How to clean a blender

Blender cleaning is easy, especially if you don’t let food remains dry and stick to it. With the right tools and a few basic steps, you can keep your blender as hygienic and functional as possible.

List of Materials for Cleaning a Blender

Of course, cleaning a few tools. You will need to have the following:

Warm water
A soft sponge or washing rag
Mild dish soap
A large enough soaking bowl to fit your blender pitcher
Drying towel
Baking soda (optional)

Cleaning a Blender: Step by Step

After blending your ingredients and emptying the pitcher, it’s time to clean. You will first need to:

1. Take the blender apart.

First and foremost, unplug the base unit. Then, disassemble the jar, pitcher, or single-serve cup from the base. Next, remove the lid.

After that, unscrew the base part that holds the blades from the jar. But that will also depend on the brand you own.

For example, Ninja blenders have detached blades that fit inside the jar. In such a case, you can remove them. Take care you don’t sustain injuries. Next, remove the gasket seal.

2. Wash the jar

With everything taken apart, it’s time for the actual work. Start by filling a bowl or sink with warm water and adding drops of mild dish soap.

From there, clean the jar using a dish rag or sponge soaked in warm soapy water. Remember, if yours has permanently installed blades, clean them carefully to avoid cuts. Gently wash off any food particles on the sides.

Next, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, preferably under a running tap. After that, dry with a clean towel.

Note: While you could clean your blender using a dishwasher, some brands are not safe. Plus, glass blenders run the risk of etching the surface. Additionally, handwashing is fast.

3. Wash the other small pieces

With the jar clean and dry, it’s time for the small parts. Start with the gasket seal. Next, wash the cutting blades (if detachable), looking ring, and lid.

With that done, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth. Additionally, check the user guide to see if the blades are dishwasher-safe.

4. Run the blender for stuck-on items

Sometimes you forget to clean your blender immediately after use. That leads to food ingredients drying and sticking to the sides of the jar. In such a case, it needs a different approach.

First, mix baking soda with water in an equal ratio. After that, pour the solution into the pitcher or container. Place the lid and lock it tightly.

Next, run the blender for a few seconds, then dump the solution. From here, disassemble it and follow the previous steps.

5. Clean the blender base

While you don’t have to clean the power base after every use, it will eventually need some cleaning. However, that doesn’t mean you will submerge it in water. It’s not dishwasher-safe either.

First, unplug it from the mains. Next, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Remember to check for damages on the code as you wipe it.

6. Reassemble the blender

The last part is to reassemble your blender. Just do it in reverse order, and you’re good to go.

Once everything is back together, store it safely and away from children.

Tips for keeping blenders clean and fresh

Apart from our tips, check the user guide for more special cleaning recommendations. Here are some general tips for keeping your blender clean and fresh:

Both plastic and glass blenders can easily scratch if you wash them in a dishwasher. We recommend hand washing for the safety and durability of your appliance.

Some models have lids made into two pieces. Read the user guide to see if yours does. If it has, take both parts apart and clean them separately. That way, you can take out any foods stuck in the crevices.

Some foods leave a lingering smell in the container. You can prevent this by removing your drinks immediately after blending. But if it’s already too late, blend a mix of baking soda and water. Then, let it sit for five to ten minutes before washing it as usual.

Stubborn odours or stains may require a more powerful cleaning solution. Try a water and white vinegar solution of equal parts. Blend it for a few seconds and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, empty your container and rinse thoroughly.

How to self-clean a blender

Blending non-sticky recipes like milkshakes and juice are easy to clean. They don’t need deep cleaning. All you need to do is fill the empty jar with 1/2 full with warm water.

Once you do that, add two-three drops of dish soap to the water. Next, secure the lid and plug in the blender. After that, please turn it on and let it run for about 20 seconds. Lastly, empty it and rinse thoroughly.

How to deep clean a blender

Hand washing is the best way to deep-clean your blender. Start by disassembling it. Using a sponge, scrub the jar and other components with warm soapy water. Next, rinse them with clean water and dry them using a clean cloth.

For tougher stains, use warm water and vinegar or baking soda. 

