Cleaning & Care · September 25, 2026

How to Clean a Blender in 60 Seconds (and Deep-Clean It When You Need To)

The self-cleaning trick that works on almost any blender, plus how to deal with cloudy jars, lingering smells and gunk around the blade.

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Most people dread cleaning the blender more than using it. The good news: for everyday cleanup you barely need to touch it.

The 60-second self-clean

Do this right after you pour out your smoothie, before anything dries on.

1. Fill the jar about halfway with warm (not boiling) water.
2. Add one or two drops of dish soap. More than that and you’ll get a jar full of foam.
3. Put the lid on, start on low, then turn it up to high for 30–60 seconds.
4. Pour it out, rinse with clean water, and let the jar dry upside down.

That’s it for daily cleaning. The spinning blade scrubs the jar and the underside of the blade assembly better than a sponge can.

Why not hot water? Very hot liquid expands as it blends and can push the lid off. Warm tap water is plenty. If you ever blend hot soup, follow your manual’s instructions for hot liquids.

When the quick clean isn’t enough

Cloudy or filmy jar

A white, cloudy film is usually mineral deposits from hard water. Fill the jar halfway with equal parts warm water and white vinegar, let it sit for a few hours, then run the self-clean and rinse well.

Lingering smells (garlic, onion, protein powder)

Blend warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda for 30 seconds, let it stand for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. Drying the jar with the lid off also stops smells from building up.

Gunk around the blade

If your blender’s blade assembly comes off (many conventional and personal blenders do), take it out now and then and clean the gasket (the rubber ring). Food and moisture get trapped there. Blades are sharp: use a brush, not your fingers.

Can you put a blender jar in the dishwasher?

It depends on your model. Some jars and lids are dishwasher-safe (often top rack only). Others, especially some high-performance jars, are not, because the heat can cloud the plastic or damage the blade bearings. Check your manual. When in doubt, the self-clean method is gentler anyway.

Don’t forget the base

• Never put the motor base in water. Unplug it and wipe it with a damp cloth.
• Use a cotton swab or an old toothbrush for the crevices around the buttons and the drive socket.
• Make sure everything is completely dry before you use it again.

Quick recap