How to Clean a Blender: 3 Methods

By Marilee Nelson |

How to Clean a Blender: 3 Methods

Any foodie or chef will tell you that a blender is a must-have for every kitchen.

This versatile small kitchen appliance can be used to make healthy sauces, homemade nut milk, and delicious soups and smoothies. 

To keep your blender in tip-top shape, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly after each use. This will help to prevent the build-up of food and, eventually, illness-causing bacteria and mold.

Many conventional cleaners and dish soaps, however, are made with harmful chemicals and fragrances that cling to your blender, making their way into your food. These toxic ingredients are harmful to your health and should never become part of your meal.

“Mmm, synthetic fragrance smoothie.” (said nobody - yuck!)

In this article, you’ll learn how to clean a blender using three simple, natural, and non-toxic methods. Let’s dive right in!

Materials Needed 

The materials needed for cleaning a blender are minimal and depend on the DIY or Branch Basics method you choose.

In this article, we’ll share  methods to show you how to clean a blender naturally using the following:

Here’s what you’ll need:

Note: For your safety, before you begin cleaning a blender, unplug it. Then remove the container from the base and separate any removable parts like the blades and lid. Now you’re ready to clean your blender.

How to Clean Your Blender With Baking Soda 

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a terrific, all-natural DIY option for cleaning a blender.

Here’s how to use baking soda to clean a blender:

  1. Mix equal parts baking soda with equal parts water to make a paste.
  2. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the paste to any stains or buildup inside the blender.
  3. Let set for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Wet the microfiber cloth and lightly scrub the paste into the stains or buildup.
  5. Rinse the container well and dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.

Looking for more ways to clean with baking soda? Check out our article, Cleaning With Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): 12 Surprising Uses  

How to Clean Your Blender With Vinegar 

Distilled white vinegar* is a natural DIY cleaning ingredient known to remove cloudy stains from plastic and glass blender containers. 

Pair with an all-natural, fragrance-free mild dish soap, for an even deeper clean.

Here’s how to use vinegar to clean a blender:

  1. Fill the blender halfway with warm water. 
  2. Add a few drops of a natural all-purpose cleaner, like Branch Basics, and ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar.
  3. Put the lid on and run the blender for a at least twenty seconds.
  4. Rinse well and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

*Note: Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a lung irritant when airborne. If you use this method, make sure that there is good ventilation, and that you do not inhale the vinegar while it is soaking.

Related Read: 12 Ways To Use Vinegar In Your Home 

How to Clean Your Blender With Branch Basics

Branch Basics is a human- and food-safe multi-purpose cleaning product. Our all-in-one Concentrate replaces every toxic household cleaning and laundry product in your home.

The powerful and natural ingredients found in Branch Basics can easily break up stuck-on food and ingredients often used in a blender.

Here’s how to use Branch Basics two ways to clean a blender:

The soaking method (works great as a quick clean after use):

  1. Fill your blender halfway with warm water.
  2. Add a few drops of Branch Basics Concentrate.
  3. Put the lid on and run the blender for 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse well and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Still have stubborn stains and buildup on the inside of the blender? 

Give Oxygen Boost (a powerful cleaning combination of Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) and Sodium Percarbonate (aka oxygen bleach or powdered peroxide)) and All-Purpose a try:

The spray-and-scour method (works great as a deeper clean and for stuck-on food and stains):

  1. Sprinkle ½ scoop of Oxygen Boost inside the blender.
  2. Spray the inside with All-Purpose.
  3. Fill with warm water and soak overnight.
  4. Scrub clean, rinse, and dry for a like-new blender!

Embed the YT video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynJciuWLs0A 

How to Deep Clean Your Blender 

For best practice, plan to deep clean your blender at least once a month. A deep clean is necessary to help ensure that your blender is kept in good working condition.

Remove all blender parts and perform a deep clean using a DIY mixture or all-purpose cleaner like Branch Basics and hydrogen peroxide:

Blender Blades

The blades of a blender can often be a place where food residue gets trapped, encouraging the growth of bacteria. To safely clean them, remove the blades if possible, and soak them in a bowl of warm water and 2 drops of Branch Basics concentrate or mild dish soap. Use a soft dish brush to scrub the top and bottom of the blades

If food is still stuck, make a baking soda paste and scrub it on the blades.

Rinse well and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Follow up after assembly to continue a deep clean of the blender blades and attachments.

  • Run the blender for 20 seconds with enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to cover the blades, 1 cup warm water and ½ tsp Branch Basics Concentrate.

  • Rinse and it is ready to go.

Lid & Rubber Gasket

Soak the blender lid in warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. If your lid has a rubber gasket, remove it and clean it often.

Rinse well and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Blender Base

To prevent damage, only clean the blender base with a damp microfiber cloth spritzed with All-Purpose or another natural cleaning product. Wipe the entire base down, including the buttons and knobs. 

Note: Never submerge the blender base in water.

Learn more deep cleaning tips in The Best Deep Cleaning Checklist For Your Home 

Toss the Toxins With Branch Basics 

Now you know how to clean a blender the natural way.  

And remember, the key to maintaining your blender is with consistent and prompt cleanings. Plan to clean after each use, and perform a deep cleaning at least once a month for best results.

Keep your blender, and other kitchen appliances, clean with Branch Basics - aa MADE SAFE certified, plant-based, eco-friendly, multi-purpose cleaning solution used for any cleaning job when diluted with water.

Check out our Branch Basics Premium Starter Kits, which come with our all-in-one Concentrate, Oxygen Boost, and five refillable bottles (either plastic or glass) to make All-Purpose, Bathroom, Foaming Wash, Streak-Free, and Laundry.

If your blender container is dishwasher safe, we also offer , pure, powerful, and plastic-free Dishwasher Tablets.

For more natural kitchen cleaning tips, check out:

Marilee Nelson

Marilee Nelson

Marilee Nelson is an Environmental Toxins expert who has spent nearly 30 years advocating for the chemically-sensitive and chronically-ill. She is a Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Bau-Biologist and Bau-Biology Inspector and specializes in Food As Medicine. She has helped thousands of families and individuals identify, heal and recover from toxic exposures and is on a mission to revolutionize the way American families view their health.