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Not taking good care of your pressure cooker
To keep your pressure cooker in optimal condition and prevent it from malfunctioning, it's essential to clean your device well after every use. Just like pots and pans, pressure cookers can retain strong odors, and the pressure valve may get clogged from time to time. Another item you should always remove and wash is the inner sealing ring. Be attentive to your user's guide, whether it's for a stovetop or electric pressure cooker, and know which parts detach so you can clean them well.
Don't let it die from overuse either. Take care to replace certain parts when you notice more than the usual wear and tear. Sealing rings, for example, should be replaced every 12 to 18 months, depending on how often you use your pressure cooker. Try to stick to the original parts from the same manufacturer, to avoid any compatibility issues.