How do you get the cloudiness out of a Vitamix container?

If you’ve noticed your Vitamix container getting cloudy or hazy over time, you’re not alone. This cloudiness is caused by a buildup of residues from the ingredients you blend. While not harmful, it can be unsightly and may eventually start to affect the performance of your blender if left untreated.

The good news is that it’s usually pretty easy to get your Vitamix container looking crystal clear again. Here are some simple methods you can try at home to get rid of that stubborn cloudy film.

Try blending a cleaning mixture

One of the easiest ways to clean a cloudy Vitamix container is to blend up a simple cleaning mixture. Here are two common options:

• Baking soda and water: Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to your blender jar and fill with warm water. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds. The abrasive texture of the baking soda will help scrub away residue.
• Vinegar and water: Fill your container with equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve cloudy buildup.

After blending either mixture, thoroughly rinse and wash the container with soap and water to remove any lingering debris. Blending one of these quick cleaning solutions should help refresh a mildly cloudy jar.

Try a longer cleaning blend

For more stubborn cloudiness that doesn’t budge with a quick blend, you may need to let a cleaning mixture work its magic for longer.

Add 1-2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or distilled white vinegar to your container. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Then, blend on high for 2-3 minutes. This extended blending time allows the acidic cleaner to fully dissolve deposits.

You can also double the cleaning power by using a 50/50 blend of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide instead of just vinegar. Just don’t leave this mixture in too long, as prolonged contact with metal can cause corrosion.

Use baking soda as an abrasive scrub

For cloudiness concentrated in certain spots, some elbow grease may be needed. Baking soda can work as a gentle abrasive to scrub away stubborn residue.

Dump 2 tablespoons of baking soda into your container and add a small splash of water. Using a soft microfiber cloth or sponge, gently scrub the cloudy areas. The baking soda particles will lift away grime without damaging the container’s surface.

You can also make a paste by mixing baking soda with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar. Spread the paste onto difficult spots and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.

Try denture cleaning tablets

Many Vitamix owners have found success using denture cleaning tablets to remove cloudiness. These tablets are designed to dissolve gunk and remove stains from dental appliances.

Just drop 1-2 denture tablets into your blender jar and fill with warm water. Let soak for at least 30 minutes, then blend on high for 1 minute. The powerful cleaners in the tablets will help erase that foggy film.

Use a bleach-based cleaner

If all else fails, reach for a cleaner containing bleach. The chlorine in bleach is very effective at stripping away all sorts of difficult stains and residues.

Be sure to use a bleach cleaner specifically designed for kitchen use, like Bar Keepers Friend or OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover. Regular concentrated bleach may damage the container’s finish.

Add a small scoop of the powdered cleaner to your jar, fill with warm water, and let soak for 15 minutes before blending. Rinse very thoroughly after cleaning.

Prevent cloudiness in the first place

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to cloudy blender jars. Here are some tips to stop cloudiness before it starts:

• Rinse immediately after use. Quickly rinsing away leftovers prevents buildup.
• Wash with hot soapy water. Detergent helps dissolve residues.
• Use a bottle brush. Long skinny brushes let you scrub the bottom corners.
• Alternate wet and dry batches. Dry powders can leave more residue behind.
• Skip abrasive materials. Things like nut Butter and coffee grounds accelerate scratching.
• Hand wash with non-abrasive sponges. The dishwasher can be harsh on the surface.
• Consider a jar sanitizing cycle now and then. Heating the jar helps kill bacteria and lift deposits.

When to seek professional help

In rare cases, cloudiness and haziness can be a sign of more serious damage to the container surface. Things like extensive scratching, cracks, crazing, and erosion may require professional repair or replacement.

If you notice any of the following, reach out to Vitamix support for recommendations on repair or replacement:

• Pitting or cracks in the container surface
• White lines or crazing marks
• Extreme scratching and abrasion
• Permanent staining or discoloration
• Particles or bits of plastic coming off into food

Getting help directly through Vitamix is your best bet, as third party repair attempts often fail and void any warranty coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach to clean my Vitamix?

Yes, you can use a small amount of bleach cleaner to remove stubborn cloudiness from a Vitamix jar. Be sure to use a kitchen-safe formula like Bar Keepers Friend and avoid soaking for more than 15 minutes, as concentrated bleach can damage the finish over time.

Why does my Vitamix keep getting cloudy?

Frequent cloudiness is typically a sign you need to adjust your cleaning routine. Ensure you are fully rinsing and washing the container after each use. Over time, small residues can build up into a hazy film. Using very abrasive ingredients can also accelerate scratching.

Does putting a Vitamix container in the dishwasher cause cloudiness?

The harsh heat and detergent inside a dishwasher can potentially contribute to cloudiness over time. For best results, experts recommend gently hand washing Vitamix containers.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda together to clean my Vitamix?

It’s best not to mix vinegar and baking soda, as the resulting chemical reaction just ends up neutralizing them both. For best results, use them separately in sequence – try soaking with vinegar first, then scrubbing with baking soda.

The Bottom Line

Cloudiness in your Vitamix container is annoying, but rest assured it can be removed with minimal effort. A simple cleaning blend, good scrubbing, or soak with denture tablets should have your jar looking crystal clear again. Be diligent with post-use rinses and hand washing to prevent buildup in the first place.

Table of Cleaning Methods

Method	What to Use	Steps
Cleaning Blend	Baking soda and water Vinegar and water	Add ingredients to container and blend for 30-60 seconds
Soaking Blend	Water and lemon juice or vinegar	Soak for 5-10 minutes, then blend for 2-3 minutes
Abrasive Scrub	Baking soda and water	Make paste, apply to cloudy spots, let sit, then scrub
Denture Tablets	1-2 denture cleaning tablets	Fill container with water, soak 30min, blend 1 minute
Bleach Cleaner	Bleach-based kitchen cleaner	Fill container, soak 15 minutes, then blend