Cleaning a slow cooker is easy! First, unplug the slow cooker and remove the stoneware or metal container from the heating element (once you’ve given it time to cool off!). You can wipe down the heating element with a soapy sponge or cloth if you need to, but never submerge it in water. When cleaning the insert pot, you should first fill it with soapy water and give it time to sit. Make sure the pot has cooled before you do this because submerging a hot pot in cold water could cause it to crack. After the pot has soaked, use a soft sponge or cloth to clean it off. Never use anything abrasive like steel wool or scouring pads or you could badly scratch the surface. You can throw most pots in the dishwasher afterward to ensure they are spotless. If you do have some stubborn spots, you can often use a rubber spatula to remove them. If that doesn’t work, try vinegar or another non-abrasive cleaner. Finally, if you ever need to deep clean your slow cooker, fill it with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water (exact measurements are easy to find with a quick google search) and let it run on low for an hour or so. At that point, any spots or stains should be easy to remove with a sponge.