Are blender cups dishwasher safe?

Blenders have become a staple appliance in many kitchens. They provide a quick and easy way to make smoothies, purees, soups, sauces, and more. But keeping your blender clean can be a chore, especially when it comes to the blender cup. Can you just pop the blender cup in the dishwasher or do you need to hand wash it? There are a few factors to consider when determining if blender cups are dishwasher safe.

Blender Cup Materials

The most common materials used for blender cups are plastic, glass, and stainless steel. Each material has different characteristics when it comes to cleaning in the dishwasher:

Plastic Blender Cups

Plastic is the most common material for blender cups. It’s affordable, lightweight, and durable. However, not all plastic cups are dishwasher safe. There are a few factors to consider:

• High heat – Exposure to high heat and harsh dishwasher detergents can warp, crack, or melt plastic over time. Look for plastic cups made from copolyester (Tritan) or polycarbonate (Lexan) which can better withstand heat.
• Chemical composition – Some plastics contain BPAs or phthalates which can leech out when exposed to heat and harsh detergents.
• Design – Plastic cups with rubber gaskets, electronic panels, or complicated shapes may not do well in the dishwasher.
• Instructions – Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if the cup is labeled as dishwasher safe.

In general, simple, BPA-free plastic cups without rubber or electronic components have the best chance of being dishwasher safe. But hand washing is still recommended by many manufacturers.

Glass Blender Cups

Glass blender cups have gained popularity in recent years. Glass is inert and won’t leech chemicals with exposure to heat or detergent. However, there are still some precautions:

• Durability – Extended dishwasher use can eventually etch or cloud glass over time.
• Breakage – Glass can break if hit against other objects or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
• Heat retention – Thick glass blender cups retain heat well and may be too hot to handle right out of the dishwasher.

Most glass cups are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended for longer life. Use the delicate or low temperature cycle and allow to cool before handling.

Stainless Steel Blender Cups

Stainless steel blender cups are durable, inert, and resistant to heat damage. However:

• Spotting & water marks – Stainless steel can develop spots and mineral deposits if left to air dry.
• Bacteria – Small crevices in stainless steel surfaces can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned.
• Harsh detergents – Bleach and other harsh detergents can react with stainless steel and cause corrosion over time.

Stainless steel cups are dishwasher safe but hand washing and thorough drying is recommended. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to clean.

Dishwasher Cycles

Not all dishwasher cycles are created equal. The cycle you select can impact whether blender cups come out clean and undamaged. Some tips:

• Avoid high heat – High heat sanitizing cycles can warp plastic cups and potentially damage other materials. Stick to low or delicate cycles.
• Lower spray pressure – Hard spray pressure from dishwashers can chip glass or cloud it over time. Choose lighter wash cycles.
• Skip the dry cycle – High heat from dishwasher drying cycles can damage plastics and glass. Allow items to air dry instead.
• Don’t overcrowd – Overcrowded dishwashers prevent proper water circulation. Leave space between cups.

Choosing a low heat delicate cycle and allowing blender cups to air dry are good practices for all materials. Check your dishwasher’s manual for optimal cycle recommendations.

Parts of the Blender Cup

In addition to the main cup, there are other parts to consider when it comes to dishwasher safety:

Lids

Blender cup lids often contain rubber gaskets and flexible parts that may not withstand high heat or harsh detergents in the dishwasher. The intense water pressure can also dislodge gaskets. Check manufacturer guidelines, but hand washing lids is typically recommended.

Blades

Detachable blender blades should never go in the dishwasher! The blades are very sharp and can damage the dishwasher. Wash blades carefully by hand with mild soap and a brush instead.

Electronic Panels

Some high end blenders have cups with electronic panels built into the lids. These allow you to operate the blender from the cup. Electronic components should never be put in the dishwasher or exposed to water and moisture. Wipe these panels down carefully by hand instead.

Silicone Parts

Many blender lids and cups now incorporate flexible silicone parts, trim, and grips. The high heat of dishwashers can cause silicone to degrade, discolor, or accumulate a sticky residue. Silicone pieces are best removed and hand washed.

