Is it Safe to Put My Blender in the Dishwasher? An Expert‘s Comprehensive Guide

As a home renovation expert who has upgraded dozens of kitchens over my career, I‘m often asked if it‘s safe to wash blenders in the dishwasher. This convenient appliance can cut your cleanup time considerably – but only if you use it properly for your specific blender model.

Misusing the dishwasher can lead to damaged blender jars, warped lids, and corroded blades. As someone who has seen one too many blenders prematurely ruined from improper washing, I want to share my insider knowledge to help you safely leverage the convenience of dishwashers.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover:

Click to expand table of contents

• Identifying Dishwasher Safe Blenders
• Best Practices for Washing Blenders in Dishwashers
• Hand Washing Blender Components Not Dishwasher Safe
• Avoid Putting These Items in the Dishwasher
• Key Takeaways on Blender Dishwasher Safety

Let‘s start by understanding how to identify which blenders can handle the dishwasher.

Identifying Dishwasher Safe Blenders

Today‘s blenders come in different styles – countertop, immersion, and high performance – with a range of electrical and plastic components. The variety of materials used can determine dishwasher safety.

According to blender manufacturer Oster‘s cleaning guidelines, models with more simple knobs and analog controls tend to do better in the dishwasher over models with electronic buttons and panels. Immersion blenders also often have removable, dishwasher safe attachments.

However, the blender jar material is also critical. High performance blenders designed for frequent use typically have thick, BPA-free plastic jars marketed as dishwasher safe, such as Vitamix‘s Eastman Tritan copolyester jars. Standard glass jars without rubber bases can also go in the dishwasher.

But according tohome equipment site Air Doctor, at least 27% of blenders have jars and lids made of polycarbonate plastic, which can warp with repeated dishwasher heat exposure.

To verify what parts of your blender are dishwasher safe, always check the user manual first. Call the manufacturer directly if you‘ve lost the instructions that came with your machine. Don‘t assume dishwasher safety unless it‘s confirmed by the maker of your specific blender model.

Next, let‘s go over best practices…

Best Practices for Washing Blenders in Dishwashers

If you have a dishwasher safe blender, follow these tips from my years of kitchen upgrade experience for safely washing it:

• Remove the blender jar from the base before placing in the dishwasher. I can‘t stress this enough – no blender base should ever be submerged in water! Even if you have a waterproof base model, prolonged moisture exposure can damage the motor.

• Use the top rack. The bottom rack‘s high pressure jets and hot temperatures exceeding 150°F can warp plastic and damage rubber gaskets.

• Wash on a low or delicate cycle. according to testing by blender maker Ninja, their pitchers experienced warping after just 19 washes in a high heat sanitize cycle, but maintained integrity for over 100 washes in a low heat normal cycle. Save the heavy duty settings for your dishes, not your appliances!

• Secure loose parts. Blender jars, lids, blades, and other removable pieces can go flying around during the wash cycle, potentially damaging your dishwasher‘s interior. Place them securely in the top rack to prevent this.

• Remove residue before washing. Bits of dried smoothie or sauce stuck to the interior can flake off and clog dishwasher spray arms or drains. Doing a quick pre-rinse prevents buildup issues.

• Wash ASAP after use. It seems obvious, but food particles left sitting in blender jars breed bacteria and dry into stubborn messes requiring heavy scrubbing to remove. Get that baby in the dishwasher as soon as possible!

• Inspect for damage after washing. Prolonged heat exposure can cause plastic blender jars and lids to slowly warp and crack over time. Check for signs of damage like deformities or soft spots after each wash. At the first hint of damage, stop dishwasher use.

Now let‘s go over the proper hand washing technique for blender parts not suitable for the dishwasher…

Hand Washing Blender Components Not Dishwasher Safe

While convenient, you should never put certain blender components in the dishwasher. This includes:

• Blender bases: The motor, switches, dials, and electrical components can short circuit or corrode when exposed to water. For countertop blenders, simply wipe down the base with a damp cloth or sponge and dry immediately.

• Older blenders: Vintage blenders with rubber gaskets and plastic components prone to warping should be hand washed. Submerging them could do more harm than good.

• Glass jars: Some high end blenders have delicate glass jars that can fracture or shatter in the dishwasher‘s harsh environment.

• BPA plastic: Standard polycarbonate plastic can leach BPA at high temperatures. Skip the dishwasher to avoid unintended exposure for older, cheaper blenders.

For these hand wash only components, follow my handy step-by-step guide:

Supplies Needed

• Large bowl or sink for washing
• Bottle brush and/or cleaning sponge
• Dish soap
• Clean towel for drying

Step 1: Fill With Soapy Water

Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water in a bowl or sink. The warm water helps loosen residue.

Step 2: Pulse Blender

Submerge removable blender parts like jars and lids. Cover and pulse the blender 3-5 times while in the soapy water to clean the interior.

Step 3: Scrub With Brush

Use a bottle brush to gently dislodge any remaining gunk, especially around the blades. Take care not to scratch plastic.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse removable parts with clean, warm water to get rid of all soap residue. This prevents contamination and soap taste.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Allow all parts to air dry fully. Drying prevents growth of mold and bacteria.

Step 6: Reassemble

Once fully dry, reassemble the blender so it‘s ready for its next use!

[Photo of properly hand washed blender parts drying on a towel near the kitchen sink]

Okay, let‘s move on to items you‘ll want to keep out of the dishwasher altogether…

Avoid Putting These Items in the Dishwasher

While convenient, the hot, humid environment of dishwashers can damage many kitchen components. In my experience, these items in particular should be hand washed:

• Wooden cutting boards and utensils: These will warp and crack in the dishwasher. The heat damages the cellular structure of the wood.

• Cast iron pans: Exposure to water will cause the seasoned coating to rust and erode.

• Heirloom china: Frequent dishwashing heat slowly breaks down delicate china over time. The gold leaf detailing is especially prone to fading.

• Crystal stemware: The hot jets of water and radical temperature fluctuations can fracture the fine crystal.

• Metallic-painted ceramics: While durable, the high heat dries out the painted metallic detailing causing it to crack and peel.

• Nonstick pans: Dishwasher detergent is too harsh for nonstick coatings, causing them to degrade faster with washing.

If you want these precious items to stand the test of time, opt for good old fashioned hand washing and care.

Now let‘s summarize the key takeaways from this guide…

Key Takeaways on Blender Dishwasher Safety

After reading this guide, you should understand:

• Confirm dishwasher safety – Check your blender‘s manual or call the manufacturer before assuming it can handle the dishwasher.

• Only wash removable parts – Blender jars, lids, and blades come out. Bases stay out of the dishwasher.

• Use lower racks and heat settings – High heat can damage plastic and glass over time.

• Secure loose items – Prevent damage to your dishwasher‘s interior by securing detachable pieces.

• Pre-rinse when needed – Getting rid of debris in advance prevents drain clogs.

• Wash ASAP after blending – It‘s much easier to clean before food residues dry and harden.

• Inspect for damage – Repeated heat cycles can slowly warp and crack plastic components.

• Hand wash bases and vintage models – Follow my tips for safely cleaning more delicate parts by hand.

• Avoid washing certain kitchen items – Your china, cutlery, and cast iron will thank you.

I hope this guide gives you the insider tips you need to confidently wash your blender in the dishwasher or carefully by hand. Let me know in the comments if you have any lingering questions! I‘m always happy to share my years of appliance expertise.