Keeping your Vitamix blender clean is important for making delicious smoothies, soups, and more! A quick rinse after each use prevents buildup, but a deep clean every week or two keeps your blender running like new.
To keep your Vitamix in good condition, it is recommended to clean it after every use. This will help avoid clogging or damaging the container or blade.
Here’s a step by step guide on how to clean a vitamix blender as well as the blades, lids, container and lastly solving the cloudiness
Daily Cleaning: The Quick Clean Method
For those who use their Vitamix regularly, a quick clean is efficient to get rid of residue and keep the blender in good shape.
- Fill Halfway With Warm Water: After using your Vitamix, fill it halfway with warm water.
- Add a Drop of Dish Soap: A little goes a long way. Just a drop of your regular dish soap will do the trick.
- Blend on High for 30 Seconds: Place the lid securely and turn the blender on, gradually increasing the speed to its highest setting. Let it run for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse and Dry: Empty the soapy water and rinse the blender container with clean water. Afterward, invert the container on a drying rack or clean cloth to let it air dry.
Cleaning The Container
After each use:
- Rinse the container thoroughly with warm water, not hot.
- Place one to two drops of dish soap in your container and fill it halfway with warm water.
- Secure the lid with the lid plug in the locked position.
- Select the Clean setting and start the machine.
- Run on High for 30-60 seconds.
- Pour contents out and rinse thoroughly.
- Turn the container upside down and let air dry.
Deep Cleaning: Removing Tough Residues and Stains
Sometimes, ingredients like turmeric or beets can leave stubborn stains, or you might notice residue build-up. In such cases, a deeper clean is warranted.
- Prepare a Deep Cleaning Solution: Combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water.
- Let it Soak: Pour this solution into the blender, ensuring it covers the stained areas, and let it sit for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better.
- Scrub if Necessary: After soaking, if there are still stubborn spots, use a soft-bristled brush (like a bottle brush) to scrub them gently. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, as they can scratch the container.
- Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse out the vinegar solution and let the container air dry.
Cleaning the Lid and Lid Plug
The lid and lid plug can trap food particles and need regular cleaning.
- Separate the Pieces: Most Vitamix lids are made of two pieces – the main lid and the removable lid plug. Take them apart for a thorough wash.
- Soapy Water Wash: Using warm soapy water, scrub both pieces with a dish brush or sponge.
- Rinse and Dry: Thoroughly rinse both parts and set them aside to air dry.
Eliminating The Cloudiness
If your Vitamix blender container has developed a cloudy film, there are several methods to clean it.
Here are some of the most effective ways:
- Pour one cup of white vinegar into the container. Fill the container half-full with warm water. Let the container soak in an upright, standing position for several hours or even overnight. Pour the contents out and rinse thoroughly.
- Mix two tablespoons of dish detergent powder with an almost-full blender of hot water. After blending on high for a minute or two, pour out the contents and rinse thoroughly.
- Use a Magic Eraser to scrub the container. Wet the Magic Eraser and scrub the container in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.
- Hand wash the container with a sponge, ammonia, Windex, or strong dish soap with hot water. Rinse well and let it air dry.
- Run the unit on high for a couple of minutes. Add dish soap and hot water. Run it again. Dump out the contents and fill it again with warm/hot water.Run it again. Pour contents out and rinse thoroughly. Turn the container upside down and let air dry.
It is important to regularly wash your Vitamix after every use and avoid letting residue sit in your Vitamix to delay the onset of the cloudy film1.
Cleaning Under the Blade
Food particles can occasionally get trapped under the blades. Here’s how to tackle that:
- DO NOT Remove the Blade: The blade is not designed to be removed for cleaning. Attempting to do so can damage your Vitamix or cause injury.
- Use a Scrub Brush: Instead, get a long, narrow scrub brush to reach under the blades and scrub away any trapped particles.
- Rinse: Once done, give it a quick rinse to wash away any dislodged food.
Caring for the Base
The motor base is the heart of your Vitamix. While it doesn’t need as frequent cleaning, it’s essential to keep it free of residues.
- Unplug the Blender: Always unplug the unit before cleaning to ensure safety.
- Wipe Down: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the base to remove any spills or splatters.
- Check the Drive Socket: This is where the container sits on the base. Periodically check it for food particles and wipe as necessary.
Monthly Maintenance
- Inspect the Seal: The seal or gasket on the base of the blender container should be inspected for wear or damage. If it appears degraded, consider replacing it.
- Check Blades for Dullness: While Vitamix blades are designed to be long-lasting, frequent users might want to inspect for signs of wear. If blending efficiency decreases, it might be time for a replacement.
Are Vitamix containers dishwasher-safe?
Yes, Vitamix containers are generally dishwasher-safe.
Here are some tips for washing Vitamix containers in the dishwasher:
- Check your specific Vitamix model – some older models may not be dishwasher safe. Newer Ascent and Venturist series models are dishwasher safe.
- Use the top rack only – The force of water on the bottom rack could loosen the blades.
- No heated dry cycle – High heat can warp the plastic container. Allow to air dry instead.
- Secure the lid – Place the lid upside down on the top rack or in a utensil holder to prevent damage.
- Remove residues first – It’s best to blend some water and dish soap before washing to remove sticky ingredients.
- Avoid harsh detergents – They can dull or cloud the container over time. Use mild detergent.
- Inspect seals regularly – Replace if cracked or worn to prevent leaking.
While the dishwasher provides easy cleaning, hand washing is recommended to extend the life of your Vitamix container. Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water.
Can you put boiling water in Vitamix?
No, do not put boiling water directly into your Vitamix blender. Water that is too hot can crack the container, warp the bottom, or create unsafe pressure buildup.
Allow boiling water to cool for 5-10 minutes before blending to prevent damage.
By cooling boiling water first, you can safely use hot (not boiling) water in your Vitamix without issue. This simple step goes a long way in protecting your blender.
What not to put in a Vitamix blender?
Do not put hard items like ice cubes, frozen foods, or very hard fruits/vegetables in your Vitamix.
The hard textures can damage the blades. Also avoid large chunks of food, dry ingredients only, hot liquids, and overfilling with thin batters or heavy batters.
