Home Canning 101: Canner Cleaning and Care

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing your canner with warm, soapy water. You may choose to use steel wool to gently scrub the inside of the canner to remove any build up. You may also use baking soda with warm water to do this. Be sure to wash the outside of the canner as well. Wash and dry thoroughly.
2. Take the gasket off the lid and place it in warm, soapy water. Gaskets need to be cleaned on both sides and in the little crease along the side. You can use a wash cloth or q-tip to get inside this crease for a full clean. After you wash the gasket, be sure to check it for signs of wear. The gasket will not seal properly with the canner if it is knicked or cracked, compromising your contents.
3. Next, wash the cover and vent. The tube vent is where the steam is released and may have build up inside it. Try using a small wire brush to clean inside this tube. Wash the tube well and hold up to the light to be sure you removed all build up.
4. Clean and inspect the handles. Any debris on them will cause them to not lock properly. You also want to be sure they are sturdy for handling the weight inside a pressure canner when in use.
5. Store the canner upside down with the lid tucked underneath. It's recommended that you do not store the canner upright with the lid locked on the top. Store in a place where dust will be kept off the canner if possible.
6. Be sure to do the above steps each time you finish a canning project. It will help keep your canner looking and performing its best year after year.