Tips for Dishwasher Care

If you do choose to wash your blender cup in the dishwasher, here are some tips to do it safely:

• Use low or delicate cycles
• Allow cups to completely cool before putting in washer
• Use a rinse aid to minimize spots on glass and stainless
• Remove silicone pieces from lids before washing
• Load cups carefully without crowding
• Don’t open dishwasher mid-cycle
• Allow cups to air dry
• Replace cups once cloudy, warped, or worn

Hand drying is also recommended to prolong the life of blender cups in the dishwasher. Take extra care with glass and stainless steel to prevent breakage, spotting, and mineral deposits.

Signs of Dishwasher Damage

Here are some signs that dishwasher use may be damaging your blender cup:

• Plastic – Warping, cracking, melting, fading, or taking on a cloudy appearance
• Glass – Foggy appearance, scratches, cracks, or chips
• Stainless Steel – Corrosion spots, mineral deposits, or rust
• Rubber gaskets – Cracking, tearing, leaving residue behind
• Silicone parts – Peeling, becoming gummy, or loss of flexibility

At the first signs of damage, stop running the cup through the dishwasher. Stick to hand washing instead to prolong its usable life.

Hand Washing Tips

For longer lasting blender cups, hand washing is generally the safest method recommended by manufacturers. Here are some tips for effective hand washing:

• Rinse cups immediately after use – Don’t let foods dry on
• Use warm water and mild dish soap
• Soft sponge or brush for stuck-on foods
• Clean crevices in gaskets thoroughly
• Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive pads
• For stainless steel, rub gently in direction of grain
• Rinse and air dry thoroughly after washing
• Deep clean cups periodically

Taking these extra steps when hand washing blender cups can help them last considerably longer, retain their appearance, and avoid bacterial growth.

Can You Put Blender Cups in the Dishwasher?

So are blender cups dishwasher safe? Here’s a quick summary:

Cup Material	Dishwasher Safe?
Plastic	Certain types are dishwasher safe, check manufacturer guidelines
Glass	Generally safe, but hand washing recommended
Stainless Steel	Yes, but requires extra care to prevent spotting/corrosion

While you can run most blender cups through the dishwasher, hand washing is highly recommended by most brands to preserve the life of your cups. Be sure to check any care instructions that came with your specific blender model for guidance.

Dishwasher Alternatives

If you want to avoid the dishwasher entirely, here are some other options for cleaning blender cups:

Hand Washing

As discussed above, hand washing with mild dish soap and warm water is the best way to clean blender cups while preserving their life. Take extra care to wash gaskets, lids, and crevices thoroughly.

Vinegar Rinse

For glasses that develop cloudiness or stainless steel with mineral deposits, try soaking them for 30 minutes in undiluted white vinegar followed by a thorough rinse. The vinegar will break down deposits and films.

Baking Soda Scrub

For tough stains, combine baking soda and water to make a paste. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub the inside of the cup. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can sanitize and deodorize blender cups. Dilute with water and allow cups to soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

Citrus Juice

For odor removal, try filling the cup with water and adding the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon or lime. Let soak for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Antibacterial Spray

To kill germs in crevices, spray the inside of cups and lids with an antibacterial cleaner. Allow to sit for 2 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Replacing Blender Cups

With regular use, blender cups will eventually wear out and need replacement. Here’s how to know when it’s time:

• Plastic is cracked, warped, cloudy, or stained
• Glass is foggy, scratched up, or chipped
• Leaking around the blade assembly or lid
• Lid gasket is worn out or deformed
• Weakened or broken handle

Many blender brands sell replacement cups in a variety of sizes and materials. Be sure to buy cups specifically designed for your blender make and model.

Proper Blender Cup Use

To maximize the life of blender cups:

• Hand wash or use dishwasher’s delicate cycle
• Don’t blend hot liquids or run while empty
• Avoid dropping or banging cups
• Follow manufacturer’s care guidelines
• Inspect for cracks or cloudiness
• Replace worn gaskets & blades

Abrading the cup surface with abrasive scrubs or utensils can also shorten its usable life. With proper use and care, quality blender cups can last for years.

Conclusion

While many blender cups are dishwasher safe to some degree, hand washing is always the best practice to extend the life of your cup and maintain its appearance. Use low heat delicate cycles and let cups air dry if dishwashing. Inspect for signs of damage like warping, fogginess, mineral deposits, and gasket deterioration. With routine cleaning and replacement of worn parts, your blender cups can give you years of reliable use.