How to Clean Your Canner

Learn how to clean and care for your canner before putting it away for the season.

Protect the investment you’ve made in your canning equipment with the right cleaning and care.

Before you store your canner for the season, be sure to properly clean it. To do so, follow the five steps below from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

These are general guidelines for cleaning and care. But be sure to read the manual that came with your canner for more specific cleaning instructions.

1. Wash buildup off the inside and outside of canner

Begin by washing your canner with hot soapy water. You may choose to use a scouring pad or baking soda. Gently scrub the inside to remove any buildup.

Be sure to also wash the outside of the canner, and dry it thoroughly.

2. Clean the gaskets

Take the gasket off the lid and place it in warm, soapy water. Clean gaskets on both sides and in the little crease along the side. You can use a wash cloth or a cotton swab 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 won’t seal properly with the canner if it’s nicked or cracked, compromising your contents.

3. Wash the cover and vent

Next, wash the cover and vent. The tube vent is where the steam is released. It may have built-up debris inside.

Try using a small wire brush to clean inside this tube. Wash the tube thoroughly. Hold it up to the light to be sure you removed all buildup.

4. Clean the handles

Clean and inspect the handles. Any debris 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 properly

Store the canner upside down with the lid tucked underneath. We recommended that you do not store it upright with the lid locked on the top.

If possible, store in a place where dust won’t get on the canner.

Be sure to do the above steps each time you finish canning foods. It will keep your canner looking and performing its best year after year.

For more tips and how-tos, check out our Canning Blog.