Proper care of a steamer will not only have a favorable effect on the quality of cooked food, but will also extend the service life of the appliance
Steamed food is recognized as the healthiest, because all beneficial minerals and bioactive elements are preserved during cooking. To ensure that steamed food continues to have these qualities, the appliance should be cleaned in a timely manner.
Before first use, remove all labels and protective films from the steamer. Then wash all its parts (lid, steam baskets, drip tray) with warm soapy water using a soft sponge. It is advisable to avoid metal scouring pads to prevent scratches on the surface of the appliance. After that, it is important to rinse the appliance again and wipe it dry. The part of the steamer that is connected to the electrical component is strictly forbidden to be immersed in water – it is best to wipe it with a damp cloth.
When starting to clean the steamer, for safety reasons, do not forget to unplug it from the electrical outlet. The parts of the appliance can be washed either by hand or in a dishwasher using various detergents. To avoid damaging the surface, it is not recommended to use abrasive substances. It is best to wash the bottom with a brush, and for the base of the appliance, use a damp cloth.
Due to the large amount of water accumulated in the appliance, scale also forms, which must be removed. Despite this, descaling a steamer is not a laborious process. Pour two cups of 5% vinegar into the water reservoir and add enough water so that the resulting solution completely covers the heating element.
After that, install one steam basket and turn on the appliance for 10 minutes. If after the process the scale layer is still visible, repeat the procedure, increasing the time to 15 minutes. After the appliance cools down, rinse it several times, then pour in clean water and boil it.
Stainless steel steamer is cleaned in exactly the same way. However, to avoid the strong smell of vinegar, you can use citric acid to clean the heating element. This procedure using lemon juice takes a little longer because lemon is a less powerful agent than vinegar. If the scale layer remains, repeat the procedure again, or simply leave the solution overnight without boiling.
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