How to Deep Clean a Cloudy Blender Jar (And Actually Make It Clear Again)

Let’s face it—we all want our kitchen tools to look clean and feel clean. But when your once-sparkling blender jar turns into something that looks like it’s been dipped in milk and left to dry, you start asking questions: Is it safe to use? Why is it like this? Is there a way to get rid of the foggy film without buying a new jar?

Good questions. And yes, there is a way.

A cloudy blender jar usually means one of two things: hard water minerals have built up, or old food residue is clinging to the plastic. If you’ve tried washing it like usual and it’s still foggy, you’re not doing anything wrong—it just needs a more targeted clean.

Whether you’re using a Vitamix, a NutriBullet, or a regular household blender, this guide will walk you through safe, effective, non-toxic methods to restore clarity, remove stubborn stains, and prevent future buildup.

Let’s start by understanding what you’re dealing with.

Why Blender Jars Get Cloudy or Foggy in the First Place

You might think the fogginess is just “wear and tear,” but it usually isn’t. Here are the main reasons it happens:

Hard Water Deposits (Calcium & Magnesium)

If you live in an area with hard water—and many people do—your water is full of minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium. Every time you rinse your blender or run it through the dishwasher, those minerals settle into the plastic. Over time, they create a chalky film that’s almost invisible at first but builds layer by layer.

If you’ve noticed your shower glass door gets filmy or your kettle gets crusty, that’s the same thing happening to your blender pitcher.

Trapped Food Oils and Stains

Every time you blend nut butters, dressings, turmeric, or berries, a little bit of residue clings to the jar. Oils are especially tricky—they don’t just rinse off with water, and soap doesn’t always get into the corners. Over time, these oils oxidize and attract more grime.

Dishwasher Damage and Soap Film

Here’s something many people don’t realize: hot dishwasher cycles can damage plastic blender containers—especially if they’re not rated dishwasher-safe. Heat combined with detergent can leave behind micro-etching and soap residue that sticks to the surface and looks like a foggy stain.

If your jar looks cloudy after dishwashing, that’s probably the culprit.

Is It Still Safe to Use a Cloudy Blender Jar?

Technically? Yes. Most of the time, a cloudy jar doesn’t affect function. It still blends. It still seals. It still spins.

But here’s the catch: visual cloudiness could be hiding hygiene problems.
Ask yourself:

• Does it smell sour or odd inside, even after washing?
  That could indicate trapped bacteria in oil layers or mineral build-up.

• Do drinks come out with an off-taste or weird texture?
  That’s a sign there’s residual buildup transferring into your blends.

• Is there visible gunk in the corners or on the bottom rim?
  That’s food grime that didn’t get removed by regular cleaning.

If you answered “yes” to any of those, it’s not just a cosmetic issue anymore—it’s affecting what you put in your body.

So even if it seems safe, it’s worth taking time to clean it properly. You use your blender often. It should feel fresh.

What You’ll Need to Deep Clean a Cloudy or Stained Blender Pitcher

You don’t need to buy anything fancy. The tools that work best are usually sitting in your kitchen or bathroom:

• White vinegar – Natural acid that breaks down hard water minerals.

• Baking soda – Gentle abrasive and natural deodorizer.

• Fresh lemon juice – Helps cut through oil and odor, plus it’s mildly antibacterial.

• Denture tablets – Surprisingly effective at dissolving residue.

• Dish soap – Preferably unscented, biodegradable if possible.

• Bottle brush or soft sponge – Needed for physical scrubbing.

• Warm (not boiling) water – Helps loosen grime without damaging plastic.

Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, or anything gritty like scouring powder or steel wool. Those can scratch plastic permanently, which not only worsens cloudiness but creates grooves that hold bacteria.

Pro Tip: If you use a personal blender with a narrow pitcher, invest in a slim bottle brush or straw brush set—they make it easier to reach deep into the corners.

How to Deep Clean a Cloudy Blender Jar: Step-by-Step Methods That Work

Let’s go through the most effective cleaning methods we’ve tested over time. You can choose one based on what you have at home and how bad the cloudiness is.

#1. The Vinegar & Baking Soda Flush

Best for: Hard water stains, soap film, and odor

This is the go-to method when your jar looks cloudy and smells a little off.

