Keeping your blender clean is an important part of maintaining this hardworking kitchen appliance. Allowing food residue, juices, and odors to build up over time can lead to a number of issues. Not only can messes make your next smoothie or sauce taste unpleasant, but grime buildup can also prevent the blender from functioning properly.

That’s why it’s a good idea to clean your blender regularly – after each use if possible. While it may seem daunting, cleaning a blender effectively is easy when you follow some simple steps.

In this article, we will walk through an effective process for deep cleaning your blender from start to finish. Proper cleaning will help your machine whir, crush, and blend like new for many years to come.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Supplies you’ll need to get started
• How to fully disassemble the blender
• Washing methods for the jar, lid, and blade
• Tackling stubborn stains and smells
• Safely reassembling the appliance

Cleaning your blender doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right techniques and tools, you can keep your blender fresh and ready to make healthy smoothies, tropical cocktails, and more. Let’s get started!

Supplies Needed

Before you take your blender apart and start scrubbing, you’ll want to gather the right cleaning supplies. Having these on hand will make the process quicker and more effective.

Here are the basic items you’ll need:

• Dish soap
• Sponge or brush
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hot water

Dish Soap

The first cleaning agent that comes to mind for most people is regular dish soap. Any brand of dishwashing liquid will work effectively to cut through food particles, oils, and sticky residues in a blender. Look for one labeled as “degreasing” for maximum power against stubborn blender gunk.

Dish soap containing grease-cutting ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate will also help emulsify and wash away sticky buildup. Choose a milder soap if you’ll be handwashing more delicate blender parts.

When added to hot water, dish soap helps lift residue from the blender as you scrub. For heavily soiled blenders, let the soapy water sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing to let the soap penetrate messes. The hot temperature also further dissolves caked-on foods.

Sponge or Brush

For scrubbing, you’ll need something slightly abrasive yet gentle enough for blender materials. Nylon scrub brushes are ideal for tackling ridges, crevices, and the blade assembly. Make sure to select one with bristles labeled as non-scratching.

Sponges also work well, especially on the interior of blender jars. Choose a sturdy sponge with a abrasive side for scrubbing and soft side for polishing. Replace frequently to avoid transferring dirt between cleanings.

It’s handy to have both a brush and sponge on hand so you can tackle the entire blender thoroughly. Scrubbers with long handles provide extra reach into tall jar interiors.

Vinegar

While dish soap works on general mess and oils, vinegar shines for combatting smells and stains. The acidic nature of vinegar breaks down and dissolves leftover food particles and residues.

White vinegar is the most effective choice for cleaning. Pour some into the blender jar along with a few drops of dish soap and some warm water. Let soak for a several minutes before scrubbing.

The antimicrobial properties of vinegar will also sanitize the interior of the blender, killing bacteria that causes odors. It’s safe for all blender parts and leaves no chemical taste or smell behind after rinsing.

Baking Soda

For really stubborn stains or funky odors that vinegar alone can’t conquer, reach for baking soda. Its gritty texture and alkaline composition work together to lift discoloration and eliminate smells.

Make a paste by mixing water with baking soda. Apply the paste to stained or smelly spots in the blender jar, lid, or base. Let it set for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing the area and rinsing clean.

Like vinegar, baking soda is very affordable, non-toxic, and gentle on blender materials. Together, they make an effective one-two punch!

Hot Water

Hot or warm water is key for an easy blender cleaning session. The heat helps soften and dissolve caked-on gunk that has hardened inside the blender jar and around the blade.

Filling the blender jar with hot, soapy water can often loosen messes on its own. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate stuck-on food before scrubbing. The temperature boosts the cleaning power of dish soap.

Rinsing with hot water also ensures no soapy residue remains on the blender after washing. For final sanitizing, finish by running very hot water over all parts.

Now that you’ve gathered dish soap, tools for scrubbing, deodorizing vinegar and baking soda, and hot water, you’re ready to deep clean your blender! On to fully disassembling the appliance.

Take Apart the Blender

To fully clean all parts of your blender, you’ll need to take it apart. Taking just a minute to disassemble the components will allow you to access and clean every crevice.

Here are the key steps for taking apart a standard blender:

• Unplug from power source
• Remove blender jar/pitcher
• Remove blade assembly
• Remove gasket/seal

Safely disassembling your blender ensures you don’t accidentally turn it on while cleaning. It also prevents water from getting into the base motor housing.

Unplug Blender

First and foremost, always unplug the blender from the electrical outlet before cleaning or taking it apart. This prevents the risk of electric shock by operating the blender with wet hands.

Make sure it is powered off and unplugged before proceeding with filling the jar with water or scrubbing. Many blenders have cords that detach for easy cleaning access.

If you have a cordless, rechargeable blender, power it off and remove any batteries or battery pack before disassembly.

