If not cleaned properly, this specific part of the rice cooker can lead to higher electricity consumption, reduced appliance lifespan, and poorly cooked rice — sometimes burnt, sometimes unevenly cooked, or not cooked through at all.

Rice cookers are among the most frequently used kitchen appliances in almost every household. Yet, surprisingly few people pay attention to cleaning them thoroughly. Over time, you might notice that your rice cooker takes longer to cook, uses more electricity, or the rice no longer comes out fluffy and tasty. In some cases, it may even develop a strange burnt smell.

What’s Causing These Issues?

One of the most common — but often overlooked — reasons is poor maintenance. Many people only clean the inner pot and outer surface but forget a very important component: the heating plate, also known as the thermal plate, located at the bottom inside the cooker, beneath the inner pot.

This heating plate is the main element responsible for generating heat to cook the rice. It works similarly to an electric stove, with a circular design that heats up when the cooker is turned on. Over time, rice particles, oil, dust, or residue can stick to this plate. When dirty, it doesn’t distribute heat evenly, which causes the cooker to work harder, waste more electricity, and deliver subpar cooking performance.

Why Cleaning the Heating Plate Matters

The heating plate significantly impacts:

• How efficiently your cooker uses electricity

• The lifespan of the appliance

• The flavor and texture of your cooked rice

Neglecting it can result in long cooking times, half-cooked or burnt rice, and even damage to the inner pot or the heating system over time. Cleaning it regularly can help your rice cooker work like new again — and even save you up to millions of VND per year on your electricity bill, especially if your household cooks rice daily.

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How to Clean the Heating Plate Easily at Home

You don’t need any fancy tools or expensive cleaners — just a few simple household items:

You’ll need:

• White vinegar

• A sponge with a rough scrub side

• A soft, damp cloth or wet wipes

• Dry paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pour white vinegar onto the rough side of the sponge. This will help break down grime and grease stuck on the heating plate.

2. Gently scrub the heating plate, focusing on any burnt spots or buildup. Be careful not to use sharp or metallic tools that can scratch the surface.

3. Don’t forget to clean the bottom area around the plate, as dust and food particles may accumulate there too.

4. Let the vinegar sit for 10–15 minutes to further loosen stubborn grime. After that, use the sponge to scrub again.

5. Use a damp cloth or wet wipes to thoroughly wipe off any remaining dirt and vinegar. You may repeat the cleaning process a few times if necessary.

6. Finally, dry the area with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Make sure no water or vinegar remains before using the cooker again.

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A Cleaner Rice Cooker = Better Performance and More Savings

Once the heating plate is clean, you'll notice your rice cooks faster, tastes better, and the cooker runs more efficiently. This simple habit, if done once every 1–2 weeks, can extend the life of your rice cooker by years and cut down on unnecessary electricity usage — which can add up to significant savings over time.

Tip: Consider setting a reminder to clean your rice cooker’s heating plate regularly, especially if you cook rice every day.