A Vitamix blender is one of the most powerful and versatile kitchen appliances. Its aircraft-grade stainless steel blades can blend, grind, chop, crush, churn, heat and more. With proper care and maintenance, a Vitamix can last decades.
Many Vitamix owners wonder if it’s OK to clean their blender in the dishwasher. After all, the dishwasher can sanitize and get into hard-to-reach crevices. However, most blenders contain electronic components that can be damaged by water and high heat. So is it safe to put a Vitamix in the dishwasher?
Can You Put a Vitamix Blender in the Dishwasher?
According to Vitamix, most of their blenders are not dishwasher safe. The high heat and harsh detergents found in dishwashers can damage the blender’s electrical components, seals and bearings. Over time, the dishwasher’s heat and chemicals will likely compromise the blender’s performance and longevity.
Vitamix does say some of their models can go in the dishwasher, but only on the top rack and using a sanitizing cycle. However, they recommend hand washing even these buckets and containers to “protect your investment.”
Why You Should Avoid the Dishwasher
There are several reasons why Vitamix and most other high-performance blender manufacturers warn against dishwashing:
- Heat damage – Dishwashers frequently use water heated to 140°F or hotter. This extreme heat can damage plastic components and degrade rubber gaskets and seals.
- Chemical damage – Harsh detergents found in dishwasher soap can be corrosive to metals over time. The chemicals can also degrade plastics and rubbers.
- Water damage – High pressure spray jets and prolonged water exposure can get into electronic components and bearings, leading to shorts and corrosion.
- Chipped blades – Banging against other items in the dishwasher could chip or dull the sharp stainless steel blades.
- Warped components – High heat and moisture can warp or deform plastic components like lids, pitcher and base.
- Label fading – Dishwasher heat, chemicals and moisture will cause graphics and labels to fade over time.
Vitamix Parts Not Dishwasher Safe
Vitamix is very clear in its manuals that certain components should never go in the dishwasher. These include:
- Motor base – Contains electrical components like circuit boards, switches and motors.
- Touchscreen control panels – Touchpads have electronics that can short out.
- Pitcher – Prolonged heat and harsh chemicals can damage the Polycarbonate plastic.
- Lid and lid plug – Dishwasher chemicals can degrade the silicone seals.
- Tamper/scraper – May chip plastic and fade graphics with repeated dishwashing.
Vitamix does state that their stainless steel blades are dishwasher safe. However, hand washing is still recommended to prevent chipping and maintain maximum sharpness.
How to Wash a Vitamix Blender
To safely clean and sanitize your Vitamix blender, Vitamix recommends following these steps:
- Rinse under warm running water to remove residual smoothie, sauce or crumbs.
- Fill pitcher halfway with warm soapy water.
- Secure lid and run on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry fully before next use.
- Sanitize regularly by blending water and a few drops of bleach.
For stubborn residues, use a soft sponge or cloth with warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
The motor base can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove dust and spills. Never submerge or use running water on the base.
Signs of Dishwasher Damage
If you’ve already put your Vitamix blender parts in the dishwasher, be on the lookout for these signs of damage:
- Cloudy, cracked or warped components
- Blades are chipped or pitted
- Changes in color/fading
- Rubber pieces are cracked or peeling
- Parts have become misshapen
- Motor running loud or overheating
- Leaking around seals and gaskets
- Touchscreen acts erratic or buttons malfunction
At the first signs of damage, discontinue dishwasher use immediately. Any damaged components should be replaced to ensure safe operation.
Is It OK to Put Other Blender Brands in Dishwasher?
While this article focuses on Vitamix blenders, the same general guidelines apply to most other high-speed blender brands like Blendtec, Ninja, NutriBullet, Oster and Hamilton Beach.
Refer to your owner’s manual to be sure, but most manufacturers recommend hand washing to protect electrical components, preserve blade sharpness and prevent warping from heat and chemicals.
With lower-end blenders under $50, the dishwasher risks are lower. However, even with cheap blenders, the heat and chemicals can dull blades, fade graphics and degrade plastic over time.
Tips to Safely Use Your Dishwasher
To use your dishwasher safely with any kitchen appliances:
- Use low heat/energy saving cycles to prevent heat damage to plastics.
- Use rinse aid to minimize chemical residue on dishes.
- Remove blender parts before drying cycle to prevent warping.
- Always check manufacturer guidance before dishwashing.
- Hand wash expensive appliances and knives.
- Use top rack only for delicate glasses and appliances.
- Let plastics cool before removing from dishwasher.
- Air dry any hand washed blades to prevent corrosion.
The Bottom Line
While it may be tempting to toss your Vitamix blender parts in the dishwasher, doing so risks internal and external damage over time. The heat, chemicals and moisture are too harsh for the durable but sensitive components.
Vitamix strongly recommends hand washing all parts or using the sanitizing cycle for dishwasher-safe containers. This will provide the gentlest cleaning for the longest life. Inspect regularly for any signs of damage and discontinue dishwasher use if noted.
With proper care and maintenance, your Vitamix blender will deliver many years of optimal performance. Avoiding the dishwasher is a small inconvenience to protect your investment and safety.
FAQs
Why can’t you put a Vitamix in the dishwasher?
The heat, chemicals and moisture in dishwashers can damage the electrical components, dull the blades, and warp the plastic containers of a Vitamix blender. Hand washing is gentler to preserve performance and longevity.
What happens if you put Vitamix in dishwasher?
Putting a Vitamix blender in the dishwasher risks internal damage to motor and electrical parts. Externally, the blades can dull, plastic can warp and graphics/labels fade over time.
Can Vitamix containers go in dishwasher?
Some Vitamix containers are labeled dishwasher safe, but only for the top rack and sanitizing cycles. However, even then Vitamix recommends hand washing containers to prevent cloudiness and warping over many cycles.
Can Vitamix lids go in dishwasher?
No, Vitamix does not recommend putting any lids or lid plugs in the dishwasher. The heat and detergent can degrade the silicone seals over time.
Can you put Ninja blender in dishwasher?
Ninja advises hand washing all blender components. Some pitcher lids are top rack dishwasher safe, but hand washing is still best to preserve the rubber seals.
Is it OK to put Oster blender in dishwasher?
Oster states their blenders are not dishwasher safe. The heat and chemicals can damage the motor base, dull blades and degrade plastic containers and lids.
Conclusion
While the dishwasher seems convenient, it’s best to hand wash your Vitamix blender. Avoiding heat, chemicals and moisture will maximize the blender’s performance and longevity. With proper care, your Vitamix can deliver decades of reliable service.
