In this post we are going to discuss about How to Clean Mixer Grinder.
Mixer grinder is the most used appliance at home. Most of you will only think of preparing food with a mixer grinder. Whether it is chutney making, curry preparation, idli, etc., a mixer grinder is required for everything.
You might be using a mixer grinder several times a day, and it is very important to clean the mixer jars properly; otherwise, the next day, it will stink. Grinders are used regularly daily, and if proper maintenance is not done, then it may stop working.
People often used to mix grinder detergent after it. But there are more ways to clean the mixer grinders.
How to Clean Mixer Grinder
Here are the different ways to clean mixer grinders:
1. Clean mixer jar with Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the good cleaning agent. When you are using a mixer regularly then you can see some food stains inside the jar, these stains can be removed using baking soda.
How to use:
- Make a paste of baking soda by mixing water and baking soda.
- Put the paste in the mixer jar and grind it for a few seconds.
- Rinse and repeat it if you see still stains.
2. Clean using Lemon
Lemon is also used for cleaning the mixer grinder. Lemon has citric acid and it helps to remove bacteria and bad smell. Lemon peel can be used to clean the mixer jars.
How to use:
- Take some lemon peel
- Rub the inner and outer sides of the mixer jar
- Keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash the jar, and now you can see the jars will be clean and the bad smell is gone.
3. Clean using Liquid Detergent
Detergent is the most widely used cleaner for cleaning mixer jars and other utensils. A liquid detergent can be used to clean the mixer jars. There is no special way to clean using liquid detergent, need to follow the steps on how utensils are washed daily.
How to use:
- Pour liquid detergent into a mixer grinder
- Swirl it with water
- Wait for some time and rinse it with water
4. Clean the Mixer grinder with vinegar
Vinegar is one of the best options to clean a mixer grinder. If mixer jars are not washed properly for several days then hard stains appear on jars that will not go easily with the detergents. To clean these stains vinegar can be used a couple of times a month to remove these stains.
How to use:
- Take vinegar and mix it with water
- Pour it inside the mixer jar
- Grind for a few seconds and rinse it with water
5. Clean using alcohol
The alcohol solution has to have the property to clean germs and work as a disinfectant. This solution will clean the mixer grinder effectively. Create a diluted solution of with water and rub the surface of the jars and mixer. While preparing the solution take 60 to 80% alcohol and mix it with water.
How to use:
- First, wash the grinder using detergent
- Spray solution on the surface of the mixer grinder and wait for 1 minute
- Rub the surface using a cloth
- Let the solution evaporate
How to Remove Turmeric Stains from a Mixer Grinder Jar
Turmeric is a wonderful spice but a notorious stainer due to its active compound, curcumin. If your plastic mixer grinder jar has turned yellow, here’s how to restore its clarity.
Why it Works: Turmeric is an alkaline stain. Acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar help neutralize and break it down, while abrasives lift the residue.
Method 1: The Lemon and Baking Soda Scrub (Most Effective)
- Ingredients:Â 1 lemon, baking soda, water.
- Steps:
- Cut a lemon in half.
- Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the cut side of the lemon.
- Use the lemon as a scrubber to rub the paste all over the stained interior of the jar. Squeeze slightly to release juice.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Add a cup of warm water to the jar, attach the lid, and run the mixer for 30 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly. The stain and any lingering odors should be gone.
Method 2: White Vinegar Soak
- Ingredients:Â White vinegar, water.
- Steps:
- Fill the stained jar with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and warm water.
- Let it soak for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for stubborn stains.
- Scrub with a soft sponge or bottle brush, then rinse well.
Pro Tip: To prevent staining, always add a few drops of cooking oil or a small piece of lemon peel when grinding fresh turmeric. The oil coats the plastic, creating a barrier against the stain.
2. How to Clean a Burnt Mixer Grinder Jar
A burnt jar, often a result of overgrinding hot ingredients or grinding without enough liquid, can be challenging. Avoid harsh metal scrapers that can cause permanent scratches.
Why it Works: The key is to rehydrate and loosen the burnt-on layer so it can be wiped away easily.
The Baking Soda Power Soak
- Ingredients:Â Baking soda, water, dish soap.
- Steps:
- Fill the burnt jar with very hot water, leaving some space at the top.
- Add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda and a squirt of dish soap.
- Let it soak for several hours, or until the burnt residue has softened and lifted from the sides. For severe burns, you may need to leave it overnight.
- Use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad (like a melamine foam sponge/”magic eraser”) to wipe away the loosened particles.
- For stubborn spots, make a thick paste of baking soda and a little water, apply it directly to the spot, and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly until all baking soda residue is gone.
Important Safety Note: Never use the mixer grinder itself to grind abrasive cleaners like baking soda or salt on their own, as this can damage the blades and the jar’s interior.
