How to clean a hand blender

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We mentioned a bit about cleaning an immersion blender on the main equipment page, but then we saw how many questions there were all over the internet on this subject, and we thought the world might benefit from a little step by step guide on how to clean your hand blender !

The most important advice on how to clean an immersion blender is …

…do it straight away !

Now, we use our hand blender every day and this is our best routine for normal cleaning.

Admittedly we are spoiled by having a Bamix as it’s so easy to clean, but the shaft doesn’t detach so this is our routine.

1. *** Pull the plug out first *** ( this way i know it´s definitely off !)

2. Turn the tap / faucet on to get warm water running.

3. Rinse and clean the blender leg under the tap.

4. Hang it up on it’s stand.        

8 easy steps to clean your stick blender properly

1. 1. Let the blender cool down ( unless it’s a Bamix – they are so powerful that we have never known these to heat up!)
   2. Put some washing up liquid (or vinegar or lemon) in the jug that came with the blender, or another container that it fits nicely into.
   3. Fill with some lukewarm water. Not too much so it doesn’t splash when blended.
   4. Blend at high speed for 30-60secs depending on how dirty it is!
   5. Then UNPLUG from electricity and detach the wand (if it comes off ) and rinse it off under the tap.
   6. Alternatively, just unplug first and run the tap over it till clean – that’s usually enough for us !
   7. Pat dry with tissue or a cloth.
   8. Use the moist cloth or tissue to then clean the body or handle part of the blender.  Be careful to not over wet, as this is the motor part.

10 tricks & tips you should know when cleaning your immersion blender

Tip 1: Do it straight away, after using.

The last thing you want is to have food stuck in little crevices so wash it as soon as possible after use. Why? Because it will get harder to clean as the food dries on it ! And you also don’t want to create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Tip 2: Quick blend in water or under running tap

When cleaning your hand blender just remember the same rule for the cleaning as for blending… take your blender to the cleaning mix, just like you take it to the food mix! You can turn the blender on in a bowl of water to loosen the food, or , with it turned off just hold it under a running tap and clean the blades there. Once it’s turned off, with some blenders you can take the leg off to clean, or take the blades off to clean separately.

Tip 3: Cold, warm or hot water ?

With what should you clean it with dear Henry? Luke warm water, and some dishwashing liquid.Use luke warm water, rather than hot. Check with the user manual what the manufacturer advises also on this.

Tip 4: What about the motor parts ?

NEVER immerse the motor part in water dear Liza !

Tip 5: What to do if its extra greasy

If its extra greasy, use white vinegar or lemon juice instead of washing up liquid. The lemon / vinegar also serves to disinfect.

Tip 6: Make sure to dry it because…

Make sure it’s nice and dry before plugging in again to avoid any electrical shocks.

Tip 7: Hand washing vs Dishwasher machine

Read the instruction manual about which parts can be immersed in water, and if any can be put in the dishwasher if you prefer to use that. We prefer the hand washing method just to be safe and also we feel that dishwashing things continually ( given that our hand blender gets used every day) can lead to rust or damage. Also its best to clean the hand blender straight away after use. IF you leave it until you have a full dishwasher load, the food may have dried and will be harder to shift.

Tip 8: Read the instruction manual that came with your hand blender.

The more complicated the blender, the more instructions you may have. Check which parts can be immersed in water and which cannot. Check which can go in the dishwasher and which cannot.

Tip 9: For stubborn stains around buttons

Dip a cotton bud ( Q tip) in rubbing alcohol ( could also be surgical spirit in the U.K.)  and use it to wipe around the edges to get tough dried on stains off.

By the way, we started looking for alternatives to the rubbing alcohol too and discovered this great website for you with all sorts of green living tips.

Tip 10:  Food stains on the wand itself

These can often be shifted with vegetable oil… a little less harsh than vinegar !  Remember the rule… vinegar to remove smells, and oil to remove stains.