Those are likely small scratches in the non-stick coating, not cracks that ruin the pot. They happen if the basket is inserted at an angle and scrapes the side, or if you've used abrasive cleaning tools.
Here's what to do:
- You can keep using it. The materials are all food-safe, so those tiny fragments aren't harmful.
- To prevent more damage, always insert the basket straight into the pot, not tilted.
- For cleaning, use only a non-abrasive sponge, soft dish soap, and hot water. Never use steel wool or harsh scrubbers.
Heads up: The pot, basket, and interior have a non-stick coating. Damaging it with abrasive materials can affect performance and is not covered under improper use.