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Quick answer
Instant Pot recommends replacing the sealing ring every 12 to 18 months, and sooner if it's cracked, cut, stretched or deformed. Silicone is porous and absorbs smells and color. If a garlicky ring keeps flavoring your cheesecake, Instant Pot says you may want to change it every 6 to 12 months.
Genuine Instant Pot sealing rings, by pot size:
Instant Pot 3 Qt Sealing Ring Instant Pot 4, 5 & 6 Qt Sealing Ring Instant Pot 8 Qt Sealing RingReplace the ring now if you see this
- Cracks, cuts or tears. Instant Pot's FAQ says to check the ring for these and replace it if you find any.
- Deformed or stretched. If it no longer sits snug behind the ring rack, or falls out when you turn the lid over, it won't seal. Our install guide shows the snug-fit check.
- Steam leaking from the side of the lid after you've cleaned and reseated the ring. See Instant Pot not sealing.
How to get the smell out of an Instant Pot ring
The manual's deodorizing method:
- Pour 1 cup (250 mL) water and 1 cup (250 mL) white vinegar into the inner pot.
- Run Pressure Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure, then remove the ring and let it air-dry.
The ring is listed as dishwasher safe. To keep smells from building up, the manual says to store the lid upside down on the cooker, or store the ring somewhere it can air out.
Keep a spare
Some models ship with an extra ring. Instant Pot's FAQ says it can replace a stretched or damaged ring, or let you keep one for sweeter dishes and one for savory. Use one ring at a time, and only genuine Instant Pot rings in your pot's size. Instant Pot says third-party rings would void the warranty.
How we work: replacement intervals come from Instant Pot's sealing ring product listings and FAQ. The deodorizing steps come from the Instant Pot Duo user manual. Sources are listed below.
Questions people ask
How often should I replace my Instant Pot sealing ring?
Instant Pot suggests every 12 to 18 months, or sooner if it's cracked, stretched or deformed.
How do I get the smell out of an Instant Pot ring?
Instant Pot's method: add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar, run Pressure Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, then quick release.
Should I keep a second sealing ring?
Instant Pot's FAQ suggests using one ring for sweet dishes and another for savory ones, since silicone can hold onto smells.
Sources
Last checked Oct 23, 2026. Instant Pot says third-party sealing rings may void the warranty. Check your own model's manual before cooking.
