How to clean a blender thoroughly — including the self-cleaning trick that does it in 60 seconds.
⏱ 2 min readEasyUpdated May 2026
Quick Answer
The self-clean method: fill halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Blend on high for 30–60 seconds. Rinse. Done. For deep cleaning: disassemble the base, blade and gasket and wash individually.
The Self-Cleaning Method (60 Seconds)
1
Rinse the blender immediately after use
The easiest cleaning is done while the blender is still wet. Rinse out the jug with warm water immediately after use — this removes 90% of the residue before it can dry and stick.
2
Add warm water and dish soap
Fill the blender jug about halfway with warm water. Add one drop of dish soap. Do not overfill — you need room for the water to move.
3
Blend on high for 30–60 seconds
Put the lid on securely (hold it down with your hand for safety). Blend on high speed for 30–60 seconds. The soapy water scours the inside of the jug and the blade assembly, reaching all the surfaces your hand cannot.
4
Rinse thoroughly and leave to air dry
Pour out the soapy water, rinse with clean water, and leave upside down to air dry. Blending again with plain water for 15 seconds ensures all soap is rinsed out.
Deep Clean (Monthly or When Needed)
5
Disassemble the blade assembly
Remove the jug from the base. Unscrew the blade assembly from the bottom of the jug (if removable — most blenders allow this). Remove the rubber gasket/seal ring.
6
Wash each part separately
Wash the jug, blade unit and gasket in warm soapy water. Use a brush for the blade assembly — be careful of the sharp edges. Clean the rubber gasket thoroughly as food and mould accumulate in the grooves. Rinse well and dry before reassembling.
Never submerge the motor baseThe motor base contains electrical components and must never be submerged in water. Wipe it with a damp cloth only. Never put the motor base in the dishwasher.
Removing stubborn stainsFor discolouration from tomato-based sauces or turmeric: fill with warm water, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or baking soda, soak 15 minutes, then self-clean blend. Direct sunlight also bleaches stains out of clear plastic jugs over a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check your blender's manual. Many plastic and glass jugs are dishwasher safe, but the high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can cloud plastic jugs over time and degrade rubber gaskets faster. The self-cleaning method is gentler and just as effective for regular cleaning.
Soak the jug with warm water for 15–30 minutes to rehydrate the dried food. Then perform the self-cleaning blend with warm soapy water. For very stubborn dried residue, add a small amount of baking soda to the soaking water — the mild abrasiveness helps loosen it.