Pressure cooker has become one of the most unavoidable objects in our kitchens. Cooking in pressure cookers helps save fuel and time as well. However, if not cleaned or maintained properly, the pressure cooker could be the most dangerous object. The vessel, washer and whistle must be cleaned well after each use.

Follow these tips to use pressure cooker safely:

1. Add enough water while cooking pulses and lentils.

2. Do not fill the cooker up to the brim with ingredients.

3. Except lentils, Bengal gram, pulses and chicken, all other food items that are difficult to cook should be pressure cooked.

4. Sprinkle some oil while cooking pulses. Soaking the lentils or pulses overnight would help it cook very easily.

5. Chicken cooked in pressure cooker may break apart easily.

6. The gasket should be removed after cooking. Keeping the rubber gasket in the fridge will make it durable.

7. Pressure cooker must be cleaned well every day after cooking. To clean the charred bits from the cooker, fill it half with water, with a squeeze of lemon in it. Also add the lemon rind, two tea spoons baking soda and some soap liquid. Boil this on high flame and then boil it for 3 minutes on simmer. Turn off the flame and keep it aside for 10 minutes with the lid on. Clean using wire mesh or steel scrubber.

8. To clean denser stains, add some baking soda or baking powder along with vinegar. Clean using steel scrubber.

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