Many of us use a blender to make smoothies and other foods that need liquid. However, you can use your blender for other things than what it was made for, such as a coffee grinder. Some of those concoctions might not be pretty, but the blender is something almost every homes have. The question is whether or not you know how to clean it properly, because to clean and maintain your blender thoroughly will keep it in top shape for many years into the future.
So whether you simply look for a Winnipeg appliance repair company to help you, or just bought a new blender and want to maintain it, this one is for you.
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Know your blender
Blenders are great kitchen tools that can make all kinds of food prep a breeze. From smoothies and soups to dips, sauces, and even baby food, blenders help you quickly create a variety of dishes. And they’re pretty easy to use: add ingredients and press “blend.” That’s it.
But while operating your blender is pretty straightforward, cleaning it isn’t. Because the blades on the bottom of the jar are so sharp, you have to be very careful when washing your blender. But with these pro tips, you’ll learn how to clean a blender in no time!
First things first: Know your blender. Before you start cleaning your blender, read through the manual for any special instructions on how to clean it. Some blenders might require certain things or have specific recommendations regarding water temperature or what you can use to clean it (like whether you can put it in the dishwasher or not).
If your manual doesn’t offer any guidelines for cleaning the blender, follow these tips for how to clean a blender by hand.
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Brushes and sponges
The best option for cleaning your blender is to use a cleaning brush that fits into the pitcher. This is my preferred method for cleaning my blender. You can also use a sponge to clean your blender, but this method can be time consuming and difficult at times. It’s important to remember that using brushes and sponges is the same thing: you’re using them to get the grime out of the pitcher.
If you don’t have a brush, then you can use a sponge to clean your blender. The idea is to soak the sponge in water, then use it to scrub away at the pitcher until the grime has been removed.
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Choosing the right detergent
The first thing you want to do is get the right detergent for your dishwasher. You can check with the manufacturer of your dishwasher to see what they recommend. Many companies offer special detergents that are formulated for hard water or soft water and are designed to work well with their machines. If you don’t want to go that route, there are a number of options for you.
If you have hard water, choose a detergent with a phosphate base. Phosphates bind to calcium and magnesium ions in the water and help prevent them from leaving deposits on your dishes. However, phosphates have been shown to have adverse environmental effects so many states have banned phosphate based detergents.
If you don’t have hard water, a good option is an enzymatic cleaner. Enzymatic cleaners contain enzymes that break down food particles and eliminate the need for pre-rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. This will save time and money by reducing the amount of time and energy required to clean your dishes.
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How to clean a brand-new blender
Now that you’ve got a new blender, here’s the best way to clean it:
Fill the pitcher with warm water, add a drop of dish soap, and blend on high for 30 seconds. Rinse, dry, and you’re done!
If you’re cleaning an older blender that has some stains, you can use a bit more elbow grease. Follow the steps above, but let it soak in soapy water for 10 minutes before rinsing. You should find that the stains come right out.
If there are any stubborn bits of food on the bottom of your pitcher or blade attachment, use a sponge or scrub brush to remove them. Then fill the pitcher with warm water again and blend for 30 more seconds to get rid of any excess soap residue.
Remember to wipe down your lid too if it came off easily when you were cleaning.
Warning: Do not put your blender parts in the dishwasher unless they are specifically marked as “dishwasher safe.” Otherwise, they might warp under the heat of a dishwasher cycle.
If you put the blender in the dishwasher and now need a dishwasher repair in Winnipeg, call Profixit today.