How to Clean a Blender Guide

If you’re anything like me, your blender gets more action than your other kitchen appliances. When you invest in a high-quality blender for smoothies— taking care of it really does matter. I’ll teach you how to clean your blender—from quick daily cleaning to deeper resets so your trusty wellness buddy looks and feels brand new.

Quick Clean Blender Method

When you don’t have time for a full scrub, this three-step method keeps your blender nice and pretty.

1. Add soap and warm water: Fill the blender halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Blend: Secure the lid (trust me on this part!) and blend on high for 20–30 seconds.
3. Rinse well: Pour out the soapy water and rinse until clean.

This quick clean method works best if done right after pouring your smoothie to prevent any dried-on bits. I like to give mine a quick rinse before adding soap and water—just like pre-rinsing dishes before the dishwasher.

How to Clean Vitamix Blender

To clean a Vitamix blender, fill the container halfway with warm water, add a drop or two of dish soap, and blend on high for 30–60 seconds. For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste or vinegar soak, or scrub gently with a bottle brush. Always wipe the base with a damp cloth—no soaking!

How to Clean Nutribullet

An easy and efficient way to clean stuck-on ingredients is to fill your Nutribullet cup with warm water and dish soap, screw on the extractor blade and run your nutribullet for 20 to 30 seconds. This will loosen stuck-on ingredients, and with a light scrub and rinse, you’ll be finished cleaning your cup and blade.

How to Clean Ninja Blender

To clean a Ninja blender, blend warm water + a drop of soap on high for a quick self-clean. Hand-wash blades carefully with a brush and soapy water (the blades are crazy sharp!). Wipe the base with a damp cloth and dry everything before storing to minimize water spots.

Deep Cleaning Blender Method

When your blender jar sat for hours after blending your smoothie– it’s gonna need a deep clean to get off the food residue. Mineral deposits, oils, and smoothie stains can leave residue behind. Here’s how to bring back the shine:

• Baking Soda: Mix baking soda with water into a paste. Spread it on tough spots and let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub in circular pattern with a soft cloth. Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness cuts through buildup without scratching. Rinse well.
• Vinegar: Add 1 cup white vinegar to your warm soapy water, or soak the container in a half-and-half vinegar-water mix. It’s especially great for loosening stuck chia seeds or dried smoothie bits.
• Scrub Brush: Peanut butter lovers, take note—stubborn spots under the blades need a stiff brush and soapy water. Clean them well to prevent bacteria and buildup.

Base and Blender Blades

• Blades: I like to use the self-clean mode to tackle the blades. Yet if something is till stuck, try using a small cleaning brush and warm soapy water to scrub under and around the blender blades.
• Base: Wipe the outside of the blender base with a soft, damp cloth. Add a splash of vinegar, all-purpose spray or drop of dish soap if it’s greasy.

Cloudy Blender Container Cleaning Method

If your blender container has gone cloudy or streaky from blending mineral-rich produce (or having hard water). No worries—it’s not dirty! Use this two-step method to get the job done:

1. Baking soda scrub: Mix baking soda and water into a paste; scrub in circular motions with a soft cloth. Elbow grease wins! Rinse well and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.
2. Vinegar soak: Add 1 cup vinegar + warm water halfway. Soak overnight, scrub gently with a soft pad. Rinse well and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

A combination of baking soda and vinegar works best—scrub first, soak second, rinse well, and dry thoroughly. To avoid a cloudy container, quick-clean blender container immediately after using and make a deep clean a monthly ritual.