Cleaning - Presto 01241 Instructions And Recipes Manual

8. Replace the sealing ring if it becomes hard, deformed, cracked, worn, pitted, or soft and sticky. The sealing ring pro-
vides a pressure tight seal between the cover and body. The sealing ring needs to be in good condition to function properly.
WARNING! Failure to replace the sealing ring when it is hard, deformed, cracked, worn, pitted, or soft and sticky could
result in bodily injury or property damage. It is recommended that the sealing ring be replaced every two years.
9. Replace the overpressure plug if it is hard, deformed, cracked, worn or pitted, or when replacing the sealing ring.
The overpressure plug is a secondary pressure relief valve which is designed to relieve excess pressure by releasing from the
cooker cover in the event that the vent pipe becomes blocked. The overpressure plug is made of rubber, and when new, is
soft and pliable. Over time, depending on the frequency and type of use, rubber becomes hard and inflexible. When hard and
inflexible, the overpressure plug loses its ability to act as a secondary pressure relief valve. It should be replaced immedi-
ately. It is recommended that the overpressure plug be replaced every two years.
Should the overpressure plug ever be forced out of the cover due to excess pressure while cooking, it is important to call the
Test Kitchen at 1-800-368-2194. Do not attempt to use the released overpressure plug.
1. All parts of your pressure cooker, including the sealing ring and pressure regulator, are fully immersible for easy cleaning.
When washing the unit, the sealing ring should be removed to allow easy cleaning of the inside rim of the cover. The sealing
ring should be washed in hot, soapy water after each use.
2. To be sure the vent pipe is clear, hold the cover up to the light and look through the vent pipe. Clean it with a small brush or
pipe cleaner if it is blocked or partially blocked (Fig. N). Also clean the vent pipe nut as shown.
3. Occasionally remove the air vent/cover lock in the pressure cooker
cover handle for cleaning. To remove the air vent/cover lock, place your
finger over the hole in the cover handle (Fig. N) and remove the white
rubber gasket from the air vent/cover lock on the underside of the cover
(Fig. O). Push the air vent /cover lock through the top of the cover and
wash it and the gasket in hot, soapy water. The metal shaft of the air vent /
cover lock may be cleaned with a nylon mesh pad. Clean the hole in the
cover handle with a small brush. After cleaning, reinsert the metal shaft
of the air vent /cover lock from the top side of the cover down through the
cover handle hole (Fig. P). Place a finger over the handle hole (to keep the
cover lock from falling out) and turn the cover over. Wet the rubber gasket
and push onto the end of the metal shaft until it snaps into the groove on
the shaft.
4. The overpressure plug can also be removed for cleaning by pushing it
out of its opening from the top of the cover. After cleaning, reinsert it by
pushing the domed side of the plug, marked "TOP", into the opening from
the underside of the cover, until the bottom edge is fully and evenly seated
against the underside of the cover (Fig. Q, page 8). When the overpressure
plug is properly installed, the word (TOP) will be visible on the overpres-
sure plug when viewing the outside of the cover.
Special Cleaning Instructions for Aluminum Cookers:
1. Iron and other minerals in water and foods may darken the inside of your
aluminum cooker. This discoloration will not affect the food cooked in the
unit. These stains can be removed by using a solution of water and cream
of tartar. Use a tablespoon of cream of tartar for each quart of water and
pour enough solution into the cooker to cover the discoloration (do not fill
over ⅔ full). Close the cover securely, place the pressure regulator on the
vent pipe, and heat until the pressure regulator rocks gently. Remove the
cooker from the heat and allow it to stand for two to three hours. Remove
the pressure regulator and discard the contents. Scour thoroughly with a
soap impregnated steel wool pad; wash, rinse, and dry.
2. The outside surface of aluminum pressure cookers may be cleaned with
a good silver polish, if necessary. Staining may result if the cooker is
washed in the dishwasher. If food residue adheres to the pressure cooker
body, clean with a nylon mesh pad, a fine steel wool pad, or a fine kitchen
cleanser.

CLEANING

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Cover Handle
Hole
Rubber Gasket
Fig. O
Cover
Handle
Hole
Fig. P
Fig. N
Metal
Shaft