Remove Jar/Pitcher

The blender jar, also called a pitcher or carafe, attaches to the base by twisting into place. Simply grasp the jar and twist in the opposite direction to unlock it.

Lift the jar straight up to fully detach it from the base. For jugs with a pouring spout, position your hand on the opposite side for support as you lift.

Place the removable jar into the sink for washing. Never submerge the blender base in water or run it under the faucet!

Remove Blade Assembly

Inside the bottom of the detached blender jar is a blade assembly. This consists of several sharp blades arranged in a circle or cross pattern on a central stem.

Carefully grip the stem and lift it straight up to remove the entire blade unit. Avoid touching the razor-sharp edges.

Some blenders have blades permanently affixed to the jar. In this case, use caution not to cut yourself when washing the jar!

Remove Seal or Gasket

Underneath the removable blade assembly you’ll find a rubber gasket or plastic seal. This piece forms a tight connection between the blade assembly and jar bottom to prevent leaks.

Peel the flexible gasket away and remove it before washing. Take care not to misplace small gaskets and reassemble them later for leak protection.

For models with a hard plastic seal, pry it free with a flat utensil. Avoid scratching any surfaces.

Now all the detachable blender parts are ready for a thorough cleaning! With no electrical components exposed, you can soak, scrub, and rinse safely.

Wash Blender Jar and Lid

With your blender unplugged and disassembled, it’s time to clean the main components. Start by washing the blender jar and lid:

• Fill jar with hot, soapy water
• Use sponge or brush to scrub interior
• Clean lid and gasket thoroughly
• Rinse all parts thoroughly

Focus on removing stubborn residue and eliminating odors first. Then polish and shine all surfaces.

Fill Jar With Hot Water

Place the blender jar in your sink and fill it about halfway with hot water. This allows room for scrubbing.

Add a few squirts of dish soap and stir the water before adding the lid. For tough stains or smells, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar as well.

Allow the hot soapy mixture to soak into the jar for 5-10 minutes first. This gives time for the soap and vinegar to penetrate and soften dried-on food.

Scrub With Sponge or Brush

Next, scrub every surface of the jar interior, including the bottom.

Use a sponge in a circular motion to remove residues coating the sides. Apply pressure when needed to dissolve stuck-on gunk.

Switch to a scrub brush to tackle the bottom ridges where food collects. Wipe away any greasy soap scum that accumulates.

Don’t forget to thoroughly scrub the underside of the lid as well, where liquids often drip.

Wash Gaskets and Seals

Remove any gaskets and seals from the lid and use the scrub brush to clean all sides. Avoid tearing the delicate rubber.

Rinse thoroughly since food debris trapped under gaskets can lead to foul odors. Place them aside to reattach during reassembly.

Rinse Everything Thoroughly

When scrubbing is complete, carefully empty the soapy water from the blender jar.

Rinse the interior several times with hot water until no soap residue remains. This prevents contamination of future smoothies or shakes.

Finally, rinse the exterior plastic housing of the jar and wipe it down with a dry towel.

Inspect closely for any remaining grime. Repeat scrubbing and rinsing if necessary.

The silicone lid can often be cleaned by rinsing alone. Use mild dish soap and a sponge if oils or sticky foods are present.

Thorough washing is key to fresh blender jar and lid! Now let’s move onto the blade assembly.

Clean Blade Assembly

The removable blender blade assembly requires some special attention due to its sharp edges. Here’s how to clean it safely and thoroughly:

• Soak blades in hot soapy water
• Use brush to clean crevices
• Avoid touching sharp edges
• Rinse until all residue gone

Proper blade cleaning prevents rusting and buildup of bacteria.

Soak Blade Assembly

Place the entire blade assembly into a bowl or container filled with hot, soapy water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes or more.

You can soak it right inside the detached blender jar. This allows the blades to be fully submerged.

The hot soapy water will soften and detach any dried food on the blades and stem. Bits of fruit, powdery protein residue, and sticky smoothie drips need to fully dissolve.

Scrub With Brush

After soaking, use a small nylon brush designed for dishes to scrub the blade assembly clean. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that could scratch the metal.

Gently work the brush all around the sharp blades to lift residue from every crevice. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots near the stem.

Aim the brush at different angles to access the inner sides of each blade. Rinse occasionally to check progress.

Avoid Sharp Edges

When cleaning blender blades by hand, be very cautious of the sharp edges. Never touch the blades with bare fingers – hold only the center stem.

You may want to wear rubber gloves for protection when scrubbing. Rinse blades inside the sink, not holding under running water.

If the assembly is too tricky to brush safely, mix a solution of vinegar and dish soap and submerge for 15 minutes instead. This can help dissolve most gunk without scrubbing.

Rinse Thoroughly

After fully scrubbing both sides of each blade, rinse away all remaining soap residue under hot running water.

It’s important to remove every trace of food and grime. Bacteria and mold can grow in hidden crevices and make future smoothies unhealthy.

