Vitamix blenders are powerful kitchen tools that can help you make delicious smoothies, nut butters, soups, and more. However, like any appliance, Vitamix blenders need proper cleaning and maintenance to keep them running their best. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean your Vitamix blender after each use as well as deep clean it periodically.
Clean after each use
It’s important to clean your Vitamix thoroughly after each use. Here are the steps:
- Add a drop of dish soap to the blender jar and fill with warm water up to the “Max Fill” line.
- Run the blender on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Increase to high speed and blend for 1 minute.
- Rinse the blender jar, lid, and tamper thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
- Wipe the base of the blender with a soft, damp sponge or cloth to remove any spills or splatters.
- Dry all parts with a soft towel.
- Let the container and lid air dry completely before reassembling.
This quick cleaning process helps remove any remaining food bits and layer of film that can build up over time. Thoroughly rinsing away soap prevents any unwanted tastes in your next smoothie.
Deep clean regularly
In addition to cleaning after each use, you should deep clean your Vitamix every 1-2 weeks depending on frequency of use. Here’s how:
Blender jar
- Fill the blender jar halfway with warm water and add a couple drops of dish soap.
- Run the blender on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed for 1 minute.
- Repeat steps 1-2 twice more with fresh warm, soapy water to remove all residue.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Fill the jar halfway with clean water and run on high for 30 seconds to rinse away any remaining soap.
- Turn upside down to drain and air dry completely.
Blender base
- Unplug the blender.
- Wipe down the base and control panel with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap.
- Dip a clean cloth in plain water and wipe again to remove any soap residue.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft towel.
Lid, tamper, blades
- Wash the lid, tamper, and blender blades in warm, soapy water either by hand or on the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Tough stain removal
Over time, stubborn stains can build up on your Vitamix blender jar and lid. Here are some tips for removing tough stains:
- Frozen fruit or veggie stains: Make a paste with baking soda and water and use a soft cloth to gently scrub stained areas. Rinse thoroughly.
- Turmeric, beet, or berry stains: Fill stained container with warm, soapy water and let soak for 10-15 minutes. Use a bottle brush to scrub if needed. Rinse well.
- Greasy film buildup: Mix 2 tbsp baking soda with 1 cup warm water. Run blender on low for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute. Rinse thoroughly.
- Mold spots: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Apply to stained areas with a soft brush and let sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
For very tough stains, you may need to repeat these cleaning methods a few times to fully remove them.
Preventing odors
Even with regular cleaning, odors can develop in your Vitamix over time. Here are some tips to prevent and remove odors:
- Always clean your Vitamix immediately after each use so food bits don’t have time to dry on.
- Make sure to deep clean all parts at least every 1-2 weeks.
- Occasionally sanitize your container by filling halfway with water and adding 1-2 tbsp white vinegar. Run on high for 1 minute then let soak for 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Storing the jar with the lid slightly ajar helps air circulate and prevents odor buildup.
- Soak in warm water with 2-3 denture cleaning tablets to freshen and remove stubborn odors as needed.
Parts replacement
With regular use, some Vitamix parts may eventually need to be replaced. Here are indications it’s time for a new part:
| Part | When to Replace |
|---|---|
| Blending jar | Cracks appear, blade assembly loosens over time |
| Lid and plug | Cracks, warping, loose fit, leaking |
| Tamper | Bent, worn down tip |
| Blades | Dull, nicked, unable to blend smoothly |
| Seal ring | Dried out, misshapen, leaking between jar and base |
Check the Vitamix website or contact customer service about purchasing replacement parts for your specific blender model. With proper care and maintenance, your Vitamix can give you many years of reliable performance.
Storing tips
Proper storage can also help keep your Vitamix in tip-top shape. Follow these storage recommendations:
- Always store with jar upright and attached to the motor base or clipped onto the lid.
- Place tamper inside jar or secure it to the lid.
- Store blender out of direct sunlight which can discolor and degrade plastic.
- Avoid storing in very hot or cold environments which can damage electronic components.
- If storing for prolonged periods, place a towel between jar and motor base which can sometimes stick together over time.
When to discard
With proper maintenance, a Vitamix blender can provide over a decade of service. However, there are a few instances when it’s time to discard your Vitamix and purchase a replacement:
- The motor base stops working even after changing to a known good fuse.
- You can see damage to internal wiring or components.
- The blender overheats, has a burning smell, or repetitive malfunctions.
- Replacement parts are no longer available for your particular model.
If any of these occur, unplug the Vitamix and contact customer service about potential options before continuing use. They can help determine if your model qualifies for repair or needs to be discarded.
Conclusion
Keeping your Vitamix blender clean and well-maintained is crucial for its performance and longevity. By washing after every use, deep cleaning regularly, promptly replacing worn parts, and proper storage, your Vitamix can stay in excellent working condition for years. With a high-powered blender like the Vitamix, following these best practices helps ensure you get the most out of your investment.
