How to Clean a Blender

If you’ve got questions about how to clean your blender, what to use to clean it, how often to clean it, etc. – this article has got you covered.

Cleaning a blender is actually quite a simple process and can really help keep your blender in tip-top shape if done regularly.

This article will go over a few different methods you can use to clean your blender, no matter what kind of blender you have or what condition it’s in.

Let’s get into it!

How Often Should You Clean Your Blender?

You should always clean your blender right after using it.

So, if you use your blender daily, or multiple times a day, you should clean it after each use. But don’t worry, cleaning a blender is actually very quick and easy – we’ll go over the best methods for simple and efficient daily blender cleaning below.

In addition to a quick cleaning after each time you use your blender, you should also deep-clean your blender every once in a while. A deep clean is also quite simple and should be done whenever your blender begins to show signs of buildup. (More on this later.)

Since every blender is different, the first step in cleaning your blender is to check your specific blender’s user manual. The manual will list any cleaning instructions or warnings to keep in mind.

Things like materials, or whether or not your blender can be disassembled, will be important to keep in mind when deciding which cleaning method is best to use.

When in doubt, assume your blender is not dishwasher-safe. (See this post for more information on if you can put a blender in the dishwasher.)

While using a dishwasher is one of the cleaning methods described below, I want to note that: even if your blender, or parts of your blender, are dishwasher-safe, avoiding using a dishwasher can actually help your blender last longer. For example, putting blender blades in the dishwasher can cause them to dull over time. Besides, the non-dishwasher methods listed below are so easy that there really isn’t the need for a dishwasher.

With that said, here are three straightforward methods of cleaning your blender after using it:

Method #1 – Blending soapy water

This is possibly the best cleaning method because it works for any blender.

Some blenders are more advanced than others and will come with some sort of cleaning setting that you can use for this method. But even if your blender doesn’t have any special self-cleaning settings, it can still blend and that is all that is needed for this method to work.

This method is especially great for getting food out from under and around the blades, where it is difficult to reach by hand and clean otherwise.

Note that this method works best when done right away after blending, before any food has time to stick or harden.

To use the blending method, follow these simple steps:

Rinse out your blender right after using it.
Fill pitcher up to 3/4 full with warm water and a drop of dish soap.
Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until clean. Can also use a pulse or self-clean button if your blender has one.
If needed, go in with a nonabrasive sponge and give it a scrub by hand (see method #2 below).
Rinse out and let drain.

Method #2 – Washing by hand

Another tried-and-true cleaning method that works with any blender – the good ol’ wash-by-hand.

Often, this method is best done in addition to the blending method (method #1 above). First, give it a quick blend, then go in with a sponge to get out any stubborn food that remains. With thick and/or sticky blends, the blending method probably won’t cut it on its own.

Again, it’s always best to wash or at least rinse your blender right after use to prevent food from sticking and hardening.

If possible, take apart the blades and gasket and wash these parts individually. These can be washed by hand more thoroughly when detached. Just make sure you know how to reassemble it properly once the parts are clean and dry.

With most pitchers, the blades do not get removed from the pitcher, so be careful with the blades when cleaning by hand. It’s a good idea to use the blending method first to help clean around the blades.

To wash your blender by hand, follow these simple steps:

Rinse out your blender right after using it. Optionally, blend soapy water for 30 seconds (see method #1 above).
Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and warm soapy water to give the pitcher a gentle scrub.
If possible, take apart the blades, gasket, etc. and wash individually by hand. Reassemble again once clean and dry.
Rinse out pitcher and let drain.

Method #3 – Dishwasher

Ah, the convenience of a dishwasher!

If your blender is dishwasher-safe (always check your blender’s manual), you can wash the dishwasher-safe components in the dishwasher. (See this post for more information.)

The only downside to using a dishwasher to frequently clean your blender, is that it can cause certain blender parts, like the blades and gasket, to wear down over time. To minimize the potential wearing-down of these parts, stick to these general best practices:

Place parts on top rack only (where possible)
Use mild, non-abrasive detergents
Use gentle cycle (not too hot or too long)

To clean your blender in the dishwasher, follow these simple steps:

Rinse out your blender right after using it.
Check your blender’s instruction manual for if you should take parts apart, and which parts are dishwasher-safe.
Put only the dishwasher-safe parts in the dishwasher (generally on the top rack).
Any other components (ex: motor base) can be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge.

How to Deep Clean a Blender

Even with frequent/regular cleaning, the inside of your blender will likely develop some buildup over time.

If you’ve noticed that your blending container and/or blades have a sort of foggy, dull, cloudy, or whitish appearance, that is likely a result of the inevitable accumulation of mineral deposits and tiny food particles over time. Also, with plastic pitchers, the plastic tends to get scratched over time, allowing for more food and mineral buildup, adding to the foggy film on the container.

This is when you’ll want to deep clean your blender. A deep clean is only needed every month or so, depending on how frequently you use your blender and how well you keep up with standard daily-use cleanings.

Deep cleaning your blender is actually also a very quick and efficient process, much like the standard cleaning methods previously mentioned.

The main difference between deep cleaning and the standard cleaning methods, is the products used. Instead of just soap and water, for a deep clean you will also want to use one or both of the following:

Vinegar or lemon (the acidity will kill any lingering residue and bacteria, and help remove stains)
Baking soda (a mild abrasive for getting stuck food particles out of the nooks and crannies of your blender)

I love using these natural cleaners for deep cleaning a blender, because they are very safe and they do the trick!

Important note: you don’t want to scrub too much when using baking soda as it is an abrasive that can lead to further scratches if overdone, especially with plastic pitchers.

Here’s how to deep clean your blender with vinegar:

Fill pitcher up to 3/4 full with a mixture of warm water and ~1/2 cup white vinegar.
Let soak for at least 15 minutes. Can even leave it to soak overnight.
Give it a blend on high for 30 seconds.
If needed, go in with a soft sponge and scrub any particularly foggy areas by hand (see method #2 above).
Rinse thoroughly and let drain. Optionally use standard blending method as well (see method #1 above).

Instead of vinegar, you can also use lemon:

Chop up a lemon into chunks (small enough for your blender to chop through the chunks), and add to pitcher with enough water to cover the lemon.
Blend on high for 30 seconds.
Rinse and let drain.

Here’s how to deep clean with baking soda:

Fill pitcher up to 3/4 full with warm water and ~2 tbsp of baking soda.
Blend on high for 30 seconds.
If needed, go in with a soft sponge and scrub any particularly foggy areas by hand (see method #2 above).
Rinse thoroughly and let drain. Optionally use standard blending method as well (see method #1 above).

Tip: if possible, disassemble parts for a deeper clean.

Conclusion

Three simple ways to regularly clean your blender include:

blending soapy water
washing by hand
washing in the dishwasher

You can also occasionally give your blender a deep clean using:

vinegar or lemon
baking soda

Let me know in the comments – which method do you use to clean your blender? I’d love to hear what works for you!