Visually inspect that each stainless steel blade shines clean again. If any cloudy residue remains, repeat targeted scrubbing.

Allow the blade assembly to fully air dry before replacing into the blender jar. Your patience pays off with clean, sanitized blades ready for mixing!

Tackle Stubborn Stains and Odors

Over time, blenders can develop stubborn stains, mineral buildup, and funky odors that regular cleaning methods don’t conquer. Here are some tips for tackling these tough blender cleaning challenges:

• Make a baking soda paste
• Apply paste to problem areas
• Let paste set for 5-10 minutes
• Scrub and rinse
• Repeat as needed for tough stains

With some extra attention, you can get your blender looking and smelling fresh again.

Make Baking Soda Paste

For extra cleaning power, use baking soda mixed with a little water to make a spreadable paste. Baking soda is mildly abrasive yet gentle on blender jars and lids.

Add just enough water to form a texture similar to toothpaste. You want a consistency that will stick to vertical sides of the blender jar.

Mix until smooth. For additional stain-fighting benefits, use lemon juice instead of water to activate the baking soda.

Apply Paste to Stained Areas

Use a sponge or soft cloth to spread the baking soda paste onto any stained or discolored areas of the blender jar, lid, or blade assembly.

Target tan or brown stains, foggy mineral deposits, and any yellowed plastic. Focus on one stain at a time for best results.

Also apply paste to any sections that still smell unpleasant after washing with dish soap. Baking soda will help deodorize.

Let Paste Set for 5-10 Minutes

Allow the baking soda paste to set for 5-10 minutes once applied. This gives the mixture time to start lifting stains and absorbing odors.

If treating multiple areas, apply paste to one section first. Then repeat the process on other stains after letting the first batch set.

For lighter stains, a 5 minute setting time will suffice. Heavier set-in stains benefit from a full 10 minutes for the paste to work.

Scrub and Rinse

After letting it set, scrub the baking soda paste with a soft brush or sponge. Apply light pressure.

Rinse thoroughly when finished to reveal the cleaned surface underneath. The abrasive baking soda will have lifted residue from the blender material.

For very stubborn stains, repeat the whole paste process 2-3 times. The paste may lighten it slightly more with each application.

With some targeted effort, your blender can be sparkling clean again in no time!

Reassemble Blender

Once all the individual pieces are fully cleaned and dried, it’s time to put your blender back together. Proper reassembly ensures it functions smoothly and safely.

Follow these steps in order:

• Replace gasket/seal
• Reattach blade assembly
• Attach jar to base
• Plug back into power source

Slow and steady wins the race for effective blender reassembly.

Replace Gasket or Seal

Retrieve any small gaskets or seals that were removed during disassembly. Make sure they are completely dry before replacing.

Check that the gaskets are still pliable and soft. Prolonged drying can cause cracking. Replace if needed.

Press the gaskets back into place in the lid. For plastic seals, realign the seal on the blade assembly stem and press down firmly until snapped in.

Reattach Blade Assembly

Lower the blade assembly back into place at the bottom of the now-clean blender jar.

Align the blades over the drive socket inside the jar base. Press down gently until the assembly drops fully into place.

Try giving it a twist to ensure it is correctly locked in and stable. The blades should turn freely when tested.

Attach Jar to Base

Carefully place the reassembled jar with blades onto the motor base of your blender.

Align guiding rails or grooves if present. Twist the jar clockwise to lock it back into place on the base until you hear a click.

Do a test twist to confirm the jar feels securely attached and stable on the base before blending.

Plug Blender Back In

Lastly, reattach the power cord if it was removed for cleaning access. Make sure your hands are dry before handling any electrical plugs or outlets.

Arrange the cord safely away from water sources like the sink. Push any excess cord underneath the base out of the way.

Key Takeaways

• Cleaning your blender regularly is important to keep it functioning properly and prevent bacterial growth. Disassemble and deep clean after each use if possible.
• Gather basic cleaning supplies like dish soap, scrub brushes, vinegar, and baking soda before getting started. Hot water is also essential.
• Always unplug the blender, detach the jar from the base, and remove any gaskets or seals during disassembly. Never submerge the base in water.
• Wash the blender jar, lid, and blades in hot soapy water. Let them soak before scrubbing to loosen dried food residue.
• Use a soft brush or sponge to thoroughly scrub the jar interior, lid, blade assembly, gaskets and seals. Rinse extremely well.
• Baking soda paste helps tackle stubborn stains and odors. Apply to problem spots, let sit, then scrub.
• During reassembly, replace any gaskets, lower the cleaned blades into the jar, and attach to base. Plug back in safely.
• Take your time fully disassembling, cleaning by hand, and drying each component. Your patience pays off with a fresh, clean blender ready for more mixing.

Read also: How To Clean Your Refrigerator Effectively