If you enjoy smoothies, purees, or juices, your blender is almost certainly in constant use. But how much cleaning does it have to go through? You’re not alone if your answer is “not enough.” Cleaning a blender requires a little more effort than washing a pan or putting something in the dishwasher.
Supplies Needed
Gather a few essential cleaning items before you begin:
- Mild dish soap
- Sponge or dish rag
- Baking soda (optional)
- materials for cleaning a blender
Step-by-Step Instructions
To get your blender truly clean, you have to take apart the jar assembly and clean the gasket, blade, and base. Liquids can get down into the crevices and dry, cementing the base to the jar, and possibly promoting bacterial growth.
1. Take the Blender Apart
Unplug the blender unit, remove the jar assembly from the motor base, remove the jar lid, unscrew the base of the jar (beware of the sharp blade), remove the gasket seal and the blade
2. Wash the Jar
Clean the jar with warm soapy water and a dishrag or sponge. Rinse it thoroughly, then dry it carefully. The jar of the blender can also be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack, although hand-washing is faster and eliminates the risk of etching the glass or plastic.
3. Wash the Other Small Pieces
Hand-wash the gasket seal, cutting blade, and jar base (or locking ring). Use warm soapy water, and take care to watch the sharp edges of the blade. Rinse the parts thoroughly, then dry them.
4. Run the Blender for Stuck-on Items
If your blender has sat for a while without being cleaned, you may have some dried, stuck-on food to contend with. To make it easier on yourself, mix a 1-to-1 ratio of baking soda and water and run it through the assembled blender. Dump out the solution. Take apart the blender and follow the steps above for washing the components.
5. Clean the Motor Housing
Always unplug the blender before cleaning the motor base. Never submerge the base in water. It is not safe to put in the dishwasher, either. Wipe down the motor base with a warm, damp cloth. Remember to wipe down the cord periodically and to check it for damage.
6. Reassemble the Blender and Store It
If you use your blender often enough, store it on your countertop or in another easily accessible location. If your blender only makes it out for special occasions, store it in a less accessible place.
Tips for Keeping Blenders Clean and Fresh
In addition to the following general tips, check your owner’s manual for special cleaning recommendations.
- Many blender lids come apart into two pieces. Check your owner’s manual to see if yours does. Take apart both pieces and clean them separately. It will get any stuck-on food in the crevices of the lid.
- Glass and plastic jar blenders can be etched and scratched by washing in the dishwasher. Hand-washing is a quicker and safer way to keep your blender clean and looking nice.
- Smelly foods can seem to linger in a blender. Prevent this by not storing items in the blender. If you have a smelly blender, blend a 1-to-1 ratio of baking soda and water together in the blender. Then let the solution sit in the blender for five to 10 minutes before washing normally.