The Easiest (and Safest) Way to Clean a Blender

 It doesn’t matter if you own an inexpensive blender or you splurged for a top-of-the-line Vitamix 5200 (the winner of our high-end blender review), one thing all blenders have in common is how much of a hassle they are to clean. From the narrow pitcher to the sharp blades at the bottom, it can feel impossible to get this appliance sparkling again. And not all blenders have detachable bottoms, which certainly helps make things simpler.

We’ve got the solution with a supersimple trick to keep your blender clean without the fuss.

Your dishwasher might seem like the obvious choice. But even if your blender pitcher and parts have been labeled dishwasher-safe, they can still warp (and even shrink!) with enough clanking around in the dishwasher. 

Blender jars and cups are typically made from plastic or glass. Like any other porous surface, these can degrade, scuff, and stain over time. The rubber gaskets (those thin sealing rings that keep the liquids in the cup) are especially prone to wear in the dishwasher. A compromised gasket is sure to cause leaks, and you want all that Limoncello to make it to your glass.

If it seems like a hassle to hand wash, this method will make the process easier (and keep your fingers safe in the process). It’s best to do this right when you’re finished using the blender, before whatever tasty treat you blended up starts to dry and harden.

1. Fill your blender jar halfway with hot water.
2. Add 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap and blend for 20-30 seconds. 
3. If necessary, repeat once or twice more with hot water only.

You may need to finish the job with a little elbow grease. If so, unscrew the bottom of the jar and hand wash with a sponge or use a handled scrub brush for one-piece jar models. Then, simply rinse once more and allow to dry before storing. 

Photo: Jill Ferry/Moment Open via Getty Images