Blender Cleaning Made Easy

Everyone hates cleaning, but blender cleaning does not have to be such a chore if you stay on top of it. It can also help prolong the life of your blender.

Blenders are a very common, small household appliance. It is very rare to walk into someone's home and not see one sitting on the counter. The size, style and features may vary, but they all serve similar, general purposes. If you have just recently purchased one or find yourself using it more frequently, you may be wondering how to clean a blender.

In this case, it really depends on the type of blender you have. Some of them have parts that are dishwasher safe and some do not. Before attempting any type of blender cleaning, you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions. There is usually a section in the user's manual that explains the proper ways to clean it. Following these will help you appropriately maintain it and make it last longer.

Hand Washing

If you do not have a dishwasher, there are some safe ways to wash certain parts and ensure their safety. If you are in doubt as to what is dishwasher safe and what is not, your best bet is to probably wash all removable parts by hand. The safest way to do this is by using hot water with a mild dish detergent. You should scrub gently, to make sure you remove all food particles. One this is done, all parts should be dried thoroughly, before reassembly.

Such items as seals and rubber gaskets should always be washed by hand, in warm water. Hot temperatures, such as those that occur in a dishwasher, can cause them to break down and deteriorate. While you can purchase replacements, why spend the money if you do not have to? A little extra care is all it takes to avoid this problem.

Using A Dishwasher

If the manufacturer's instructions on blender cleaning say so, then several parts are usually dishwasher safe. This can include the carafe, lids and blades. In most cases, to ensure proper blender cleaning, it is advisable to rinse them first. This helps remove loose or stuck on particles of food. Not all dishwashers have a powerful enough spray to remove such substances.

Killing All the Germs

The high temperatures used by a dishwasher can also help ensure the sterility of your blender parts. If you have used it for potentially dangerous foods, such raw meats, this is very important. Some meats can carry E Coli or salmonella. Preventing the spread of these and their accompanying health problems is vital. This is especially true if you frequently use your blender for things that are not cooked before they are consumed.

These dangers can also be present with some vegetables, especially those grown in the ground. This can include potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, radishes and several others. If you use your appliance with any of these, they should be washed prior to their use. That, plus proper washing of the blender afterwards will help mitigate any possible health risks.

For pieces made of metal, glass or plastic, you can add a little bit of bleach to your dishwater. Bleach is a very effective way of killing most germs. Just make sure you rinse all the parts very thoroughly when done. You should also never place any rubber parts in bleach as it may also contribute to their deterioration.

Reassembly

Whether you scrub them by hand or use a dishwasher for some parts, be sure they are all dried completely. If they are not fully dried, before you reassemble the machine, this could create problems. Moisture on rubber gaskets could cause fluid leaks, because they will not seal properly. Damp parts can also easily slip from your grasp, when you are trying to operate it.

Other Important Tips

You should also remember to never immerse the base of the unit in any type of liquid. The base is considered the foundation, and it contains the motor and electrical parts. Even though the power cord is removable on some models, it is still not safe to get these parts wet. If it needs cleaning, some gentle wiping with a slightly damp cloth is more than enough to do the job.

Even though these small appliances do not cost as much as larger ones, you should take good care of them. With proper attention and maintenance you can get several years of use for a minimal investment. In today's economy the ability to stretch every dollar as far as possible is an important talent to have.

Knowing how to clean a blender will allow you to get many years of use out of it. Proper blender cleaning will also keep your family safe from any threat of dangerous bacteria. Blenders have many uses and are essential to performing most kitchen tasks. Whichever one you choose, you will be happy with your purchase.

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