3. Natural Cleaners vs. Commercial Cleaners for Mixer Grinders
Choosing between natural and commercial cleaners depends on the type of grime and your personal preference. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Natural Cleaners | Commercial Cleaners |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Baking Soda, Lemon, Vinegar, Salt | Chemical surfactants, bleach, acids, fragrances |
| Effectiveness | Excellent for general cleaning, odors, and mild stains (turmeric, oil). | Superior for tough, burnt-on grime, heavy stains, and sanitization. |
| Cost | Very low cost, uses common kitchen staples. | Higher cost, requires purchase of a separate product. |
| Safety | Non-toxic & Food-safe. Safe for children, pets, and people with chemical sensitivities. No harmful fumes. | Requires caution. Can contain harsh chemicals. Must be rinsed extremely thoroughly to avoid contaminating food. Fumes can be strong. |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable and eco-friendly. | Can introduce chemicals into the water system; packaging creates waste. |
| Best Used For | • Daily & weekly cleaning • Removing food odors • Tackling fresh spice stains • Maintenance cleaning | • Deep cleaning after heavy use • Removing severe, burnt-on residue • Situations requiring disinfection |
The Verdict:
- For Regular Maintenance: Stick with Natural Cleaners. A weekly clean with baking soda and lemon or a vinegar rinse is perfectly adequate, cost-effective, and safe. It keeps your appliance fresh and ready for use.
- For Deep Cleaning & Tough Jobs: Use a Commercial Cleaner Sparingly. If you have a severely burnt jar that natural methods can’t handle, a targeted use of a commercial cleaner is justified. Always follow the product instructions and rinse the jar multiple times to ensure no chemical residue remains.
How to Clean Mixer Grinder Jars
Cleaning mixer grinder jars is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of food residues.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean mixer grinder jars effectively:
Empty the Jars: Before cleaning, ensure that the mixer grinder jars are empty and free from any leftover food or ingredients.
Disassemble the Jars: Remove the jars from the mixer grinder base and separate the lids, blades, and any other detachable components. Most mixer grinder jars are designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning purposes.
Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse the jars, lids, blades, and other components with warm water to remove any loose food particles and debris. Use a gentle stream of water to ensure thorough rinsing.
Soak in Soapy Water: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent or liquid soap. Submerge the jars, lids, and blades in the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes to loosen stubborn residues.
Scrub the Interior: Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the interior surfaces of the jars, focusing on areas where food residues may have adhered. Pay special attention to the bottom corners and around the blades.
Clean the Blades: Carefully clean the blades using a sponge or brush, ensuring that all food particles are removed. Be cautious while handling the sharp edges of the blades.
Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the jars with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any spills, stains, or fingerprints. Pay attention to any crevices or grooves where dirt may accumulate.
Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the jars, lids, blades, and other components thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.
Dry Completely: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the jars, lids, blades, and other components and remove any excess water. Allow them to air-dry completely before reassembling the mixer grinder.
Reassemble the Jars: Once the jars and components are dry, reassemble them by attaching the blades, lids, and any other detachable parts securely to the jars.
Store Properly: Store the clean mixer grinder jars in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean mixer grinder jars and ensure that they remain hygienic and free from residue buildup. Regular cleaning will help prolong the life of your mixer grinder and maintain its performance.
FAQs:
Q1: How can I clean my mixer grinder without water?
- A:Â For a quick, water-less clean after grinding dry spices, wipe the jar and blades with a soft, dry brush or cloth. You can also grind a handful of rock salt or a piece of soft bread to absorb oil and residue, which you can then tap out.
Q2: Why does my mixer grinder jar smell bad even after washing?
- A:Â Lingering odors are often caused by oil and spice residues. To eliminate them, grind a piece of lemon peel with a little water, or use a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Ensuring the jar is completely dry before storage is also crucial.
Q3: Is it safe to wash the mixer grinder jar and blades in a dishwasher?
- A:Â This depends entirely on the manufacturer. While some stainless steel jars are dishwasher-safe, most plastic jars and blades are recommended for hand washing only, as the high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can cause warping, clouding, or dulling of the blades. Always check your user manual.
Q4: How do I clean the outside base unit of my mixer grinder?
A:Â Always unplug the unit first. Wipe the base with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a cloth dipped in a mild soapy solution, but ensure no liquid seeps into the motor housing or switches. Dry it thoroughly before use.
Q5: My plastic jar has become cloudy and scratched. How can I make it clear again?
A:Â Cloudiness is often due to minor scratches from abrasive cleaning. While you cannot remove scratches, you can improve clarity by soaking the jar in a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water, then gently polishing with a microfiber cloth. To prevent this, always use a soft sponge for cleaning.
Q6: What is the best way to clean mixer grinder blades?
A:Â Be very careful as the blades are sharp. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to dislodge particles from the blades and the assembly. For stuck-on residue, soak the blade assembly in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes before brushing. Never use metal scouring pads.
Q7: Can I use harsh chemicals like bleach or acid to clean my mixer grinder?
A:Â It is strongly discouraged. Harsh chemicals can damage plastic jars, corrode metal parts, and leave behind toxic residues that are extremely difficult to rinse off, posing a serious health risk. Stick to food-safe, natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar.
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