If you are a person that likes to make loads of smoothies, soups, salsas and other such foods and condiments, it is probably true that you use your blender all too often. Depending on the type of blender you have, it can be an easy task to clean it, or you could easily lose a finger to the blades. After lengthy use, however, it is important to actually deep clean the blender, removing each part, especially those that come into direct contact with food, and cleaning them piece by piece. So, how best should you go about it?
The best and most effective method of getting your blender deep cleaned is to take it apart piece by piece, and cleaning each one thoroughly. Seeing as there are different blender brands that come with different designs and make, you may need to have the manual with you so as to know what to remove when, and how to put it back. If, however, you do not have a manual with you, you will need to carry out each step carefully, taking note of what came from where.
Deep cleaning your blender – Step by-Step Guide
Below are the steps you need to take to get your blender clean all through.
Step 1: Disassemble your blender
As earlier mentioned, you are going to need to dismantle your blender to get it properly cleaned. However, this step does not involve the base that carries the electric components. Begin by disconnecting your blender from the power source if it is connected, then proceed to remove the pitcher (jug) and the lid.
Depending on the design and model of your blender, also unscrew the blade from the base and set aside to clean separately. When all the components have been removed, proceed to remove the gasket seal, as well as any other seals that could be on any other part of the blender.
Step 2: wash the blender jar (pitcher)
To get the jar properly cleaned, be sure to use warm water. Add a couple drops of dish soap and grab a dish sponge or rag. Make sure that you do not use tough material that could otherwise scratch the surface of the blender pitcher. Proceed to clean the jar thoroughly, making sure to reach every corner to retrieve any dirt that could have accumulated.
If you have a blender jar that is dish washer safe, you can toss it in there to get it cleaned. However, hand washing is a lot faster and more thorough since it allows you to pay extra attention to all parts. Also, it makes sure that you do not run the risk of damaging your pitcher.
Step 3: clean the smaller blender parts
Once you have cleaned the pitcher, proceed to wash the other smaller components. Have some warm water in a container and add some dish soap. Proceed to place these parts inside the water. Seeing as the smaller parts may hold on o dirt a bit longer, you can leave them to soak for 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it all comes lose.
You will need to pay extra attention to the gasket seal and any other seal there may be, making sure that you reach int tiny grooves that could hide food residue. When cleaning the blades, you need to be extremely careful, especially if your blades are sharp. Try as best as you can o clean beneath the blades where food could hide. If your dish sponge is too thick to reach, use something sharp like a tooth pick to get all residue out. Proceed to clean the lid, paying attention to places where food could hide.
When all these parts have been sufficiently cleaned, go on and rinse them in clean water, then use a clean absorbent kitchen towel to dry them.
Step 4: Clean the blender’s motor base
Seeing as this part of the blender cannot come into direct contact with water, it is important that you find a high absorbency cloth that remains damp when wringed. Place some warm water in a container. You can add baking soda and vinegar as they work to remove stubborn stains. Refrain from adding dosh soap since you may find getting that soapy layer off pretty hard once it dries.
When you have added the vinegar and baking powder, dip the cloth to allow it to absorb the liquid, then wring it out as hard as you can to make sure it remains damp. Proceed to wipe the motor base carefully, making sure to remove stains and any food residue that may have dried on the surface. Check for any dust under the motor base and clean the surface carefully.
When you are happy with how clean it is, clean the electric cord as well, making sure to wring the cloth completely. Before doing so, however, check for damage through the full length of the cord to make sure there are no exposed wires. If you find any, call an electronics expert for assistance and repair.
Step 4: Reassemble the blender
When all the parts are as clean as they ought to be, go on and reassemble the blender. Re-install the gasket ring where it should be, then refix the blades. Make sure that you put them back with loads of care since a bad re-installation could cause leaks in your next blend. Stash the motor base and pitcher into a cabinet separately as you await the next blending exercise.
Important cleaning tips for various blender parts
Blender part | Cleaning tip |
|---|---|
Pitcher | Avoid using a hard cleaning rag, hand wash |
Seals | Look for any dried food residue |
Blades | Clean beneath the blades with a tooth pick |
Motor base | Wring cloth completely |
Cord | Check for exposed wire, use damp cloth |
Conclusion
Any piece of kitchen equipment tasked with handling messy processes is bound to collect loads of dirt over time, and so it is important to have routine deep cleaning exercises. While a blender is not exactly huge, it can carry lots of dirt and food residue, making it necessary to deep clean it every once in a while. Be sure to be thorough, but also be certain not to hurt yourself in the process.
