How to Clean a Blender

Everybody loves smoothies. Who could resist the creamy blend of fresh fruit, juice, yogurt, and ice? What NO ONE enjoys is trying to clean up afterwards. Glass and plastic jar blenders can be etched and scratched by washing in the dishwasher. Hand-washing is quick, and a preferable way to keep your blender clean and looking nice. Here are some easy-to-follow instructions on how to clean a blender in approximately 10 minutes.

• 1)Take the blender apart.

Remove the blender from the base. Remove the lid. Unscrew the bottom component, being careful with the blade. Remove the gasket seal and the blade.

• 2)Wash out the body.

The jar of the blender is the main portion and where most of the cleaning will need to happen. Use warm soapy water and a dish rag or sponge. Rinse thoroughly. Dry carefully. The jar of the blender can also be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack, although hand washing is faster and reduces the risk of breakage and scratching.

• 3)Wash the other small pieces.

The gasket seal, cutting blade, and locking ring all need to be washed as well. Use warm soapy water and take care to watch the sharp edges of the blade. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

• 4)Run the blender on high to get stuck on items.

If your blender sat for a while without being cleaned, you may have some dried stuck on food to contend with. To make it easier on yourself, mix a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and water, and run it through the assembled blender. Dump out the solution. Take apart the blender. Follow the steps above for washing the components.

• 5)Clean the housing of the motor.

Wipe down the motor/base of the blender with a warm, damp cloth. Never submerge the motor/base in water. It is not safe to put in the dishwasher, either. A wipe-down is all it needs. Remember to wipe down the cord periodically and to check it for damage.

• 6)Reassemble the blender and put it away.

If you use your blender often enough, store it on your countertop or in another easily accessible location. If your blender only makes it out for special occasions, store it in a less accessible place.

Another notable fact is that a lot of blender lids come apart into two pieces. Make sure you check your owner's manual to see if yours does. Taking apart both pieces and cleaning separately will get any stuck on food in the crevices of the lid.

Hopefully your blender looks just like new after having completed the list. Completing this process periodically is all you need to maintain your appliance and keep smoothies in your life without creating too much hassle.