How To Clean Your Blender

Jan 23, 2024

Table of Contents

If the new year put you on a smoothie or soup kick, your blender might be getting more action than cleaning. This isn’t a bad thing, but it might need more than a casual scrub.

Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, suggests a deep clean every few weeks to prevent the potential of food buildup and bacteria growth. Deep cleaning can also help in maintaining the longevity of your appliances.

But let’s face it—we probably tossed our user manuals years ago. So, we put together a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions on how to keep your blenders in top-notch condition with a few deep cleaning tips of our own.

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How to Clean a Regular Blender

Cleaning your blender doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Some blenders even come equipped with self-cleaning cycles. But if yours doesn’t, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Take the Blender Apart

Start by unplugging your blender and remove the jar from its base. If needed, make sure to empty the contents of the jar into the sink and set the lid aside.

Step 2: Wash the Jar

You’ll then clean the jar with warm, soapy water and a sponge. If the blade is affixed, try to avoid reaching down to clean it with the sponge. Then, simply rinse it under warm water. The jar can often be washed in the dishwasher, although handwashing is faster and can eliminate etching on the glass or plastic.

Step 3: Wash the Small Parts

If the blade is detachable, you can hand wash the gasket seal, cutting blade and jar base by soaking them in a large bowl of warm, soapy water. Just be cautious of the sharp edges of the blade. Rinse parts thoroughly and dry them.

Step 4: Clean the Blender Base

Rule number one: always unplug the blender before cleaning the blender base. Never submerge it in water or put it in the dishwasher. Just wipe it down with a warm, damp cloth. Don’t forget to wipe down the cord periodically and check it for damage.

Step 5: Reassemble the Blender and Store

Make sure everything is completely dry before reassembly. If you use your blender often, store it on your countertop or in an easily accessible cupboard.

Tips to Keep Your Blender Clean

Many blender lids come apart into two pieces. Make sure to take apart both pieces and clean them separately so you can access the crevices of the lid.
Certain foods can stain or linger in a blender. You can fix this by blending equal parts baking soda and water in the blender. Let the solution sit in the blender for five to 10 minutes before washing normally.
For stubborn stains or odors, you can clean the blender with vinegar. Fill the jar halfway with equal parts white vinegar and water. Run the blender with the lid on for 30 seconds. Empty and rinse thoroughly. You can also try a paste of baking soda and water.
You can use a brush for hard-to-reach areas. A small brush can help get into the crevices and ensure a more thorough clean.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time for a thorough cleaning, this 30-second cleaning hack is a great go-to:

Rinse out the blender jar.
Fill it halfway with warm water.
Add a drop of dish soap.
Run the blender with the lid on for a few seconds on low.
Dump the dirty water and rinse.

How to Clean an Immersion Blender

Immersion blenders are a chef’s go-to—from frothy milkshakes to smooth sauces, this device makes prep work a breeze. But as handy as they are, they can be dangerous to clean. Here’s how to get the job done swiftly and safely.

Step 1: Prep the Wash

After blending your soup, smoothie or purée, fill a tall glass three-quarters full of warm, soapy water.

Step 2: Run the Immersion Blender

Run the blender in the water for 10 to 20 seconds. If it’s still not clean, empty, refill and repeat. Your immersion blender will be like new.

Step 3: Unplug, Dry and Store

After cleaning, unplug your blender and let it air dry. Make sure each piece is completely dry before storing. Moisture during storage can lead to mildew, which is not ideal.

Tips to Keep Your Immersion Blender Clean

Rinse the blades right away (unplugged, of course). The longer you wait, the more the food will dry and harden, making it more difficult to clean.
If you didn’t have time to rinse right away, you have two options: dishwasher or soak. Make sure the blender attachment is dishwasher safe. If it is, pop it on the top rack of the dishwasher. If it’s not, soak it in warm water and then use the above method to clean it.
We strongly advise against using a sponge to scrub your immersion blender’s blades. Sponges are soft enough for a blade to cut and don’t do a great job. Instead, use a scrub brush to keep your fingers out of harm’s way.
Once a month, check around the buttons and the body of the blender for food buildup. Make sure your blender is unplugged and the blender attachment has been removed. Then, use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water to clean around the crevices.

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