Keeping your Vitamix blender clean is essential for enjoying smoothies, soups, and other blended creations safely. A buildup of residue can harbor bacteria and affect the taste of your drinks. Luckily, with the right techniques and products, cleaning your Vitamix is straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices for keeping your blender looking and working like new.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Vitamix Regularly
There are a few key reasons you’ll want to clean your Vitamix blender after each use:
- Prevent bacteria growth – Blended ingredients like produce and dairy products can promote bacteria growth inside the container and around the blades if left for too long. Regular cleaning prevents this.
- Avoid affecting flavors – Fruit, vegetable, and spice residues can impact the taste of future smoothies or soups if not cleaned out.
- Keep blades sharp – Buildup around the blades can dull them over time, making them less efficient at blending.
- Extend machine life – Letting ingredients dry inside the container can make the container, seals and blades wear out faster.
To get the most out of your investment, quick cleaning after each use is recommended by Vitamix.
How to Clean Your Vitamix Container
The container of your Vitamix where ingredients blend is the most important part to keep clean. Here are the recommended steps:
- Rinse with water: After blending, fill the container halfway with warm water. Put the lid on tightly and pulse a few times to rinse away thick residue.
- Wash with soap: Add a couple drops of dish soap and enough warm water to fill the container. Secure the lid and blend on high for 30 seconds. This circulates soapy water fully.
- Scrub with brush: Use a soft dish brush to gently scrub around the pitcher, lid, and blades until all visible residue is gone.
- Rinse again: Thoroughly rinse away all soap with warm water.
- Air dry: Let parts fully air dry before reassembling to prevent bacteria growth.
For tougher buildup, you can soak the container for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid using abrasive brushes or scouring pads as they can damage the container.
How to Clean the Lid, Blades, and Base
In addition to the container, other Vitamix components will need regular cleaning. Here’s how:
Lid
- Hand wash with warm soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth.
- Use a thin brush to scrub residue from around the rubber gasket.
- Rinse and air dry thoroughly.
Blades
- Detach the blade assembly from the container.
- Wash with soap and water using a dish brush.
- Avoid cutting your fingers on the sharp edges.
- Dry completely before reattaching to the container.
Base
- Wipe exterior base with a damp soapy cloth to remove any drips or spills.
- Unplug before cleaning.
- Never submerge the base or pour water into it.
- Let fully dry before plugging back in.
Tips for Easy Vitamix Cleaning
Implementing these tips will make cleaning a breeze:
- Clean your Vitamix immediately after each use before residue dries.
- Fill container with water first when washing to avoid splashing ingredients on the base.
- Mix up a larger batch of soapy water to reuse for washing all parts.
- Let the machine run for 30 seconds with soapy water for easy cleanup.
- Consider buying extra containers to always have a clean one ready.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry and prevent waterspots.
Best Cleaning Products for Vitamix
Having the right cleaning supplies makes cleaning your Vitamix much easier. Here are some great options:
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Bottle brushes | Thin, flexible brushes fit inside container and reach around blades. |
| Dish soap | Regular dish soap effectively removes residue without risks. |
| Microfiber cloths | Gently dry and polish with no lint or scratches. |
| Cleanser tablets | Drop tablets in with water for easy self-cleaning cycles. |
Avoid abrasive scrubbers, baking soda, bleach, or harsh cleaners which can damage parts. Vitamix sells special brushes and cleansers, but basic dish tools also get the job done well.
How Often Should You Clean Your Vitamix?
Ideally, you should wash your Vitamix container, lid, and blades after each use. Leaving smoothie or soup residue behind provides an environment for bacteria to grow quickly. Get in the habit of a quick cleanse after blending.
If you won’t be using your Vitamix again soon, wash all parts thoroughly and let them air dry before storage. Storing it dirty can lead to permanent stains and odors over time.
Give all parts a more thorough scrubbing once a week even with regular use. And deep clean the base by unplugging and wiping with a damp cloth if you notice any dried splatters.
Can You Put Vitamix Parts in the Dishwasher?
Vitamix does not recommend putting any of their blender parts in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh dishwasher detergents can degrade components over time. Sticking to hand washing is best.
If you do opt to occasionally wash container or lids in the dishwasher, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid high heat drying cycles. The blades must always be hand washed.
Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Vitamix Containers
Vitamix offers both types of containers. Here’s how they compare for cleaning:
| Stainless Steel | Plastic |
|---|---|
| – More durable | – Can absorb stains and odors |
| – Won’t absorb stains | – More prone to scratches |
| – Heavier | – Lighter weight |
| – Won’t crack from drops | – Can crack if dropped |
| – Gets water spots | – Doesn’t spot |
For cleaning purposes, stainless steel containers are ideal since they won’t hold onto residue, odors or stains. But plastic containers still clean up nicely with proper washing techniques.
How to Clean a Smelly Vitamix
If you’ve neglected cleaning for awhile, a stinky odor can set in. Try these tips to freshen it up:
- Wash with hot soapy water and scrub thoroughly with a brush.
- Fill halfway with water and add 2 tbsp baking soda. Blend on high for 1 minute.
- Rinse well and air dry fully before next use.
- Mix in 1 cup vinegar with soapy water. Soak overnight.
- Blend equal parts water and lemon juice to help deodorize.
Prevent future odors by washing promptly after each use. But even well-loved blenders can be refreshed with some extra cleaning tips.
When to Replace Vitamix Parts
With regular cleaning, Vitamix blenders are built to last for years. But some parts may eventually need replacing if excessively worn. Here are signs it’s time to replace components:
- Container is cracked or chipped
- Visible mold or mildew on container or lid
- Rubber gasket on lid loses its flexibility or tears
- Blades are very dull or chipped
- Leaking around base of container
- Burning smell from motor
Many replacement parts are affordable and easy to find through Vitamix or online retailers. Reach out to Vitamix customer service for help determining if a part needs to be replaced.
Vitamix Container Material Options
When purchasing a container, you’ll choose between three main material options:
| Material | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Tritan Copolyester | – BPA-free, durable plastic – Scratch resistant – Won’t absorb odors/stains |
| Eastman Tritan Copolyester | – Most durable co-polyester – Used for mini cups |
| Stainless Steel | – Most durable – Heavier – Won’t absorb anything |
Standard Tritan and stainless steel are great choices for easy cleaning and longevity. Eastman Tritan is even more shatter and scratch resistant.
Cleaning Tips for Vitamix Smells
If you notice odors coming from your Vitamix container, the source could be:
- Old ingredients dried on
- Mold or mildew growth
- Absorption of strong-smelling foods
- Bacteria buildup
Here are tips to clean away smells:
- Scrub with baking soda and soap using a bottle brush
- Soak in warm water mixed with vinegar
- Blend water with lemon juice to deodorize
- Avoid transferring strong smells like garlic
- Don’t let ingredients dry on parts
- Replace badly stained containers
Prevent future odors by washing your container thoroughly after each use and fully air drying all parts. Stainless steel containers are best for avoiding absorption of smells.
Conclusion
While it may seem daunting, cleaning your Vitamix blender is simple when you follow the proper techniques. Focus on fully washing the container, lid, blades, and base with warm soapy water after each use. Implement pro tips like bottle brushes, microfiber cloths, and deodorizing rinses to keep it fresh and running smoothly for years of blending enjoyment.
