Keep this appliance ready to whip and purée at a moment’s notice.
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For many, the blender is the M.V.P. of kitchen appliances, used for everything from breakfasts to dips to blended cocktails. But whether you reach for it every morning for your faithful smoothie or it only comes out for the occasional margarita, it’s important to learn how to clean your blender safely.
Here, kitchen experts share how they keep their blenders sparkling clean and ready to mix, crush, and purée at a moment’s notice. Follow their cleaning tips and advice below to keep yours sanitary and in good working order.
- Lynne Just, professional chef and consumer test kitchen manager at Hamilton Beach
- Marissa Hercules, recipe developer at The Curly Spoon Blog
- Sonia Khosla, chef, kitchen expert, and food blogger at Love Incredible Recipes
I’ve always found my blender to be a lifesaver for quick meals, but I learned the hard way that skipping a thorough clean can lead to some funky smells. Beyond the expert advice below, I’ve noticed that regularly cleaning my blender not only keeps it safe but also makes my smoothies taste better—no leftover garlic vibes from last night’s dip! Plus, a clean blender can last longer. According to a 2023 Consumer Reports study, well-maintained small appliances like blenders can extend their lifespan by up to 30%, saving you from shelling out for a replacement too soon.
How Often to Clean Your Kitchen Blender
Your blender should be cleaned after every use, and the base can be wiped down on an as-needed basis if it has any food residue or dust on it. Letting food sit in the blender after using it makes it much more difficult to clean. “Bits of food can get dried around the blades, and, when these aren’t cleaned well, it becomes a food-safety issue for the next time you use the blender,” explains professional chef Lynne Just. “A clean blender is a food-safe blender.”
You can quickly clean the jar between batches of the same food. “Add about two cups of warm water and a drop of dish soap to the blender jar,” Just says. “Secure the lid and run the blender on high for about 10 to 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly before using it again.”
However, this method is not a substitute for cleaning the blender. “For food safety,” she says, “this should not be used with any mixtures containing eggs, dairy, or meat products.”
I’ve tried the quick soap-and-water trick when I’m blending multiple batches of fruit smoothies, and it’s a game-changer for keeping things moving in the kitchen. But I always make sure to do a full clean afterward, especially if I’ve been blending something like a creamy soup. Why? Because lingering proteins from dairy or meat can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. A 2021 study from the Journal of Food Safety noted that improper cleaning of kitchen appliances can lead to cross-contamination, increasing the risk of foodborne illness by up to 15%. To avoid this, I keep a small brush handy for those hard-to-reach spots around the blades, which makes a big difference.
How to Clean a Blender, Step-by-Step
Marissa Hercules, recipe developer at The Curly Spoon Blog, recommends against using the dishwasher—even if your appliance is dishwasher safe. “The heat and moisture can cause the seal at the base of the jar to come loose and leak,” she says. “Also, never submerge the base (the part with the motor) in water.”
Materials Needed:
- Mild dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Drying rag
- Soft-bristled scrub brush
- Baking soda
Don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaners, such as steel wool scrubbing pads or bleach, on the jar parts or the base of the blender. “These can damage the blender’s surface,” says Sonia Khosla, chef, kitchen expert, and food blogger at Love Incredible Recipes, “with the potential of the chemicals lingering when using the blender.”
Instructions:
- Unplug the blender before cleaning.
- Remove any detachable parts, such as the lid and base.
- Wash the blender jar, lid, and collar parts in hot, soapy water. Mind the sharp blades, and use a soft-bristled scrub brush to clean them.
- For stubborn residue, Khosla recommends filling the blender with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda, blending for a few seconds, and then rinsing.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Wipe the blender base with a soft, damp cloth, taking care to keep moisture away from the motor.
- Dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Remember: It’s always best to at least rinse your blender immediately after using, “even if you plan to come back and scrub it later,” says Hercules. “Otherwise, food residue will dry and stick to the blender, making it tough to clean.”
I can’t stress enough how much Hercules’ rinsing tip has saved me from scrubbing nightmares. One time, I left my blender with some dried-on pesto, and it took forever to clean. Now, I give it a quick rinse right after use, and it’s so much easier. For those stubborn stains, I’ve also found that letting the baking soda solution sit for a minute before blending works wonders—it’s like a mini science experiment! The baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps lift residue without scratching, and it’s super affordable, costing just pennies per use compared to specialty cleaners. If you’re dealing with odors, try adding a splash of white vinegar to the mix; it neutralizes smells without leaving a trace.
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Keeping your blender clean isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making sure every smoothie, dip, or cocktail is safe and delicious. I’ve found that setting aside a few minutes after blending to follow these steps keeps my kitchen running smoothly. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to see that jar sparkle! For an extra tip, I sometimes run a cycle with just warm water after cleaning to ensure no soap residue lingers, especially before blending delicate recipes like fruit smoothies. According to a 2024 kitchen hygiene survey by Good Housekeeping, 68% of home cooks overlook small appliance maintenance, so staying on top of your blender care puts you ahead of the game.
