Maintaining a clean blender isn’t just about looks—it's a key factor in ensuring optimal performance and longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essential steps and cleaning methods for maintaining your Vitamix blender, helping you unlock the secrets to blender cleanliness and maintenance.
What Kind of Blender Do You Have?
This guide will cover how to clean a countertop blender, which consists of a clear container that sits on top of a motor base. Vitamix also makes an Immersion Blender, which is cleaned differently. The wand of the Vitamix Immersion Blender is dishwasher safe.
Safety Note
Before delving into the cleaning process, a quick note about safety. While Vitamix blender blades have a relatively dull rather than sharpened edge, it's crucial to exercise caution during cleaning efforts inside the container. Use a long-handle brush to keep a safe distance between your hand and the blades.
Basic Blender Cleaning
The fastest, easiest way to clean your blender container is to let the machine do most of the work for you.
Rinse Immediately: After use, rinse the blender jar or container with warm water to prevent food residue from drying.
Blend with Soap: For a quick clean, blend warm water with a few drops of dish soap for one minute, or run the self-cleaning program.
Wipe the Base: Use a damp cloth to wipe the blender base, ensuring no food or liquid residue is left behind.
Turn the container upside down to air dry.
Deep cleaning your blender after each use can help with blender maintenance, keeping it in pristine condition.
Handling Tough Residue
Tackling stubborn residue is a common challenge, especially if you didn’t rinse the container immediately after using, or you’re blending oily recipes like salad dressing or nut butter. Start by following the basic blender cleaning instructions above, more than once if necessary. If there is still residue in the container, use a dish brush with a handle and soapy water to clean the rest of the residue.
Is Your Vitamix Blending Container Dishwasher Safe?
Earlier blender models came with containers that were not dishwasher safe. However, newer blending containers can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Check your Owner’s Manual to determine which you have.
Cleaning a Cloudy Vitamix Container
Over time, your Vitamix might develop a white film that gives the container a cloudy appearance, leaving you questioning the cleanliness of your blender. Even with vigorous scrubbing, it can be challenging to get rid of it.
No need to panic—your blender isn't dirty, scratched, or permanently stained. The filmy residue is a natural outcome of regularly blending mineral-rich fruits and vegetables. If you have hard water in your area, that might contribute to the film as well.
So, how do you clean a cloudy blender? It's a straightforward process.
First and foremost, the most effective way to prevent a cloudy film from forming is to make it a habit to wash your Vitamix after every use and avoid letting residue sit in it. If a film does appear, here's how to remove it.
Pour one cup of white vinegar into the container.
Fill the container halfway with warm water.
Let the container soak in an upright position for several hours or overnight.
Pour out the contents and use a soft pot scrubber to clean any remaining residue.
Note: Avoid abrasive cleaning tools to prevent permanent scratches on your container.
If the vinegar method doesn’t work, make a paste out of baking soda and water. Using a soft cloth, apply the paste to the inside of the container in a circular motion. (Be sure to avoid the blade!) It may take some time and elbow grease, but your effort should pay off.
What if the Container Is Stained Yellow?
If you've made curry or blended turmeric in your Vitamix, your blender jug may have acquired a yellow stain. An easy remedy that we’ve found to be effective is to simply place your container in direct sunlight for a few days, letting the sun's natural bleaching effect work to fade the stain.
Cleaning Blender Accessories
Beyond the main components, proper care for blender lids, tamper, and other accessories and attachments is important. Blender lids and tampers are both dishwasher safe, as are many accessories and attachments. Check your Owner’s Manual to determine if an accessory or attachment is dishwasher safe.
Keeping your blender clean plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and longevity. This guide has covered essential steps for cleaning your Vitamix blender, focusing on both basic cleaning practices and addressing specific challenges like tough residue and cloudy containers. By following the recommended cleaning procedures, you can keep your Vitamix in great condition for years to come.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
How often should I clean my blender?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage. For daily users, a quick rinse and wipe after each use are recommended, while a more thorough cleaning routine can be implemented weekly.
Can I put my blender parts in the dishwasher?
Some Vitamix blending containers are dishwasher safe. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for more information.
Is it safe to use baking soda to clean my blender?
Yes, a paste of baking soda and water can help clean a cloudy container.
What should I do if my blender is leaking?
If your blending container is leaking, reach out to the Vitamix Customer Care team at 1-800-VITAMIX.
Is it safe to blend hot liquids in my blender?
Consulting your Owner’s Manual for specific safety guidelines, but generally hot (but not boiling) liquids are ok to blend in a Vitamix container as long as it has a vented lid.
Can I use vinegar to clean a blender?
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean your dirty blender container.
Can you wash mold out of a blender?
Yes, follow the cleaning instructions above to clean the container until all traces of mold are gone.