How To Deep Clean A Blender | Soak + Scrub Method

A deep clean requires disassembling the jar and soaking parts in hot water with dishwasher detergent, vinegar, or baking soda for 10–60 minutes before scrubbing and air drying.

A blender that smells like last week’s smoothie or shows a ring of dried pulp under the blades isn’t just unappetizing — gunk around that bottom gasket can trap bacteria and shorten the motor’s life when buildup blocks airflow. The full disassembly-and-soak method costs about ten minutes of active time and leaves every surface food-safe again.

What You Need For A Deep Clean

The supplies are pantry staples. Grab a non-scratch sponge or soft brush, a bottle brush for tight corners, and one of these cleaning agents:

• Powdered dishwasher detergent (1–2 tablespoons) — the most effective at cutting greasy residue.
• White vinegar (enough to make the soak water acidic) — good for mineral deposits and mild odors.
• Baking soda (2–3 tablespoons) — gentle abrasive and deodorizer.
• Lemon juice — alternative deodorizer, works well paired with baking soda.

Avoid steel wool, wire brushes, or any harsh scouring pad — they scratch the plastic jar and create crevices where bacteria hide.

Step-By-Step: The Disassembly + Soak Routine

Step 1 — Unplug And Disassemble

Unplug the blender completely. Remove the jar from the motor base, then take off the lid, gasket (the rubber ring under the blade assembly), and the blade assembly if your model allows. Set the gasket aside — it’s the part most people forget and the one that holds the worst smells.

Step 2 — Soak The Removable Parts

Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water (not boiling, which can warp plastic) and add your chosen cleaner. For detergent, dissolve 1–2 tablespoons in 1–2 cups of hot water before adding the rest. For baking soda or vinegar, 2–3 tablespoons or enough to acidify the water is plenty.

Submerge the jar, lid, gasket, and blade assembly. Soak for 10–60 minutes. For stuck-on stains or lingering odors, letting everything sit overnight is fine — the longer soak breaks down cooked-on residue that brief cleaning misses.

Step 3 — Scrub Gently, Rinse Thoroughly

Remove each part and scrub with your non-scratch sponge. Pay special attention to the underside of the blade assembly and the gasket groove. A bottle brush reaches the narrow bottom corners of the jar. Rinse every part under running water until no suds or cleaner residue remains — leftover detergent leaves a soapy taste in your next drink.

Step 4 — Air Dry Completely

Place all parts on a clean dish towel or drying rack. Let them air dry fully before reassembling — moisture trapped under the gasket is the main cause of mold growth between deep cleans. Once dry, reassemble and store.

Daily Maintenance Between Deep Cleans

A nightly hot-water rinse cuts the need for full soaks to once every two to four weeks. Fill the jar halfway with hot water, add 1–3 drops of dish soap, run on high speed for 30–60 seconds, then rinse and air dry. For a smell-fighting version, grind a whole lemon (peel and all) in hot water — the oils deodorize the jar and blades.

What NOT To Do

The motor base, cord, and any electrical components must never be submerged or placed in a dishwasher. Wipe the base with a damp cloth only. For portable or personal blender cups, use room-temperature or cold water — hot water can damage the seals in those smaller containers.

Brand-Specific Notes

The soak-and-scrub approach works on any blender, but each brand’s documentation suggests small tweaks:

• Blendtec: Dissolve 1–2 tablespoons powdered dishwasher detergent in hot water and soak for one hour. To kill odors, grind a whole lemon. Avoid bleach unless the jar is badly stained — six squirts of bleach mixed in water, sit for five minutes, then rinse very well.
• Breville: After the routine hot-water rinse, separate the jar, lid, gasket, and blades for a deeper vinegar soak — 10–15 minutes in warm water with a splash of vinegar, then scrub with a soft brush. A final lemon-and-vinegar rinse refreshes the jar.
• KitchenAid: Run a cleaning blend on high power — either ¼ cup warm water plus ¾ cup white vinegar, or ¼ cup baking soda plus ¼ cup warm water. For daily tidying, fill the jar halfway with warm water and 1–2 drops of dish soap, run high for 15–20 seconds, then rinse.