Empathic Response: I understand the anxiety of using cookware for a long time and being unsure whether it needs cleaning.
Core Conclusion: To determine if a polished pressure cooker needs cleaning, look for signs such as a dull appearance, the appearance of limescale/rainbow-like patterns, an unusual odor, poor pressure release, or decreased cooking efficiency. If any of these are observed, it should be cleaned and maintained promptly.
Specifically, you can judge by the following five aspects:
Reduced Surface Gloss: A once-bright stainless steel surface becomes dull and grayish, losing its metallic luster, indicating oxidation and oil buildup.
Limescale or Rainbow-like Patterns in the Inner Pot: Long-term use of hard water can easily cause white limescale or a colored oxide film (rainbow-like pattern) to form on the inner wall, affecting heat conduction and appearance.
Residual Odor: Even after cleaning, if you can still smell lingering food odors or a sour smell, it indicates that dirt and grime may be trapped in the crevices, especially around the sealing ring and water tank.
Abnormalities during use: Such as a sluggish pressure relief valve, float not falling, or poor venting, may indicate that food residue has clogged the safety device, posing a safety hazard.
Prolonged cooking time or uneven heating: Excessive scale buildup in the pot can affect heat conduction efficiency, resulting in longer cooking times or undercooked food, indicating the need for deep cleaning.