mild detergent, such as dish soap, is suitable for cleaning the exterior surfaces as it effectively removes grease, grime, and stains without damaging the appliance.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning and descaling agent. Its acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits and scale buildup, restoring its performance.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice, similar to vinegar, contains citric acid that can be used as a natural alternative for descaling. It helps remove limescale and leaves a refreshing scent.
- Commercial Descaling Solution: Commercial descaling solutions are specifically formulated to remove mineral deposits and scale from appliances like electric steamers. They provide a powerful and targeted cleaning action for optimal results.

Prepare for cleaning
- Unplug the appliance: Before you begin the cleaning process, ensure that it is unplugged from the power source. This is crucial to prevent any electrical accidents or mishaps during the cleaning procedure.
- Allow Cooling Down: Give the steamer sufficient time to cool down completely before initiating the cleaning process.
- Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for cleaning the specific model.
- Use Protective Gloves: Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations or personal preference, consider wearing protective gloves.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bowl or container. Ensure the detergent is suitable for use on your food steamer.
Clean the exterior
- Dampen a Cloth: Take a clean cloth and dampen it with the prepared cleaning solution. Make sure the cloth is not dripping wet but slightly moist.
- Wipe the Exterior Surfaces: Gently wipe down the exterior surfaces of the electric steamer using the damp cloth. Pay attention to areas that may have accumulated dirt, stains, or food residue.
- Remove Stubborn Stains: If there are stubborn stains or residue on the exterior, apply a small amount of the cleaning solution directly to the cloth and gently scrub the affected areas. Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the surface.
- Dry with a Clean Cloth: Once the exterior surfaces are clean, use a dry and clean cloth to wipe away any moisture or residue, leaving the exterior surfaces dry and shiny.

Clean the Water Reservoir
- Locate the Water Reservoir: Identify the water reservoir. It is usually a detachable component located at the base or back of the appliance.
- Remove the Water Reservoir: Carefully detach the water reservoir from the steamer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely remove the reservoir to avoid any accidental spills.
- Mix the Cleaning Solution: Prepare the cleaning solution by combining the recommended ratio of the chosen cleaning agent (vinegar, lemon juice, or commercial descaler) with water in a suitable container. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning agent for the appropriate concentration.
- Pour the Cleaning Solution: Pour the prepared cleaning solution into the water reservoir. Ensure that the solution covers the affected areas where mineral deposits and scale have accumulated.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to run a cleaning cycle using the chosen cleaning solution. This cycle typically involves powering on the steamer and allowing it to generate steam for a specific duration.
- Allow the Solution to Work: Let the cleaning solution and steam work together to dissolve and loosen the mineral deposits and scale inside. This process may take several minutes.
- Empty and Rinse: Once the cleaning cycle is complete, carefully empty the remaining solution from the water reservoir. Rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue or odor from the cleaning solution.
Clean the Steaming Baskets
- Detach the Steaming Baskets: Remove the steaming baskets. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper method to detach the baskets.
- Prepare Warm Soapy Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a mild dish soap or detergent. Mix well to create a soapy solution.
- Soak the Steaming Baskets: Place the steaming baskets in the warm soapy water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for a few minutes to loosen any food residue.
- Use a Brush or Sponge: Take a soft brush or sponge and gently scrub the steaming baskets to remove any residue and stains. Pay close attention to any areas where food particles may have adhered.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once you have scrubbed the steaming baskets, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue or loosened debris.
Clean the Drip Tray
- Locate the Drip Tray: Identify the drip tray of your electric steamer. It is typically located at the bottom of the appliance, beneath the steaming baskets.
- Remove the Drip Tray: Carefully slide or detach the drip tray from its position. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if needed.
- Wash with Warm Soapy Water: Take the drip tray to a sink and wash it with warm soapy water. Use a sponge or soft brush to remove any trapped food particles or liquids. Pay attention to the corners and crevices.
- Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse the drip tray under running water to remove any soap residue. Once clean, dry it completely before placing it back in.

Cleaning the Lid and Accessories
- Detach the Lid: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific method of detaching the lid from your food steamer. It may involve pressing buttons or sliding mechanisms.
- Wash with Warm Soapy Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm soapy water. Submerge the lid and other detachable accessories, such as steaming racks or dividers, in the soapy water.
- Clean the Lid and Accessories: Use a sponge or soft brush to clean the lid and accessories thoroughly. Pay attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where residue may accumulate.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the lid and accessories under running water to remove any soap residue. Ensure all parts are thoroughly rinsed. After rinsing, dry them completely before reattaching or storing.
How to Descale the Food Steamer
Descaling is an essential maintenance step for your electric steamer to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. Over time, mineral deposits and scale can build up in the water reservoir, heating element, and other internal components. Descaling removes these deposits, allowing the steamer to function efficiently and produce consistent steam. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.
Use a Descaling Solution or Vinegar
One common method of descaling is by using a commercial descaling solution designed for kitchen appliances. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to mix and use the solution. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar as a natural descaling agent.
If using vinegar:
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
- Pour the solution into the water reservoir up to the recommended level.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to run a descaling cycle using the vinegar solution.
- Empty the solution from the reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Dry the steamer: After completing the cleaning and descaling process, ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth and affect its performance.
- Place the Steaming Baskets: Start by reinserting the steaming baskets back into their designated positions. Ensure they are aligned properly and securely placed.
- Reattach the Lid: Align the lid with the steamer’s body and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to securely reattach it. Make sure it is properly aligned and locked into place.
- Attach Other Accessories: If your electric steamer has additional accessories, such as steaming racks or dividers, reattach them as instructed by the manufacturer. Ensure they are positioned correctly and secured in place.
Other kitchen appliances
Do you have other kitchen appliances to clean? Read our other blogs on how to clean an ice cream maker, citrus juicer, electric kettle, electric skillet, waffle maker, slow cooker, pasta maker, hand mixer, french press, coffee pot, air fryer, blender, stand mixer, electric coffee grinder, microwave, kitchen range hood, gas stove top, glass stove top, coffee maker, toaster, juicer, food processor, oven, garbage disposal, bread maker, grill, rice cooker, instant pot, fridge, freezer and dishwasher.
FAQ
How much vinegar do I use to clean my steamer?
What dissolves mineral deposits?
1. Vinegar: The acidic properties of vinegar can effectively dissolve mineral deposits, making it a popular choice for cleaning purposes.
2. Citric Acid: Citric acid, found in fruits like lemons and oranges, is another effective natural remedy for dissolving mineral deposits.
3. Commercial Descalers: There are various commercial descaling products available that are specifically formulated to dissolve mineral deposits. These products often contain acidic compounds designed to target and remove mineral buildup effectively.
How do you Decalcify a steamer without vinegar?
1. Citric Acid: Citric acid can be used as a substitute for vinegar. Dissolve citric acid powder or crystals in water, following the recommended ratio on the packaging. Use this solution in place of the vinegar solution for the cleaning process.
2. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains natural citric acid, making it a viable alternative to vinegar. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and mix it with water in equal parts to create a cleaning solution.
3. Commercial Descalers: As mentioned earlier, there are descaling products available on the market that don’t contain vinegar. Look for descalers specifically formulated for steamers and follow the instructions provided.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide on how to clean your electric steamer. We hope you found the information valuable and insightful.
If you have any further questions or require professional cleaning assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at TK Cleaning Services. Our dedicated team is always here to help. Happy cleaning!