Best Way to Clean a Blender Fast (and Thoroughly)

We all love a good smoothie—until it’s time to clean the blender. That sticky mess at the bottom, the gunk clinging to the blade, and the funky smell from yesterday’s blend? It can make anyone want to avoid the job. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to dread cleaning your blender. With the right method, it takes barely a minute to keep your blender clean, odor-free, and ready for the next use.

This guide walks you through how to clean your blender quickly and thoroughly—without cutting corners or damaging your machine. Whether you’re dealing with dried-up fruit residue, protein shake buildup, or mysterious blender smells, these tips work. They’ve been tested by many of us who use blenders every day.

Let’s start from the top.

Why You Should Always Clean Your Blender Properly

A blender isn’t just another kitchen gadget—it’s something that gets used often, especially if you’re into meal prepping, healthy shakes, sauces, or soups. But because it’s easy to think it’s clean after a quick rinse, most people don’t realize how fast residue builds up in hidden spots like under the blades, around the gasket ring, or inside the lid.

And it’s not just about visible stains. Bacteria, mold, and smells can develop in moist, overlooked areas. Over time, they can:

• Make your food taste odd or sour

• Leave behind stubborn stains and odors

• Damage your blender’s blade assembly or gasket

• Attract fruit flies if left uncleaned for a long

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t leave your frying pan unwashed overnight—why do it with your blender?

Quickest Way to Clean a Blender After Every Use

When you’re done blending and in a hurry, you probably just rinse the jar with water, right? That might look clean enough—but it’s not removing sticky residue, oils, or smells that slowly accumulate. The trick? Use the self-clean method right after use.

Do this instead (it takes less than a minute):

1. Rinse out your blender jar immediately after pouring out your mix.

2. Fill it halfway with warm water (not boiling—just comfortably warm).

3. Add one small drop of dish soap—no more, or it’ll foam too much.

4. Secure the lid and blend on high for about 30–45 seconds.

5. Pour it out, rinse the jar thoroughly with clean water, and let it air-dry upside down.

This method gets into tight corners under the blades and around the edges—places your sponge can’t reach. Do this every time, and your blender stays spotless without needing deep cleans as often.

Forgot to clean it right away and now there’s a dried-on mess? Fill the jar with warm water and let it soak for 5–10 minutes before blending with soap. It softens the mess instantly.

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning (For When Quick Rinses Don’t Cut It)

If you’ve been blending thick smoothies, nut butter, coffee beans, or turmeric lattes, a quick rinse won’t always do the trick. Over time, residue builds up, discoloration sets in, and the jar starts to smell a little… off.

Here’s how to do a full deep clean that tackles everything—stains, smells, and stuck-on food.

Deep Cleaning With Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural combo is a powerhouse. Vinegar breaks down grime and neutralizes odor, while baking soda lifts residue and removes stains.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Fill the blender halfway with warm water.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

3. Let the mixture fizz and sit for about 5–10 minutes.

4. Place the lid on and blend on high for 30 seconds.

5. Pour it out, rinse thoroughly, and repeat with just water to clear the vinegar scent.

Turmeric stains? After using the vinegar + soda method, rub a wedge of lemon along the stained areas and leave it for 5 minutes. The natural acid helps lift the yellow stain.

You can also swap in lemon juice for vinegar if you prefer a fresher scent and a milder acid.

Tough Spots: How to Clean Under the Blades

This is where things get tricky—food hides right under the blade edges, and no amount of shaking or blending will dislodge it once it dries.

What works best:

• Use a bottle brush or narrow sponge to scrub under and around the blades.

• An old, soft toothbrush is perfect for tight spots and under the blade gasket.

• If your blade base detaches (like in many NutriBullet or Ninja models), remove it and soak it separately in warm soapy water. Just be gentle when scrubbing—blades dull fast if scratched with metal.

How to Clean Each Blender Part Properly

Cleaning the jar is just the start. Your blender has multiple parts, and each one needs its own to stay hygienic and work smoothly.

1. The Blender Jar (Glass or Plastic)

• Glass jars are more stain-resistant but heavier and more fragile.

• Plastic jars can stain faster—especially from turmeric, berries, and coffee.

For both:

• Use the vinegar + baking soda method weekly.

• Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch and fog plastic.

• Rinse thoroughly to prevent soapy aftertaste.

• For lingering odors, drop in lemon slices and water, then blend.

2. The Lid and Rubber Gasket Ring

These are often ignored and can become moldy if not dried properly.

• Remove the rubber ring (if detachable).

• Wash the id and gasket with hot soapy water using a soft sponge or toothbrush.

• Dry completely before reassembling.

• If your blender smells weird even after cleaning, this is likely the culprit.

3. The Blade Base

Whether fixed or removable, it needs attention.

• Never soak the entire base (especially if it contains the motor or wiring).

• If detachable, soak blades in soapy water with a few drops of vinegar, then scrub gently.

• Be extra careful—blades are sharp. A toothbrush or soft bottle brush works best.

4. The Motor Base

Never submerge the motor base in water. Instead:

• Unplug it first.

• Wipe the exterior with a damp microfiber cloth.

• Use a cotton swab or dry toothbrush to gently dust around buttons, knobs, and vents.

• If anything sticky spills into the buttons use a small dab of vinegar on a cloth—never pour liquids directly on it.

What’s the Easiest Way to Keep Your Blender Clean All the Time?

Build it into your blending habit.

• Clean it right after every use. It’s faster, and nothing dries on.

• Use the self-clean trick—water + dish soap blended for 30 seconds.

• Dry it properly. Leave it upside down on a drying rack or dish towel to avoid moisture build-up.

• Deep clean once a week if you use your blender daily.

• Keep lemon juice or vinegar handy for fast odor-fighting.

It’s all about creating a 60-second cleaning rhythm that becomes second nature.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Blender

Even the most well-meaning users make these errors:

• Soaking the motor base – causes irreparable damage. Always unplug and wipe only.

• Using boiling water – this can warp plastic containers. Stick with warm, not scalding.

• Scrubbing with steel wool or abrasive pads – these scratch surfaces and dull blades.

• Forgetting the gasket – food and moisture love hiding here, especially with smoothies or soups.

• Reassembling wet parts – moisture trapped between parts leads to mold. Always air-dry or wipe down.

These small tweaks will add years to your blender’s life.

How to Store Your Blender Safely After Cleaning

A clean blender is only useful if it stays that way. Here’s how to store it smartly:

• Air-dry everything fully before reassembling. Moisture trapped under the blade or inside the lid = mold risk.

• Store the jar upside down if you leave it on the counter.

• Keep the lid off or slightly open when storing long-term to avoid trapped smells.

• Wipe down the motor base before placing it back in a cabinet or on the counter.

• If your blender has multiple attachments, store them in a dry, well-ventilated drawer, not next to your stove or dishwasher where humidity collects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my blender in the dishwasher?

Depends on your model. Most jars, lids, and blade bases (if removable) are top-rack dishwasher safe but always check the manual. Never put the motor base in water or a dishwasher.

What if my blender still smells after cleaning?

Use lemon juice, vinegar, or a mix of baking soda and water blended for 30 seconds. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Repeat if necessary. Sometimes the gasket needs a deep scrub.

How often should I deep clean?

If you use your blender daily, once a week is a good rhythm. For occasional use, every 3–4 uses is enough if you’re self-cleaning after each blend.

What’s the best way to clean under the blade if it’s not removable?

Use a narrow bottle brush or a flexible silicone scrubber. Combine warm water with dish soap and use a swirl-and-scrub motion. You can also blend a drop of dish soap and warm water to loosen the buildup before scrubbing.

Turn Cleaning into a Stress-Free Habit

Keeping your blender clean doesn’t need to be a chore. Once you start using the fast blend-and-rinse trick after every use and reserve 5 minutes for a weekly deep clean, you’ll never have to deal with stubborn grime, sour smells, or stained jars again.

It’s just like brushing your teeth—skip it once, and you’ll feel the difference. Do it consistently, and your blender will reward you with longer life, better performance, and healthier results.

Now that you know how to clean your blender thoroughly—and fast—take 60 seconds after your next smoothie and try the self-clean method. You’ll never go back.

If you want to bookmark this guide or share it with your housemates or family, go ahead. They’ll thank you the next time they avoid scrubbing dried almond butter off the blades.