Getting your blender sparkling clean can take some elbow grease, but not with this sneaky method. Even residue from sticky blends such as peanut butter and honey is no match for this simple blender cleaning hack.
While many blenders are dishwasher-safe, some aren't and you can do real damage by running blender parts through that hot wash cycle. Instead of scrubbing your blender or taking it apart, use the blenders own motor to clean even the nittiest-grittiest parts of the blender canister and lid in seconds.
Here's the best and fastest way to get your blender sparkling clean with no scrubbing involved.
The best way to clean your blender
For starters, the best thing you can do after using your blender is clean it right away. Letting food or other liquids sit and dry will only make cleaning it more difficult. As soon as you're done blending, move the contents into another carafe, cup or serving dish.
Save your elbow grease for something else and use the blenders own motor to clean it out.
To clean a blender:
1. Fill the blender halfway with hot water from the tap or a kettle.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap to the carafe. (Optionally, add half a lemon.)
3. Pop on the lid and run the blender on high for one to two minutes.
4. Pour the contents into the sink.
5. Rinse the carafe and lid in the sink with warm water.
6. Fill the carafe once more with hot or warm water.
7. Place the carafe back on the blender base and run it for another minute.
8. Rinse the lid and carafe once more and set aside to dry.
9. If there is anything still stuck you may have to run a sponge over it lightly and rinse. Try not to use a metal scrubber as it will scratch the plastic.
For tall blenders, a cheap handled sponge will make your life easier in getting those pesky leftover bits and save those knuckles from the sharp blades.
If you do this each time you use your blender, you shouldn't need to deep-clean and scrub it every time.
Note: Some blenders have a cleaning preset that you should use each time you run it in the steps outlined above. It'll often employ the pulse function coupled with some high-speed blending to help break any sticky bits free from the sides and crevices.
Some foods you blend will be more difficult to clean, such as thick contents or food that has dried inside the carafe. These will ultimately need to be scrubbed, and it's not a bad idea to hand-wash the blender every few uses or so. But thanks to this quick cleaning tip, you can use your blender more often without dreading the cleanup.
For more kitchen cleaning tips, see how to get scorched stains out of your best cookware and read our ultimate guide to cleaning your grill this summer.