Can Ninja blender self clean?
Blenders like the popular Ninja blender models are indispensable kitchen appliances for making smoothies, shakes, and other blended drinks. However, cleaning blenders after use can be a tedious task. Some blenders have a handy self-cleaning feature that makes cleanup much easier. In this article, we’ll look at whether Ninja blenders can self-clean and provide tips for getting your Ninja blender squeaky clean after each use.
Do Ninja blenders have a self-cleaning feature?
Most Ninja blender models do not have a specific self-cleaning function. However, some of the higher-end models like the Ninja Foodi blenders have a built-in self-cleaning mode. Here are some examples of Ninja blenders and their self-cleaning capabilities:
| Ninja Blender Model | Self-Cleaning Feature? |
|---|---|
| Ninja Professional Blender | No |
| Ninja Mega Kitchen System | No |
| Ninja Foodi Power Pitcher System | Yes |
| Ninja Smart Screen Blender | No |
As you can see, most standard Ninja blender models don’t have a specific self-clean function. The Foodi blenders are an exception with their built-in self-clean mode. When you activate this mode, the blender will run a heating cycle to loosen up residue and sanitize the inside.
Tips for cleaning a Ninja blender
Even without a dedicated self-clean feature, you can still easily clean your Ninja blender with some simple steps:
Rinse blender right after use
Don’t let ingredients dry and cake onto the Ninja blender jar. As soon as you are done blending, rinse out the jar with warm water. This quick rinse will remove most of the residue.
Fill with warm soapy water
Next, fill the blender jar about halfway with warm water and add a couple drops of dish soap. Put the lid back on and pulse a few times. This will loosen up any remaining gunk.
Scrub with dish brush
Dump out the soapy water and give the jar a thorough scrubbing with a dish brush. Pay close attention to crevices and hidden spots where food can get stuck.
Rinse and air dry
Rinse away any suds under running water. Let all blender parts drip dry or gently hand dry with a towel. Air drying prevents water spots.
Deep clean regularly
Over time, odors and discoloration can build up in your blender jar. Do a deep cleaning by filling the jar with warm water and adding 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Blend on low for 30 seconds to let the baking soda loosen residue. Rinse thoroughly.
Sanitize with bleach
For a sanitizing clean, combine 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water in the blender jar. Run the blender on low for 30 seconds. Let soak for 5 minutes before rinsing several times.
Clean lid and blades
Remove the lid and blender blades to clean separately. Wash blades gently with a dish brush and soap. Clean the lid with soap and water, scrubbing any stuck-on bits. Rinse and air dry all parts fully.
Can you put a Ninja blender jar in the dishwasher?
You can wash Ninja blender jars in the dishwasher, but hand washing is recommended. The extreme heat and detergent inside a dishwasher can degrade the plastic over time. Sticking to hand washing extends the life of your blender.
Tips for keeping your Ninja blender clean
Preventing a mess in the first place makes cleaning much easier. Here are some tips for keeping your Ninja blender tidy between uses:
- Wash blender immediately after each use.
- Only fill jar halfway to avoid spillovers.
- Use a spatula to scrape down sides as needed.
- Pulse ingredients before blending on high.
- Remove sticky ingredients like nut butters promptly.
- Dry blender parts fully after washing.
Common problems when cleaning a Ninja blender
Here are some common cleaning challenges with Ninja blenders and how to solve them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sticky residue stuck on | Fill with warm soapy water and blend to loosen, then scrub with brush |
| Discoloration on jar | Deep clean with baking soda and water |
| Strong food odors | Sanitize by blending bleach solution |
| Cloudy jar | Use distilled white vinegar to clean and remove hard water deposits |
| Mold or mildew | Sanitize using hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice solution |
Conclusion
While Ninja blenders don’t have built-in self-cleaning capabilities, you can keep your blender freshly cleaned with some simple manual cleaning methods. Focus on rinsing right after use, hand washing with dish soap and water, scrubbing stuck-on gunk, and sanitizing regularly. With proper cleaning and maintenance, your Ninja blender will give you years of smooth blending!