Instructions:

1. Add about 1–2 cups of warm water to the jar.

2. Pour in 1 cup of white vinegar.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda—it’ll fizz, which is normal.

4. Let the solution sit for 15–30 minutes to dissolve minerals.

5. Blend on low speed for 30–45 seconds if your blender allows it.

6. Use a bottle brush to scrub any stubborn foggy spots.

7. Rinse thoroughly—twice if needed—to remove the vinegar smell.

Extra tip: After this, toss in a couple of lemon peels with warm water and blend briefly to freshen the container.

#2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste (For Stains and Oils)

Best for: Turmeric stains, grease, or any greasy fogginess

If your blender looks like it’s been blending curries or peanut butter for weeks, this one’s for you.

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a thick paste.

2. Use a sponge or your fingers to apply it directly onto the stained areas.

3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

4. Gently scrub, focusing on oily corners and base edges.

5. Rinse well with warm water.

Why it works: The lemon breaks down oils and odors, while the baking soda provides just enough scrub to lift grime without harming the plastic.

#3. The Denture Tablet Soak (Lazy but Powerful)

Best for: Hard-to-reach spots and long-term build-up

When you want to clean the jar without much effort, this is incredibly effective.

Instructions:

1. Fill your blender jar halfway with warm water.

2. Drop in 1–2 denture cleaning tablets.

3. Let it fizz and sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.

4. In the morning, rinse it out and give it a quick brush or sponge wipe.

It’ll look clearer and smell cleaner, often with zero scrubbing.

#4. Vinegar-Soaked Paper Towel Wrap (For Exterior Cloudiness)

Best for: Foggy plastic on the outside of the pitcher or stuck-on residue at the base

Sometimes, the outside of your blender jar starts looking dull and milky too—usually from dishwasher steam or hard water splashes drying on the plastic. You can’t submerge some blender jars due to attached blades or wiring, so this method helps without risking damage.

Instructions:

1. Soak a few paper towels or soft cloth strips in white vinegar.

2. Wrap them snugly around the cloudy area.

3. Let them sit for 20–30 minutes.

4. Unwrap and wipe the surface—you’ll often feel a slick layer come right off.

5. Rinse and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

It sounds simple, but it works especially well on textured plastic areas or blender lids that have gotten grimy over time.

How to Prevent Your Blender Jar From Getting Cloudy Again

Once you’ve taken the time to clean it properly, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here’s how:

Rinse Immediately After Every Use

Don’t let smoothie remnants sit around. That’s how stains and smells start. Even just a quick rinse with warm water prevents most issues.

Avoid Dishwashers (Especially with Heated Dry)

Unless your blender manufacturer says the jar is 100% dishwasher-safe—and most aren’t—it’s better to hand wash. Dishwashers etch plastic over time, especially under high heat.

Do a Weekly Vinegar Rinse

Make it a habit: once a week, blend a solution of 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup warm water for 30 seconds. Rinse it out, and your jar stays clearer for much longer.

Use a Bottle Brush for the Base & Corners

Even if the walls look clean, residue often hides in the bottom grooves where the blades sit. A bottle brush helps you reach all those corners with less effort.

Let It Air Dry Fully

After washing, let the jar dry upside down, open, and uncovered. Trapped moisture inside a lid or blade base can cause mildew and smells—even if the container looks clean.

What If the Cloudiness Just Won’t Go Away? Is It Time to Replace the Jar?

If you’ve tried everything above, and the jar still looks permanently foggy or scratched, you might be dealing with plastic degradation—not just grime.

Here are signs it might be time to replace it:

• Deep scratches inside the jar that trap food

• A plastic smell that never goes away

• The fogginess has a chalky texture you can feel

• Stains that have seeped into the plastic, not just on the surface

Some blender brands offer replacement jars separately, and they’re usually cheaper than buying a whole new blender. Before tossing it out, check the model number and see if a new pitcher is available. It’s often worth the swap if you use your blender frequently.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Blender Jar Look New Without Harsh Chemicals

You don’t need to accept a foggy, stained blender as your kitchen’s new normal. With a little effort—using items you already have at home—you can bring back that fresh, clean look and feel.

Remember, it’s not just about looks. A clean blender:

• Tastes better

• Smells cleaner

• Blends more smoothly

• Lasts longer

So whether you’re whipping up smoothies, soups, or nut butter, take care of your pitcher—and it’ll take care of your blends.

Now that you know how to deep clean your cloudy blender jar, pick a method and try it today. You might be surprised how much clearer and fresher it looks in just 30 minutes.