Sticky foods like nut butter, dates, thick sauces, and dough can leave a stubborn coating inside a blender. The easiest approach is to loosen the residue before trying to scrub it.
What You’ll Need
- Warm water
- A few drops of dish soap
- A soft sponge or dish brush
- A clean towel
How to Clean a Blender After Making Sticky Foods
1. Scrape Out the Excess
Before adding water, use a spatula to remove as much of the sticky food as possible. This keeps large amounts of residue from going down the drain and makes the rest of the cleaning easier.
Be careful around the blender blades.
2. Add Warm Water and Dish Soap
Fill the blender jar with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Don’t use boiling water, especially if the blender manufacturer’s instructions advise against it.
3. Blend Briefly
Secure the lid and run the blender on a low setting for a short time. The soapy water helps loosen food stuck around the blades and sides of the jar.
Unplug the blender before handling the blade assembly or reaching into the jar.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Pour out the dirty water and rinse the jar several times with clean water. Check around the blade area and underneath the lid, where sticky foods can hide.
5. Wash Stubborn Spots
If residue remains, use a soft sponge or dish brush with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the blender jar.
For dried-on food, let the jar soak in warm, soapy water for a while before scrubbing.
6. Dry Everything
Rinse away all soap and let the blender jar and lid air-dry completely, or dry them with a clean towel if the manufacturer’s care instructions allow it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let sticky food dry completely if you can avoid it. Dried residue is much harder to remove.
Don’t use your fingers around the blades. Even when the blender is off, the blades can cause cuts.
Don’t submerge the motor base. Wipe the base with a damp cloth instead, following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Don’t rely on hot water alone. Dish soap helps break up greasy or sticky residue much more effectively.
The Best Time to Clean a Sticky Blender
Clean the blender soon after use. A quick rinse and soapy-water cleaning while the residue is still soft can prevent a much bigger scrubbing job later.