Definitive PC care

[Santiago]

So I just added a 22 quart Mirro PC to the family.

I'm wondering - is there any care that should be done before first use?

How about something I might have missed along the way? I see lots of people talk about cleaning the PC every time. Necessary for long life?
Should I remove the gasket after every use?

[EmmisonJ]

the PC should have come with a manual that describes maintenance for that model. you'll want to keep the support # for the manufacturer of your PC to order replacement parts when needed, in time you will need it to contact them for a replacement gasket most likely (they last awhile but are usually the first thing to go).

but, moving along, I would care for it before the first use just like I would before every use. here are some general PC tips (this is how i care for mine as well) taken from http://www.fabulousfoods.com/index.p...id=&pagenum=2:

"Cleaning and Storing Your Pressure Cooker
Take care of your pressure cooker and it will last you for a lifetime of great cooking. Here are some basic maintenance tips:

• Remove the rubber gasket or ring and wash this separately by hand.
• Never immerse the cover in water as it can clog and damage the safety valves.
• Hand wash the pot by hand with your favorite dishwashing soap.
• Do not store the pressure cooker with the lid locked in place as it can damage the rubber seal. Also if moisture is present it can create a seal that's difficult, if not impossible, to open.
• You can conveniently store the pressure cooker pot with the lid placed upside down on top of it."

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Tips I've added:
*Inspect all safety components of the PC prior to every use, new PC's are made with several safety devices in place to keep them from blowing up like the old ones but you still want to play it safe!
*As stated above you'll remove the rubber gasket/ring and clean that separately, inspect it to make sure it is not dry/cracked. If so then you will need to replace it (it will get worn out with time).
*Inspect safety valve to make sure that rubber piece is in good condition and seated properly, this is a visual indicator pops up if the pressure is too high so you want to make sure this is in good shape!
*After cleaning the lid, with the pressure regulator removed (the little removeable part on top of the lid that moves around when steam comes out) I like to hold the lid up to the light and make sure I can see through the little hole (the little hole being the hole in the vent pipe that allows the steam to escape through the top), if I can see light through it then that means it's not clogged. With PC'ing jars this isn't a major concern but if using it for real food, etc, then you can get bits of food in there that could potentially clog the valve pipe

These are pretty standard, generic care instructions for non-electric PC's. Certainly if you have an electric (not stove) pressure cooker like a cuisinart then you would clean it differently. Mirro should be good to follow these instructions. Anyone feel free to add something, but this is basically what I do before using it. After using it the first 2-3 times you get very familiar with it.