Blenders are vital tools for every functional kitchen and an essential item any health-conscious individual needs to have among their kitchen wares. A blender allows you to get innovative and adventurous even at rush hours because of how simple and necessary they are in operation and functionality. Here explain how to clean a blender step by step.
An exciting feature that makes a blender stand out from all the other kitchen wares is that they are straightforward to use and function on electric current. Unless we are talking about industrial-grade blenders with a unique technological operating method, most home blenders are easily operated by turning on and off a button or knob.
Another critical reason every household should have a blender is it enables you to blend healthy smoothies, purees, and other natural nutritional requirements that are perfect for every morning. Apart from making smoothies, a blender lets you improve your culinary skills in a short and rewarding moment.
Despite all the advantages a blender possesses, there is still one significant disadvantage, i.e., the cleaning part after use. Although some blenders are dishwasher-safe, some have to be cleaned manually, especially the blender’s blades. However, this article will help you with some essential tips on cleaning a blender with ease.
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How to Clean the Jar and Motor Base of a Blender
Before rushing to clean the blades of your blender first, we recommend you know how to clean the motor base and carafe or jar of your blender also before moving to the blades. Start by filling the carafe half-way through with warm water and add a few drops of liquid dishwasher soap or lemon juice.
Turn on your blender to its lowest speed setting and let it blend for about 30 seconds. Lastly, pour the mixture out, rinse, and allow your blender air dry. An alternative to lemon juice is apple cider or vinegar- they function great in removing stubborn stains.
To clean the motor base, all you need is a simple towel, preferably a microfiber and a bit of enzyme-based liquid dishwashing soap. The purpose is not to wash the bottom but to lightly scrub the base with the dampen towel you will use to clean it.
How to Clean the Blades of a Blender
The blades of a blender are one of the most crucial parts of this machine. Most high-end blenders use six stainless steel blade systems, but some cheap blenders have only 3-4 blades without auto-cleaning features. Regular cleaning of your blender’s blade keeps it sharp and hygienic.
In some cases, depending on the blender’s design, the blades will be clean by the end of carafe cleaning because the mixture you used rinsed the blades as well. But if that is not the case with your design and the blades are still dirty, you will have to remove them manually to clean them separately using a mixture of mild dishwasher soap or vinegar and hot water. Remember to dry with a towel after washing.
Do not let ingredients dry on the blades because they become more challenging to whip off. We recommend doing yourself a favor and tackle you blender cleaning straight away. A drop of dish soap and warm water is all it takes to keep them clean and even hygienic.
Overall Step by Step Instructions on How to Clean a Blender
Depending on the design of your blender, you might have to disassemble the blending jar compartment to enable you to clean the blades, gasket, and base to truly clean your blender both inside and outside.
Supplies Needed
- Mild liquid dishwashing soap (preferably one with the enzyme-protease)
- Sponge, towel or a simple dish rag
- Baking soda (optional)
Step 1: Disassemble the Blender
- Start by unplugging the blender from the power source unit
- Remove the blending jar compartment from the motor base, remove the lid of the jar
- Unscrew the blending jar’s base and be careful doing this because of its sharp blades
- Remove the blades and gasket seal
Step 2: Wash the Jar
- Wash the jar with a mixture of warm water and mild enzyme-based liquid dishwasher using a sponge, towel or a simple dish rag
- Rinse thoroughly and dry
You can also wash the jar of a blender in a dishwasher, although manually cleaning with your hands is faster and reduces the risk of plastic/glass etching.
Step 3: Wash Other Small Parts
Other small parts like the gasket seal, blades, and locking ring or jar base also need whipping up.
- Use a mixture of warm water and mild enzyme-based liquid dishwasher to wash the cutting blade, gasket seal manually, and locking ring.
- Remember to watch out for the sharp edges of the blades.
- Rinse and dry the parts thoroughly
Step 4: Clean the Blender Motor Housing
Because the motor is electrical, never submerge it in water and do not put it is not put it in a dishwasher either to avoid damaging it or worst, electrocuting yourself.
- Wipe down the blender motor housing with a warm and damp towel
- Avoid scratching with a sharp object.
- Remember to wipe the cord as well and also check for damage.
Step 5: Reassemble the Blender
- Start by coupling the gasket seal and blades to the blending jar compartment
- Ensure all parts are sturdy and won’t leak
- Attach and screw the jar to the base and cover the lid
- Test run the blender empty and store in a cool, dry place.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Blender Fresh and Clean Always
In addition to the general tips we highlighted earlier, we recommend checking your user’s manual for other cleaning recommendations.
- The majority of new blender lids can separate into two pieces. Separate and clean them individually as this will get rid of any stuck-on food residue in the lid’s crevices.
- Plastic and glass blending jar can scratch when washing in a dishwasher, because of this, hand-washing is much safer to keep your blender jar sparkling clean.
- To clean a smelly blender, we recommend blending a mixture of warm water and baking soda in the blender. Then allow the mixture to sit in the blender for 5-10 minutes before washing correctly.
- Avoid storing the blender with moisture in it to avoid corrosion of the blades.
Importance of Cleaning a Blender
If you love juice, purees, and smoothies, your blender most likely works every morning. But the question is how much cleaning it gets after use. Proper and thorough cleaning is vital to maintain your appliance, and prevent bacterial growth from leftover food residues or ingredients that get stuck underneath the blades and in other nooks and crannies at the base of your blender’s jar.
Fluids and other liquids can drip down into the crevices at the base to the jar, promoting bacterial and fungal growth. Therefore, cleaning a blender can be quite a headache, especially when you’re trying to whip up a smoothie, sauce, or thick batter after use. It even gets worse if you’re using ingredients highly organic in nature like nuts, butter, protein powders, or oils. Luckily, this article will solve all those worries with our simple steps.
Conclusion
When purchasing a blender for the first time, you must examine the geometry of its jar. Try avoiding blenders with non-detachable blades in tapered or narrow blending jars because ingredients under the blades are usually quite hard and dangerous to get out during cleaning. Those with straight-sided jars and wide bases are easiest to clean blenders with a simple cleaning brush. Some jars have a concave bottom that helps prevent ingredients from getting stuck underneath the blades.
Also, look for a model with a strong motor and removable blades that can be reattached back firmly to avoid leaking when blending. Cleaning a blender can be quite more involved than actually using it or tossing it into the dishwasher.
