How to Clean a Blender Safely, According to Kitchen Experts

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.

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.”

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:

1. Unplug the blender before cleaning.
2. Remove any detachable parts, such as the lid and base.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Rinse with clean water.
6. Wipe the blender base with a soft, damp cloth, taking care to keep moisture away from the motor. 
7. 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.”