How to Clean a Blender in 6 Quick Steps

Easy Methods to Wash the Base, Blades, and Jar

By
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 01/26/23
Reviewed by
Becky Rapinchuk
Becky Rapinchuk headshot, cleaning RB
Reviewed by Becky Rapinchuk

Becky Rapinchuk is a natural cleaning expert, home-keeping expert, and founder of the lifestyle brand, Clean Mama. She has published 4 best-selling books on cleaning.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
blender in a kitchen

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $5

If you love smoothies, purees, or juices, your blender probably sees a lot of use. But how much cleaning does it see? If your answer is "not enough," you're not alone. Cleaning a blender is a little more involved than scrubbing a saucepan or tossing something in the dishwasher. A good, thorough cleaning is important to maintaining the appliance, and it prevents bacteria growth from food residue that gets stuck in the nooks and crannies at the bottom of the blender jar.

To get your blender truly clean, you have to take apart the jar assembly and clean the gasket, blade (if possible), and base. Liquids can get down into the crevices and dry, cementing the base to the jar, and possibly promoting bacterial growth. Read on to learn the best way to clean a blender, including the base.

Tip

If you don't have time for a thorough cleaning, use this quick 30-second blender cleaning hack:

  1. Rinse out the blender jar
  2. Fill it less than halfway with warm water
  3. Add just a drop of dish soap
  4. Run the blender (with the lid on) for a few seconds on a low setting
  5. Dump the dirty water and rinse the jar

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sponge or dish rag
  • Large soaking bowl
  • Drying towel

Materials

  • Mild dish soap
  • Baking soda (optional)

Instructions

materials for cleaning a blender
​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  1. Take the Blender Apart

    • Unplug the blender unit
    • Remove the jar assembly from the blender base
    • Remove the jar lid
    • Unscrew the base of the jar (beware of the sharp blade)
    • Remove the gasket seal
    • Remove the blade (if it's detachable; some models have jars with permanently attached blades)
    a taken apart blender
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 

  2. Wash the Jar

    Clean the jar with warm soapy water and a dish rag or sponge. If the blade is permanently installed, stay safe and do not reach down to clean it with the rag or sponge. Rinse it thoroughly, then dry it carefully. The jar of the blender can also be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack, although hand-washing is faster and eliminates the risk of etching the glass or plastic. Washing the jar in the dishwasher will sanitize it.

    blender jar in soapy water
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Wash the Other Small Pieces

    Hand-wash the gasket seal, cutting blade (if it's detachable), and jar base (or locking ring). Soak the pieces in a large bowl of warm soapy water, and take care to watch the sharp edges of the blade. Rinse the parts thoroughly, then dry them. Check the owner's manual to see if you can wash the blade in the dishwasher for deep cleaning.

    blender parts in soapy water
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Run the Blender for Stuck-on Items

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

    blender with baking soda in it
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  5. Clean the Blender Base

    Always unplug the blender before cleaning the blender base. Never submerge the base in water. It is not safe to put it in the dishwasher, either. Wipe down the blender base with a warm, damp cloth. Remember to wipe down the cord periodically and check it for damage.

    cleaning the blender base
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  6. Reassemble the Blender and Store It

    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.

    putting the blender parts back together
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 

Tips for Keeping Blenders Clean and Fresh

In addition to the following general tips, check your owner's manual for special cleaning recommendations.

  • Many blender lids come apart into two pieces. Check your owner's manual to see if yours does. Take apart both pieces and clean them separately. It will get any stuck-on food in the crevices of the lid.
  • Glass and plastic jar blenders can be etched and scratched by washing in the dishwasher. Hand-washing is a quicker and safer way to keep your blender clean and looking nice.
  • Smelly foods can seem to linger in a blender. Prevent this by not storing items in the blender. If you have a smelly blender, blend equal parts baking soda and water in the blender. Then let the solution sit in the blender for five to 10 minutes before washing normally.
  • For stubborn stains or odors, clean a blender with vinegar by filling the jar halfway with equal parts of white vinegar and water. Then run the blender (with the lid on) for 30 seconds. Empty and rinse thoroughly.