Can Vitamix Go in Dishwasher: Expert Guides

Vitamix blenders are highly popular and versatile kitchen appliances. They can easily make smoothies, soups, sauces, and nut butter. But how do you clean them after use? Can you toss them in the dishwasher and call it a day? Or do you need to hand wash them carefully to avoid damaging them? In this guide, we will answer these questions and more, so you can enjoy your Vitamix blender for a long time.

Understanding Your Vitamix Blender

Before we get into the details of how to clean your Vitamix blender, it is important to understand its components and how they work. A Vitamix blender consists of three main parts: the motor base, the container, and the lid. The motor base is the heart of the blender, where the powerful motor and the control panel are located. 

The container is the part that holds the ingredients and attaches to the motor base. The lid is the part that covers the container and prevents spills and splashes. The lid also has a removable plug that allows you to add ingredients while blending or use a tamper to push down the ingredients.

The motor base and the container are designed to work together as a unit, so you should never use a different brand or model of the container with your Vitamix blender. Doing so may cause damage to both parts and void your warranty. The lid and the tamper are also specific to each model of Vitamix blender, so make sure you use the ones that came with your blender or are compatible with it.

The Dishwasher Dilemma

One of the most common questions that Vitamix owners have is whether they can put their blender in the dishwasher. The answer to your question is complex. It will vary depending on the specific model of your Vitamix blender and the particular part you wish to clean. According to the official Vitamix website, here are the general guidelines for dishwasher-safe parts:

• The lid and the tamper are dishwasher-safe for all models of Vitamix blenders.
• The container is dishwasher-safe for some models of Vitamix blenders, such as the Ascent Series, Explorian Series, and Personal Series. However, even if your container is dishwasher-safe, Vitamix recommends hand washing it for better performance and longevity.
• The motor base is never dishwasher-safe for any model of Vitamix blender. It would always help to wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

To determine if your container is dishwasher-safe, check the bottom for a symbol indicating whether it can go in the top rack. If you don’t see any symbol, your container is not dishwasher-safe, and you should only hand wash it.

The Lid and Tamper

As mentioned above, the lid and the tamper are dishwasher-safe for all models of Vitamix blenders. However, if you prefer to hand wash them, you can do so by following these steps:

• Remove the lid plug from the lid and rinse both parts under running water.
• Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub any food residue from the lid and the lid plug.
• After rinsing, use a clean cloth to dry the item or let it air dry.
• Wash the tamper with warm water and mild soap.
• Thoroughly rinse the item and then dry it using a clean cloth or allow it to air dry.

The Container

The container is the part that gets in contact with the food most often, so it needs special attention when cleaning. As mentioned above, some containers are dishwasher-safe while others are not. If your container is dishwasher-safe, you can follow these steps:

• To remove any loose food particles, rinse the container under running water.
• Place it upside down on the top rack of your dishwasher.
• To get the best results, it is recommended that you run a regular cycle with hot water and detergent.
• Remove the container from the dishwasher, dry it with a clean cloth, or let it air dry.

If your container is not dishwasher-safe, or if you want to hand wash it anyway, you can follow these steps:

• To remove any loose food particles, rinse the container under running water.
• To prepare, fill the container with warm water up to the halfway mark and include a single drop of dish soap. Please attach it to the motor base and run it at high speed for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Pour out the soapy water and rinse well under running water.
• You can dry it using a clean cloth or allow it to dry naturally through air exposure.

Hand Washing – The Recommended Method

Even if your container is dishwasher-safe, Vitamix recommends hand washing it as much as possible. This is because dishwashers can cause wear and tear on the container over time, affecting its performance and durability. Hand washing also ensures that you remove any food residue that may be stuck in hard-to-reach places, such as under the blades or around the gasket. Here are the steps to hand wash your container:

Step 1 – Immediate Rinse

To ensure your Vitamix blender is clean, rinse the container under running water to remove any loose food particles. This will prevent them from drying and sticking to the container, making it harder to clean later.

Step 2 – Gentle Cleaning

If you have used your Vitamix blender for something light, such as a smoothie or juice, you may not need to do anything else to clean it. However, if you have used it for something thick, sticky, or oily, such as nut butter or soup, you may need gentle cleaning to remove any stubborn food residue. You can use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the inside and outside of the container, paying special attention to the blades and the gasket. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades or damage the gasket.

Step 3 – Blend with Soapy Water

Another way to clean your container is to fill it halfway with warm water and add a drop of dish soap. Then, please attach it to the motor base and run it at high speed for 30 to 60 seconds. This will create a vortex that will pull any food residue from the corners and crevices of the container and wash it away with soapy water.

Step 4 – Rinse and Dry

After blending with soapy water:

1. Pour out the dirty water and rinse well under running water.
2. Remove any soap residue from the container, as it can affect the taste of your next blend.
3. You can dry the container using a clean cloth or air drying it.

Dealing with Tough Stains and Odors

Sometimes, your Vitamix blender may get stained or smell bad after blending certain foods, such as berries, spices, garlic, or onion. This is normal and does not affect the functionality of your blender. However, if you want to restore the original appearance and smell of your container, you can try these tips:

• To remove stains, fill the container halfway with warm water and add a few drops of white vinegar or lemon juice. Then, please attach it to the motor base and run it at high speed for 30 to 60 seconds. This will help loosen and lift any stains from the container.
• To remove odors, fill the container halfway with warm water and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Then, please attach it to the motor base and run it at high speed for 30 to 60 seconds. This will help neutralize and eliminate any odors from the container.
• After using either of these methods, rinse well under running water and dry with a clean cloth or let it air dry.

Cleaning the Motor Base

The motor base is the part that houses the motor and the control panel of your Vitamix blender. It is not dishwasher-safe and should never be submerged in water or other liquid. To clean it, follow these steps:

• Unplug the motor base from the power outlet and let it cool down completely.
• To properly clean, dampen a cloth or sponge and gently wipe the surface. Avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads is crucial to prevent any surface damage.
• Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or let it air dry.
• If any food residue is stuck in the vents or around the control panel, gently remove it with a soft brush or a toothpick.

The Bottom Line

Vitamix blenders are amazing machines that can make your life easier in the kitchen. However, they also need proper care and maintenance to keep them working well and lasting long. By following these simple tips on cleaning your Vitamix blender, you can ensure you get the most out of your investment and enjoy delicious blends for years.

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