The easy and helpful guide to keep your Vitamix Blender clean (Tips & Tricks)

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Vitamix vs Other Blenders

One of the best things about Vitamix is that the Vitamix blades are integrated into the blender Jar. There are only 3 pieces, besides the motor base, to keep clean, the Jar, the lid, and the lid plug. Other blenders often have a screw-off blade mechanism which can feel dangerous and also can become a weak point where leaks occur after moderate use. Regardless, always be careful when cleaning around the stainless steel blades as they are very sharp.

With just a few simple steps and proper care, you can keep your blender container looking brand new. A clean Vitamix blender means a happy Vitamix owner.

The easiest way to keep your blender clean

The first thing we always recommend is giving your blender a good rinse after use. Perhaps you’ve just made your favorite green smoothie, poured it into a glass, and are getting ready to enjoy it. Take 30 seconds and give it a quick rinse with warm water. If you aren’t in a hurry, then the following quick-cleaning procedure will help you get your blender clean and ready for its next blend:

1. Fill the blender jar halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Secure the lid and lid plug and place the blender container on the base.
3. Using the Vitamix Clean Cycle on your blender, turn your blender on.
4. Let the cleaning cycle finish. It will automatically complete.
5. Remove the blender from the base. Remove the lid, pour out the soapy liquid and rinse.

If your blender doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, the steps are similar but you will use the variable speed control feature. Start the blender on Variable Speed 1 and slowly increase to Variable Speed 10 and then run on high for approximately 60 seconds.  Of course, hand washing your containers is always an option.  Be cautious around the laser-cut blades.

This regular cleaning routine is always a good idea after using your blender. It is a simple process that uses high speed to help remove stubborn or sticky ingredients. In most cases, you can let your blender air dry after completing this cycle.

Wipe your Blender base down with a damp cloth regularly. Always ensure the blender is off and unplugged and never submerge motor bases in water.

The next step for stubborn residue

I have noticed that if I don’t immediately rinse my blender and I let it sit for a long time, especially after making a kale berry smoothie, I will have sticky seeds or smoothie residue that is caked on even after running the cleaning cycle. The best method to address this is to soak the container for a few minutes with warm soapy water and then use a damp cloth and circular motions to clean the inside walls of the container. This should get rid of any remaining residue. If you use anything beyond a cloth to scrub, ensure you are only using a soft bottle brush or pot scrubber to avoid scratching the container.  Always use caution around the blade assembly.

I have a cloudy blender jar, now what?

Regular Vitamix users will almost inevitably notice that they get a cloudy Vitamix blender jar over time. Heavy use can create a cloudy film; hard water stains or mineral deposits can cause this. This isn’t a big deal and there is an effective way to get your cloudy container looking brand new again.

One of the all-time best and cheapest kitchen cleaners – white vinegar – once again comes to the rescue. Do a container soak with warm water and a cup of white vinegar and let it sit for 4-5 hours. Then pour it out, rinse and run the self-cleaning feature. You can also follow this up with a hand scrub to remove any stubborn stains. No more cloudy Vitamix containers!

Is My Vitamix container dishwasher safe? Warning: Do not put your blender parts in the dishwasher without checking first. 

Unless your Vitamix container is specifically deemed to be top rack dishwasher-safe, do not tempt fate by putting it in the dishwasher. The result will be a very sad Vitamix Owner and we don’t want that to happen to you.

You can find out more about which Vitamix blending containers are considered top rack dishwasher safe on the Vitamix website.  Newer Vitamix containers are dishwasher safe including the Vitamix Ascent Series Blenders (includes the stainless steel container and its lid that is made from BPA free Eastman Tritan. This container works on all full-size Vitamix Blenders including my Vitamix Pro 750).  Before purchasing a new blender container be sure to verify that it is compatible with your blender base. Not all Vitamix Models are compatible with all Vitamix containers. 

In closing, spending a few minutes to clean your blender after every use will help keep your blender in good shape for the long run. Your Vitamix and all the containers are an investment and should be treated as such to maintain optimal performance.