Zojirushi Odor Retention / Bacterial Growth

Persistent sour, musty, or rancid odor from inside the cooker even after normal cleaning.

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Possible Causes

Food residue under lid gasket, Mold in steam vent or condensation collector, Residue in inner lid or pressure cap, Inner pan not dried before storage

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug before disassembling any parts.

  • Deep clean removable parts: Remove the inner pan, lid gasket (if removable), inner lid, steam cap, and condensation collector. Wash all with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
  • Clean non-removable lid surfaces: Wipe with a cloth dampened with mild detergent, then wipe again with clean water and dry.
  • Air out the cooker: Store with the lid slightly open to allow ventilation.
  • Deodorize: Cook a batch of water with a small amount of vinegar (if allowed by manual), then rinse and dry.

When to call a technician: If odor persists and you suspect residue inside non-user-serviceable areas, professional disassembly and cleaning may be needed.

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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5

Required Part

Lid Gasket, Steam Cap, Condensation Collector
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