How to clean a cloudy blender

A blender for crushing ice will often experience cloudiness on the glass or plastic jar. The same applies when you use hard water as the base liquid. That is due to the minerals in the water or the hard ice.

To tackle this problem, make baking soda paste. It should be thin enough to spread and drip. Spread it all around the insides of the jar. Next, let it sit for 20 minutes or more.

After that period, use a scrub pad and clean the jar. Remember, take time and work on small sections until satisfied. Lastly, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

If that doesn’t work as you wish, pour a cup of white vinegar and fill the rest of the space with water. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight. Then, rinse the following day.

How to clean a blender bad smells

Your blender works on many ingredients. In most kitchens, the blender for margaritas is also the blender for baby food. All these recipes may leave a never-ending odour on your container.

Here is how to clean a blender that smells. First, add hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After that, Run the blender for a few seconds, then empty it and rinse.

Next, pour in hot water with equal measures of baking soda. Finally, Run the blender for another few seconds, then empty and rinse it thoroughly. This trick should leave your container smelling fresh.

How to clean blender with vinegar

The first step is to clean the blender with warm water and dish soap. Then after rinsing, fill the jar half full with white vinegar and the rest with water. Secure the lid and run the blender for a few seconds. Thirty should be fine.

Next, empty it and rinse it with running water. Finally, Dry it with a towel and store it away.

How to clean a blender with baking soda

First, clean the blender with water and dish soap as usual. Then, create a paste of baking soda. Spread it on the insides of the container and leave it for about 20-30 minutes.

When that time lapses, rinse out the paste with fresh water. Do that until all the baking soda gets flashed out. Lastly, dry and store.

How to clean personal blender

First, fill the container halfway with hot water and add dish soap. You can add half a lemon, but it’s optional. Secondly, pop the lid and start the blender. Let it run for about a minute at high speed.

Next, empty the content into the sink and rinse the jar and the lid with fresh water. You can repeat the process without dish soap. Finally, dry and set aside.

How to clean Vitamix blender

Vitamix is one of those essential appliances that you can’t go without. It’s the ideal blender for smoothies, protein shakes, ice cream, slushies, puree, and cotton candy.

The brand offers different versions. They have a single-serve blender, handheld immersion blender, and blender food processor combo.

Cleaning a Vitamix blender is as easy as cleaning any other blender. First, rinse the blender immediately after use. Secondly, Fill the jar with warm water halfway and add dish soap as required. Secure the lid.

Next, turn the blender on and press speed “1”. Slowly increase the speed to the highest and let it blend for about one minute. Then move back to speed one and turn off the machine. After that, Pour the content into the sink and rinse with warm water. You can then air dry the jar and the blades.

Next, separate the lid parts and wash them in warm soapy water with a sponge. Lastly, dry them and do the same to the tamper.

How to Clean a Blendtec blender

Blendtec is another excellent blender brand. It came in different sizes and varieties.

For example, they have professional blenders, travel blenders, and personal blenders.

First, fill it with 240 ml of hot water. Secondly, add drops of dish soap and place the lid tightly. Next, place the jar on the motor base and lock it.

After that, “pulse” for five seconds. If your model has the Clean cycle button, press it and let it run for the same period. Lastly, rinse well with clean water and air-dry upside down.

Some Helpful Questions and Answers

What is the first step you should follow in cleaning a blender?

The first step in cleaning a blender is separating all the removable parts. But it will also depend on the brand. Of course, you will need to unplug it first.

How do you clean and maintain a blender?

First, fill it with warm water halfway. Secondly, add liquid dish soap and secure the lid lightly. Start the blender at low speed and move to the highest. Let it run for a few seconds before shifting back to low speed.

Next, stop it and pour the contents into the sink. Rinse the jar and the lid thoroughly with warm water. Lastly, air-dry upside down.

Note. Check your starting guide and see if your mode is dishwasher safe.

Is it safe to wash a blender?

Yes! It’s safe and highly recommended to wash your blender after use. Unplug it first, separate the parts, and clean them with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. But do not submerge the motor base in water.

How often should you clean your blender?

After every use! While you don’t have to deep-clean each time, it’s essential to rinse and wash your blender after every use. That will also avoid buildups of food debris, which could be hard to clean late.