Cleaning a blender is one of those little kitchen tasks that people often make much more complicated than it needs to be. Some of us give our attachments a quick rinse and hope for the best, while others turn it into a whole production after every smoothie.
Thankfully, keeping your blender clean is actually pretty simple once you have a good routine.
In most cases, there are only two easy methods you need: a quick self-cleaning option for everyday smoothies, shakes, soups, and sauces, and a deeper hand-wash method for thicker blends, stubborn residue, or the occasional reset clean.
This guide walks through both so you can keep your blender fresh, clean, and working beautifully — without spending extra time scrubbing at the sink.
The Two Methods at a Glance
Not every blend requires a deep scrub.
For everyday smoothies, protein shakes, soups, or sauces, the self-cleaning method is usually all you need. It’s fast, simple, and takes less than a minute.
For thicker mixtures like nut butters, oily dressings, curry sauces, or heavily spiced recipes, a deeper hand-wash works better. It’s also a smart weekly maintenance habit if you use your blender frequently.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Self-cleaning method: Best for daily use and light residue
- Deep hand-wash method: Best for stubborn buildup, odors, oils, and regular maintenance

Method 1 — The Self-Cleaning Method (Quick & Easy)
This is the go-to cleaning method for most everyday blends.
If you’ve just made a smoothie, shake, soup, salsa, or sauce, self-cleaning is usually enough to fully clean your full-sized blender pitcher, blender jar, or personal blender cup — and it takes less than a minute.
Rinse Immediately
As soon as you finish blending, empty out the remaining contents and give the pitcher/cup a quick rinse.
This step matters more than people realize. Residue becomes much harder to clean once it dries onto the sides or around the blades. A fast rinse immediately after use prevents buildup and makes the rest of the process incredibly easy.
Add Water and Dish Soap
When cleaning a full-size blender, fill the blender pitcher or blender jar about halfway with warm water, then add 2–3 drops of dish soap. That’s it — no scrubbing or disassembling required.
For portable blender cups, use one drop of soap and only use room temperature or cold water to clean. It is unsafe to blend warm or hot ingredients in a personal blender (including portable blender) cup with a sealed blade, as steam released during blending can build pressure inside, which can force the cup and blade apart and lead to injury and/or property damage.
Blend on High
Secure the lid or blade firmly and run the blender on high for 30–60 seconds.
The spinning motion of the soapy water creates a vortex that reaches the sides and corners of the vessel, and underneath the blades, cleaning without requiring direct contact. Some blenders also include a dedicated self-cleaning or pulse setting you can use for this exact purpose.
For everyday blending, this method is usually enough to clean your blender.
Rinse and Dry
Pour out the soapy water and rinse your blender pitcher, cup, and/or blade thoroughly with warm water, then let everything air dry, or dry with a clean towel. Be sure to rinse the lid and any removable components as well.
Clean the Base Separately
The motor base of your blender should always be cleaned separately, with a damp cloth.
Never submerge the motor base in water, as this can permanently damage the motor and electrical components it houses. A quick wipe after each use helps to prevent sticky residue from building up around buttons and controls.
Pro Tip — Add Lemon for Stubborn Odors
If your blender smells like garlic, protein powder, spices, or yesterday’s smoothie, try adding half a squeezed lemon to the warm, soapy water before blending.
The citric acid helps cut through lingering odors naturally and will help to get your blender smelling fresh and clean.

Method 2 — The Deep Hand-Wash (For Stubborn Residue)
Some blends need more than a quick rinse cycle.
Nut butters, thick sauces, oily dressings, curry pastes, and heavily spiced foods can leave behind residue that builds over time. A deeper hand-wash every few uses — or at least once a week for regular users — helps keep your blender in top condition.
Unplug First
Before doing any deep cleaning, unplug the blender.
This should be a non-negotiable habit any time you’re handling blades or disassembling blender parts.
Disassemble the Vessel
Separate the blender pitcher and lid or cup and blade from the base so you can clean everything thoroughly.
One important note: never remove the gasket (rubber seal) from the blade assembly.
The gasket is not designed to be detached regularly, and removing it over time can loosen the seal, reduce its effectiveness, and potentially lead to irreparable leaks.
Soak in Vinegar Water
Fill your blending vessel with water and add a small amount of white vinegar.
Let it soak for about 10–15 minutes.
This helps loosen stuck-on residue and neutralize odors naturally without harsh cleaning chemicals.
Scrub with Soap
After soaking, use a soft sponge and a small amount of dish soap to gently clean the inside of the vessel and around the blades.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers like:
- Steel wool
- Wire brushes
- Harsh scouring pads
These can scratch plastic or glass surfaces and may damage blade finishes over time.
Rinse All Parts Thoroughly
Rinse every component carefully to remove all soap and vinegar residue.
Leftover residue can affect the taste and smell of your next blend, especially with smoothies and shakes.
Air Dry Completely
Allow every part to dry fully before reassembling the blender.
Putting the blender back together while still damp can trap moisture and contribute to mildew or odor buildup over time.

Shop nutribullet® Blenders
Keeping your blender clean is surprisingly simple when you have the right routine — and it helps even more when your blender is designed for easy everyday use.
Whether you’re making daily smoothies, protein shakes, soups, sauces, or frozen drinks, nutribullet blenders are built for fast blending and simple cleanup. From compact personal blenders to larger full-size blender models, nutribullet offers options designed to fit a wide range of kitchens and routines.
Explore the full nutribullet blender collection to find the right model for your daily routine and keep blending with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my blender vessel in the dishwasher?
Many blender pitchers and cups are dishwasher-safe, but it’s always best to check your model’s care instructions first.
Keep in mind that frequent dishwasher use can sometimes cloud plastic vessels over time. Hand washing is often gentler on plastic and can help maintain clarity and longevity.
How often should I deep clean my blender?
For regular users, a deep clean every few uses — or at minimum once a week — is a good rule of thumb.
If you frequently blend nut butters, oily sauces, thick smoothies, or strongly spiced foods, you may want to deep clean more often.
Why does my blender smell even after cleaning?
Lingering odors usually come from residue trapped around the blade assembly or from moisture that didn’t fully dry.
Using the lemon tip from the self-cleaning method and the vinegar soak from the deep-clean method can help eliminate stubborn smells naturally.
Can I submerge my blender in water to clean it?
Only certain removable components should come into contact with water.
The blender pitcher/cups, lid, and blade assembly are typically safe to run under water, but the motor base should never be submerged in water. The base contains electrical components and should only be wiped with a damp cloth.
Should I remove the gasket to clean around the blades?
No — the gasket should not be removed.
This part is designed to remain in place. Removing the gasket repeatedly can loosen the seal over time, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing irreparable leaks. Instead, clean gently around the blades and gasket area using a soft sponge or brush.