Why does blender get cloudy?

Blenders are a staple appliance in many kitchens. They provide a quick and easy way to blend, puree, and mix ingredients. However, over time blenders can start to take on a cloudy appearance. This clouding can occur on the inside of the blender pitcher as well as on the outside plastic parts. While harmless, it can be unsightly and frustrating. Read on to find out why blender cloudiness happens and how to prevent it.

Causes of Cloudy Blender Pitchers

There are a few common culprits that can cause cloudy buildup inside your blender pitcher:

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Methods

How you clean your blender pitcher makes a big difference in preventing cloudiness. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and cleaners as they can scratch the plastic, making it porous and prone to holding onto residues. The tiny scratches become places for grime to collect and buildup.

2. Letting Ingredients Dry Inside

Leaving blender residue to dry inside the container is a recipe for cloudiness. Ingredients like fruit juices, milk products, dressings, sauces, and more can leave behind a film when left to dry on the sides and bottom of the pitcher. If not properly rinsed out after each use, this film accumulates over time.

3. Using the Blender for Hot Ingredients

While some blenders may be marketed as capable of handling hot soups and drinks,take caution. Repeated exposure to extremely hot liquids can warp and degrade the plastic, causing pitting and white spots.

4. Washing with Harsh Dish Soap

The chemicals in some extra-strong dish soaps can damage plastic over time. Sourcing natural, eco-friendly dish soaps is ideal for keeping blender parts clear and preventing buildup.

5. Not Running Self-Cleaning Cycles

Some blenders have built-in self-cleaning modes. Take advantage of this feature regularly to keep the inside looking brand new. The heating action helps dissolve residues.

Causes of Cloudy looking Blender Bodies

The base and lid of your blender can also fall victim to cloudiness and discoloration. Typical causes include:

1. Sun Exposure

Like any plastic left in the sun, blender bodies can start to yellow and take on a foggy look from UV exposure. Keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

2. Age Over Time

With frequent use, the plastic housing of a blender simply wears down naturally. You may notice more pronounced crazing and cracking over 5+ years.

3. Got Too Hot

If ingredients were overheated in the blender, the heat transfer can warp and melt the lid and base materials. This is especially true for lower quality plastic blenders.

4. Cleaning Chemical Damage

Harsh cleaning sprays and wipes with chemicals like chlorine bleach and ammonia take their toll on the blender exterior over time.

5. Improper Storage

Storing the blender while still wet, resting on dirty countertops, or keeping in cabinets with cleaning products introduces contaminants that encourage cloudiness.

How to Prevent and Remove Blender Cloudiness

Now that you know what causes cloudy blender syndrome, here are some tips to prevent it or remove existing buildup:

Rinse Thoroughly After Each Use

Don’t let ingredients dry inside the container. A quick rinse prevents stubborn films from forming.

Use Mild Dish Soap and Soft Sponge

Gently hand wash with a non-abrasive sponge and mild eco-friendly dish liquid. Avoid soaking for long periods.

Run Self-Cleaning Program Regularly

If your blender has a special heating mode, use it monthly to sanitize and dissolve residue.

Remove Stains With Baking Soda

For stubborn stains, let the container soak for 30 minutes in warm water mixed with baking soda then scrub lightly with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly.

Try Distilled White Vinegar

The acidic properties of vinegar help dissolve mineral deposits and stains. Fill pitcher 25% full with warm vinegar and let soak for an hour before rinsing.

Use a Lemon Juice and Salt Paste

For plastic with more stubborn clouding, apply a paste of lemon juice and salt. Let sit for 30 minutes then scrub off. The acid lifts buildup.

Replace Cloudy Parts

If cloudiness won’t scrub off, replacement blender pitchers, lids, and bases can be purchased from the manufacturer.

Store Smart

Prevent future cloudiness by storing blender parts fully dry and away from direct sunlight, heat, and chemical fumes.

When to Replace a Cloudy Blender

While you can often resuscitate a cloudy blender, when is it time to just invest in a new one? Here are signs it may be time to replace your old blender:

• The plastic has become opaque, melted, or warped.
• There are deep pits, divots, or cracks in the container.
• The blade assembly is dulled, rusted, or damaged.
• Rubber pieces are loose, cracking, or missing.
• It constantly leaks when blending.
• The motor runs loud, sluggish, or erratically.
• It simply stops functioning properly despite troubleshooting.

If your blender shows any of these issues, it’s likely at the end of its lifespan. Time for an upgrade!

How to Choose a New Blender

When selecting a replacement blender, look for these features:

• Tritan Plastic – Made from premium Eastman Tritan copolyester, it resists clouding, cracking, and warping.
• Glass Pitcher – More durable and stain-resistant than plastic containers.
• Stainless Steel Blades – Stay sharper longer than other metals.
• Leak-Proof Seal – Prevents spills and messes while blending.
• Powerful Motor – Needs at least 500 watts for ice crushing and tough ingredients.
• Warranty – At least 1 year warranty for parts and labor.

Investing in a quality blender with these features will give you pristine drinks for years to come!

Common Blender Brands

Not sure where to start your blender search? Here are some of the top brands on the market:

Brand	Known For
Vitamix	Commercial-grade power and quality.
Blendtec	Sleek modern design, touch screens.
Ninja	Budget-friendly blenders.
Breville	Smart technology features.
NutriBullet	Compact personal blenders.
Oster	Broad range from cheaper to high-end.
Cuisinart	Known for food processors too.
KitchenAid	Matching collections, reputable brand.

Conclusion

While cloudiness in your blender can be annoying, the underlying causes are common and preventable. With proper use and cleaning methods, you can keep your blender looking crystal clear. When it does come time to replace your blender, be sure to select one with durable, high-quality construction that will resist damage. Taking steps to care for your blender properly makes it easy to whip up cloud-free smoothies and drinks for years on end!