Blender Hygiene: Best Practices for Safe Cleaning

Blenders are a staple in UK kitchens, used for soups, sauces, smoothies, and cocktails. Proper and safe cleaning is vital for maintaining hygiene, reducing contamination risks, and ensuring the appliance’s longevity.

Food hygiene and safety experts High Speed Training share the best ways to clean blenders to ensure they are running at their best.

Rachel Gordon, food safety researcher at High Speed Training, said: “You should clean a blender jug, bottle, lid, and blades after every use. The quicker you clean these components, the less likely they are to develop build-up, ensuring that the blender remains hygienic and energy-efficient. How regularly you clean the base and gasket can vary depending on the frequency of use and setting.

“Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning your blender, and avoid harsh, non-food safe chemicals. It’s also important to ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembly to avoid bacteria growth and prevent electrical damage.”

Blender bases tend to house the main electrical component of a blender, so it’s important that you never fully submerge the base in water. To clean a blender base, unplug and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Don’t forget to wipe the cord clean at the same time.

Blender blades are very sharp, so caution should be exercised at all times when cleaning them. Blender blades tend to be housed within the jug or lid of a blender and often can’t be separated. If they can be removed, then they can be washed using warm water and soap or put in the dishwasher if appropriate.

To clean fixed blender blades and the jug itself, fill the jug about halfway with warm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Reattach the jug to the blender and run it for 5-10 seconds, using the ‘pulse’ setting if available for controlled bursts. Afterwards, empty the jug and thoroughly rinse away any soapy residue.

If the blades remain dirty, repeat the process. While some blender blades may be dishwasher safe, it’s best to check the manual first. If you need to clean the blender gasket, you can do so in warm soapy water.

Can You Put a Blender in the Dishwasher?

Rachel continues: “Some blender components can be put into the dishwasher, such as the jug, bottle, lid, or blades. It’s important that you check the manufacturer’s instructions first to see whether your particular model can be put in the dishwasher. If your blender can be put in the dishwasher, you should separate all components where possible to ensure that each section is washed thoroughly.”

“You should never put the base of a blender in the dishwasher. This is because it contains the main electrical components of a blender, and the water from the dishwasher will damage these parts.”

For more information on this, and hundreds of other free articles and resources, visit the High Speed Training Hub