How to Clean Zojirushi Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-RPC10/18

By Zojirushi Online Store | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn step-by-step how to safely clean your Zojirushi NS-RPC10 or NS-RPC18 rice cooker and warmer. Keep the triple heater, lid seal, and inner pot in top condition for fluffy rice every time.

Quick answer

Clean your Zojirushi NS-RPC10/18 after every use by washing the inner pot, wiping the lid seal, and occasionally removing the inner lid to prevent residue buildup. Never immerse the main body in water.

Why regular cleaning matters for your rice cooker

The Zojirushi NS-RPC10 and NS-RPC18 feature a triple heater system (bottom, side, and lid) that generates ideal temperature for tasty rice. Food residue or mineral deposits on the heating surfaces can reduce heat transfer and lead to uneven cooking. A clean cooker also prevents odors from transferring to the next batch of rice.

The lid seal and inner lid need special attention because steam and starch accumulate there. If left uncleaned, the rubber seal can harden or develop mold, affecting how tightly the lid locks and how well moisture stays inside.

What you need before starting

Gather a soft sponge or cloth, mild dish soap, a small brush (an old toothbrush works), and a dry towel. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool—they will scratch the non-stick inner pot and the cooker's surfaces.

Step-by-step cleaning routine

Unplug and let the cooker cool completely: Always disconnect the power cord and wait until the cooker is at room temperature before cleaning. Hot surfaces can cause burns, and sudden water contact may damage the heating elements. Never clean a warm cooker—thermal shock can crack the inner pot or damage the triple heater.
Remove and wash the inner pot: Take out the non-stick inner pot and wash it with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap using a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel. Stubborn rice crust can be loosened by soaking the pot in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Do not use metal utensils or abrasive pads inside the pot—they will scratch the non-stick coating.
Clean the inner lid and lid seal: Press the push button release to open the lid fully. Wipe the inner lid surface and the rubber seal with a damp cloth. For residue in the seal groove, use a soft brush. Dry the seal completely before closing the lid. Moisture trapped under the seal can cause mold. Leave the lid open to air dry for 15 minutes after cleaning.
Wipe the body and heating plate: Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the main body and the inner heating plate. If any rice or debris is stuck on the heating plate, gently remove it with a dry brush. Never pour water into the cooker body. The triple heater elements are fixed—do not attempt to remove or scrape them. A gentle wipe is sufficient.
Clean the detachable power cord and dew collector: Unplug the power cord from the cooker and the wall. Wipe the cord with a dry cloth; do not immerse it. Remove the dew collector (if your model has one) and rinse it under running water, then dry it before reattaching. The power cord is not waterproof. If it gets wet, let it dry completely for 24 hours before using the cooker again.
Reassemble and store: Place the dry inner pot back into the cooker. Close the lid (it should click shut) and store the appliance in a dry, ventilated area. For daily use, repeat steps 1–3 after each batch of rice. A monthly deep clean of the lid seal and inner lid prevents stubborn buildup that affects the lid lock and heat distribution.

About your cooker

Automatic Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-RPC10/18: The lid locks tight to keep moisture in and has a built-in handle that makes it easy to open and close. Keeping the lid seal clean ensures the lock mechanism works smoothly and the cooker maintains proper steam pressure for fluffy rice.
Automatic Rice Cooker & Warmer NS-RPC10/18