Can You Put A Blender In The Dishwasher ?

A dishwasher is a convenient tool for cleaning dirty dishes quickly. Many users want to know if they can use the machine to clean their blenders.

A blender can be both safe and unsafe in the dishwasher, depending on its material. Generally, the blender’s jar, lid, blade, and gaskets are safe in the cleaning machine. In contrast, any electrical components or a part with special coating may not be safe in the dishwasher. The best way to ensure this is to check the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.

In this article, we will explore whether blenders are safe in the dishwashing machines, and precautions to follow while cleaning them.

Which Parts Of The Blender You Can Put In The Dishwasher?

To protect the blender from damage, you need to understand which of its parts are eligible to be cleaned in the dishwasher. In this part, we will discuss the safe and unsafe parts of a blender to clean in the dishwashing machine.

Below are safe parts of the blender that can be washed in the dishwasher:

Jar / Pitcher:

Blender jars are completely safe to clean in the dishwasher. They are usually made of plastic or glass, which are eligible for the cleaning machine. However, it is recommended to avoid harsh detergent. These jars may have special coatings, which the detergent can impair. If you are unsure about putting the jar in the dishwasher, check the user manual to confirm.

Lid:

Lids of blenders are commonly made of rubber and plastic. So, the dishwashing machine causes no harm to them during cleaning. 

Blades:

The blender’s blade can be both safe and unsafe for cleaning in the dishwasher. It depends on the blade’s material and shape. Dishwasher cleaning can harm the blade’s sharpness or its special coating. But, if the manufacturer guarantees it is dishwasher safe, you surely can wash them in the machine. It is advised to avoid harsh detergent while cleaning the blades.

Gaskets:

First, you should understand if your blender’s gaskets can tolerate the pressure and heat of the dishwasher. The typical gasket materials are food-safe silicone or rubber, which are safe to use in the dishwashing machine. But, if they are fragile or low quality, avoid cleaning them this way. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. 

The blender’s parts that are not safe in the dishwasher:

Motor base and electrical components:

These parts are not safe at all to place in the dishwashing machine. The motor base has multiple electrical components. Water contact can damage them permanently. Plus, water presence inside the base enhances the risk of short circuits and fire hazards.

Are Glass Or Plastic Blender Jars Safe In The Dishwasher?

Plastic and glass are two standard materials used in producing blender jars. Glass jars are durable and have a low risk of getting scratched. On the other hand, plastic jars are cost-effective and long-lasting.

Now, the question is – are both types of jars safe in the dishwasher? In short, there is nothing wrong with cleaning them in the dishwashing machine. But, you must keep a few things in mind while washing them.

When cleaning the glass jars, put them in the top rack of the dishwashing machine. Particularly, you must be careful during the heat-dry cycle because the heat can crack glass.

In the case of plastic jars, use a gentle detergent. Also, be careful during the heat dry, as excessive heat can deform the plastic jar.

Both materials are safe to clean in the dishwashing machine. You just need some extra precautions to prevent cracking and deforming those jars.

Hand Or Dishwasher Cleaning: The Best Blender Cleaning Method

You can clean a blender by hand or using the dishwasher. But which one is better? The answer depends on your personal preference. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.

The comparison chart below represents the pros and cons of these two approaches to help you decide on the ideal cleaning technique. 

Points	Hand cleaning	Dishwasher cleaning
Cleaning duration	Hand cleaning a blender takes a longer time.	Cleaning a blender in the dishwasher is faster.
Physical damage	Hand cleaning causes nearly no damage to the blender.	If not compatible, the blender has a risk of damage due to the high pressure of the machine.
Difficulty	Cleaning by hand can be difficult, mainly when the blender is dirty.	Dishwasher cleaning is so easy, that it requires nothing but pressing a switch.
Comprehensive cleaning	You can clean a blender thoroughly with your hand.	Sometimes, the machine can fail to clean the blender thoroughly.
Hygiene	Hand cleaning has low hygiene as it is difficult to remove bacteria this way.	The detergent and heat dry kill bacteria effectively.

To wrap up the comparison, if quick and easy cleaning with maximum hygiene is your priority, dishwasher cleaning is a good option. If you prefer thorough cleaning and less damage, hand cleaning would be better. 

Precautions Before Putting A Blender In The Dishwasher

If you have decided to clean your blender using the dishwashing machine, check these precautions:

Read the cleaning instructions:

Check the user manual provided with the blender before cleaning. Does the manufacturer have any precise instructions? You must follow them, otherwise, the blender can get impaired.

Disassemble:

Take apart all parts of the blender. If possible, detach even the most minor parts. This technique will help you clean thoroughly, and ensure no food particles hiding in smaller parts.

Put components on the top rack:

Always place the blender on the top rack of the dishwashing machine. This is because the heat dry can melt, deform, or crack the blender’s parts. This simple technique will keep them safe. 

Set a gentle cycle:

Another safety precaution while cleaning the blender is to set a gentle cycle. Choose an appropriate water pressure that the blender can tolerate. Also, check the instructions provided with the dishwasher if any recommended settings are mentioned.

Avoid washing motor base:

Never put the motor base of the blender in the dishwashing machine. Instead, the recommended way to clean its surface is to wipe it down with a damp cloth dunked in warm water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Not all blenders are dishwasher safe. So, before cleaning yours, ensure it is eligible to put in the dishwashing machine. Otherwise, the blender can be permanently damaged. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines to confirm your blender’s eligibility for dishwasher cleaning. Also, follow the cleaning precautions for a better cleaning result.