6 Surprising Things You Can Clean in a Slow Cooker

A slow cooker on a kitchen counter with the dial and settings visible — Credit:
powerofforever / Getty Images

When you think of your slow cooker, you probably picture soups, stews, or a cozy Sunday roast. But that weeknight dinner workhorse can also moonlight as a surprisingly effective cleaning tool. Since slow cookers work using steady, low heat, the appliance can help loosen buildup, dissolve residue, and refresh small household items more efficiently than soaking in a sink or basin.

Before you start, designate an older slow cooker for cleaning projects only. Even with thorough washing, it’s best not to switch back and forth between food and heavy-duty cleaning tasks.

Once you’ve got your cleaning-only slow cooker in place, here are some of the expert-approved things you can clean with it.

Stephanie Phillips, professional cleaner and founder of Phillips Residential and Commercial Cleaning, Nashville, TN

How to Clean Items in a Slow Cooker

Place the item in the slow cooker and cover with water (or white vinegar for mineral buildup). Add a small amount of dish soap or a degreasing agent as needed. Heat on low for one to two hours, depending on soil level. Turn off the appliance, allow contents to cool slightly, then remove carefully, scrub if needed, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reinstalling or storing.

With the right precautions, a slow cooker can serve as a gentle, hands-off cleaning tool for durable, heat-safe items. Just be sure to label and store your cleaning-only appliance separately from your kitchen gear.

Here are six things Stephanie Phillips, a professional cleaner and founder of Phillips Residential and Commercial Cleaning, says you can clean in a slow cooker:

01 of 06

Paintbrushes

Paintbrush Gold — Robert Lowdon / Getty Images

Dried, stiff brushes don’t always need to be tossed. “Heat helps soften dried latex paint so it can be combed out without destroying the bristles,” says Phillips. This method works best for water-based paints; oil-based paints require solvents and should not be heated.

02 of 06

Stove Burner Grates and Drip Pans

Grease and carbon buildup can be stubborn, especially on surfaces like stove burners that are exposed to high heat multiple times a day. “Hot water combined with a degreasing agent can do much of the heavy lifting for you,” Phillips says. “It loosens baked-on grease, so you’re not scraping as long.” The slow cooker's sustained heat makes it a superior choice to simply soaking in the sink.

03 of 06

Metal Hardware and Cabinet Knobs

Kitchen cabinet with gold knobs and pulls — Kaitlin Green; Design: Emily Henderson

Knobs, hinges, and small fixtures collect grease and grime over time. “For small metal items, warm water and a gentle cleaner can safely lift grime without spending hours with harsh polishing compounds,” says Phillips. Avoid using this method on antique or lacquered hardware and always test a small area first.

04 of 06

Showerheads

Mineral deposits from hard water can clog nozzles and reduce water pressure. “Warm vinegar is incredibly effective at dissolving calcium and lime buildup on metal showerheads,” Phillips says. “I usually warm it up and place a bag over the showerhead, but it cools down quickly. Using a slow-cooker to keep it warm speeds up the descaling process exponentially.” Avoid prolonged heating of plastic showerheads, as this may warp them.

05 of 06

Toothbrush Holders and Soap Dishes

Three wooden toothbrushes in a glass on a tabletop — Getty Images

These bathroom staples trap toothpaste drips and soap scum in seams and crevices. “Ceramic toothbrush holders can be a real pain to clean,” Phillips notes. “Submerging them in warm, soapy water for an hour or so makes it so much easier. A lot of times, they rinse clean!”

06 of 06

Glass Light Fixture Covers

Glass shades accumulate dust, grease, and debris. “You’d be surprised at how stubborn the grime can be on a glass fixture, especially in a kitchen where grease tends to accumulate on literally everything,” says Phillips. Warm water softens stuck-on grime. Her pro-tip? To prevent cracking, leave the glass in the slow cooker while it cools, then rinse.