I've owned my Vitamix blender for nearly nine years, and I can confidently say it's my most treasured kitchen appliance. I use it daily to make homemade nut butters, hummus, and pesto, and even grind up huge batches of Parmigiano Reggiano.
My trusty Vitamix was with me when I started feeding my three children solids. It made enough puree to feed a small army of hungry babies. It also helped me get my protein and nutrients by blending a daily smoothie to icy perfection. It’s safe to say I’d be lost without my Vitamix.
With all that culinary deliciousness comes a lot of mess, but luckily, the Vitamix (and any brand of blender) is a breeze to clean as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. I spoke with Adam Wilson, Vitamix's senior director of culinary education, and I have some tips to share.
How to Clean Your Blender Like a Pro
Rinse the blender under running water to remove any stuck-on food debris. Water temperature is important. “Hot water is generally the best practice to help remove residue from the sides of blenders,” says Wilson. While your first instinct may be to use very hot water, hot water will help preserve your machine.
Then fill it halfway with lukewarm water. Add a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and close the lid.
It is important:The key is to use a small amount of dish soap! You might be tempted to add more, but don't, in my experience! Your blender is powerful, so it can turn a drop or two of dish soap into an incredible suds.
Some Vitamix machines have a cleaning setting you can use, but if you have an older model like me, you turn the machine on at the lowest speed. Slowly increase the speed to high and blend the soap and water mixture for 30 seconds or until the pitcher is filled with suds.
Then rinse it thoroughly with warm water until all the soap is gone. I like to air dry the pitcher upside down on a baking rack set over a kitchen towel (or you can use a dish drainer) so that there is airflow to allow the inside of the pitcher to dry completely.
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Is it safe to put your blender in the dishwasher?
It may be tempting to put your blender in the dishwasher, but it's not worth the risk. The high heat will damage the blender's components, especially if you have an older model. That said, Wilson says, “Currently, all of our traditional series and new blending containers are dishwasher safe.” Just check your specific Vitamix model or the specific brand you own before putting anything in the dishwasher.
How to clean deeper stains
Every now and then it's a good idea to give your blender a deep clean to remove stains. I do this once a quarter.
“Some herbs and spices (turmeric, curry, cloves, cinnamon, saffron, etc.) contain volatile oils that can stain the blender. When this happens, we recommend pouring equal parts water and white vinegar into the blender container. Let the container sit upright for several hours, then empty the contents and use a soft scrub brush to clean the inside of the container. Be careful when cleaning around the blade assembly. Keep in mind that it may take several attempts before the stain/discoloration is completely removed,” Wilson recommends.
Wilson advises not to worry if a film forms on your blender. “It's just a buildup of fibers and minerals.”
Think of it as a visual reminder of the fruits and greens your blender has helped you incorporate into your diet! If the cloudiness bothers you, you can use the same deep cleaning process described above to help remove the buildup.
Embrace the mess!
Wilson explains that cleaning the pitcher immediately after use can make things much easier, and he offers tips for making the most of the mess.
“After blending the nut butter, make a soup. This will help clean the oils from the container and add flavor to your dish.” I can’t wait to use this tip the next time I make homemade nut butter. The resulting goodness will work perfectly in my daily smoothie!
