A blender is a useful kitchen appliance for many reasons. You can make smoothies, pancake batter, pureed soup, and even nut butters with a blender. Blenders come in standard types, which include a blender jar with blades attached, or as a hand blender perfect for soup and puree! There are also portable kinds, which can go from blender to tumbler in a snap.
Regardless of the model of your blender, these appliances are bound to get dirty at some point. Regular use would build up stuck-on food residue, oils, and mold growth when a dirty blender is improperly cleaned. The blender blades make handwashing your blender tricky as well, and can be hazardous. However, there are ways to clean a blender - the easy way!
How to Clean a Blender
The blending function of your appliance makes it easy to clean your blender without having to touch the blades, or scrub any part of it! The fast, swirling action of the blender will dislodge any stuck-on food bits from the blades and blender walls, cleaning your blender the easy way!
What You'll Need
- Dish soap
- Water
Step 1: Fill the Blender Halfway with Warm Soapy Water
First, rinse out the blender jar, and fill it with warm water up to the halfway mark. Add a couple of drops of dish soap - avoid adding too much soap as the suds may overflow from the blender. Secure the lid of the blender carafe, and place it on the blender base. Plug in your blender.
Step 2: Clean Blender
Blend the soapy water solution. As the solution runs through the blender jug, it cleans the interiors as well as the blades. Make sure you have the lid on to prevent overflowing the blender. Let the appliance blend for at least 30 seconds to a minute.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Dump out the contents, and rinse the blender. Pat dry with a towel, avoiding the blades, or let it drip upside down to air dry. And voila - your blender is clean! Cleaning the blender the easy way helps remove food particles provided that you clean the blender immediately.
How to Clean a Blender Thoroughly
For a deeper clean, you will need to dismantle the blender. However, using a soft-bristled brush will help prevent any accidents from touching the blades. It is also important to unplug your blender before deep cleaning it, and to prevent soaking the base.
What You'll Need
- Dish soap
- Hot water
- Baking soda
- Half a lemon or Vinegar
- Scrub brush or Toothbrush
- Dry towel
- Damp cloth
Step 1: Unplug and Disassemble
The first step is always to unplug your blender before you proceed with any step. Doing so will prevent any accidents in case the blender goes off as you're cleaning it. Dismantle the jar from its base, and remove the lid. Detach any removable parts: the lid, the fill cap, the gasket seal, and the blades, if possible.
Step 2: Soak the Removable Parts
Mix hot water and dish soap in a large bowl, and soak the small pieces to soften any dried-up food bits. Place a similar cleaning solution into the jar of your blender. Let the parts sit and soak for at least one minute.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
Spot clean stubborn stains with baking soda and lemon juice. Sprinkle baking soda over half a lemon, and use it to scrub away stains until they're gone. Alternatively, you can create a paste with baking soda and the juice of half a lemon, and apply it to stained areas to clean them without scrubbing.
Step 4: Scrub Away the Dirt
Take a small brush, and scrub away the dirt from each part of your blender. Brush the mold spots out of the gasket seal, and scrub the inside of the fill cap as well. Keep the base of your blender clean by wiping it down with a damp cloth and a few drops of dish soap. Make sure to deep clean the blender from top to bottom.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Rinse each part with water, and dry with a towel before assembling back together. You may opt to air dry the parts as well. Drying the blender will keep it clean, and prevent bacteria growth. Store in a cool, dry place.
How to Clean a Hand Blender
Like a standard blender, the hand blender is a convenient tool that makes pureed soup, mashed potatoes, and even nut butters without the bulkiness of a blender carafe. Cleaning a hand blender is as simple, fast, and easy enough to do in two steps!
What You'll Need
- Dish soap
- Warm water - not hot water, as the water may splash and burn
- Narrow container
- Soft cloth
- White vinegar (optional)
- Scrub brush (optional)
Step 1: Cleaning the Blades
To clean the blades, take a narrow jar or container, and fill it halfway with soapy water. You may add white vinegar to kill mold growth, but this is optional. Rinse the blades, plug in your unit, and blend the soapy water solution to clean the blades. Rinse and dry the blades afterwards before storing it in a cool, dry location.
Step 2: Cleaning the Handle
To clean the handle, take a soft cloth or sponge, and dampen it with water. Add two drops of dish soap, and use the damp cloth to wipe the entire handle of your blender from the handle, all the way to the cord. Tie the cord securely, and store the handle along with the detachable blades in a cool, dry location.
Shake Up Your Cleaning
Your blender is just one appliance in your kitchen that needs frequent cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. Make your kitchen cleanup easier with our cleaning services Singapore. Book a cleaning appointment today!