How to Clean a Blender with Vinegar: Easy Guide

I opened my blender and was hit with a sour smell I couldn’t ignore. It was that unmistakable combo of old fruit, forgotten smoothie residue, and something that smelled a little… fermented. Gross, right? That’s when I realized I had been neglecting one of the most essential parts of kitchen maintenance—cleaning my blender the right way.

If you’re like me, you might rinse your blender quickly after use or give it a light scrub now and then. But over time, food particles, bacteria, and odors build up—especially in those hard-to-reach spots like under the blades or around the lid. That’s where vinegar comes in.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to clean a blender with vinegar—step by step. Vinegar is affordable, non-toxic, and a powerhouse for busting odors and grime. We’ll also cover deep-cleaning tricks, tips for different types of blenders (yes, including beauty blenders!), how to avoid common cleaning mistakes, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re dealing with cloudy jars, stubborn smells, or just want your blender to last longer, you’ll find everything you need right here.

Why Cleaning Your Blender Properly Matters

Keeping your blender clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, performance, and taste. Let’s break it down.

Hygiene and Food Safety

Every time you blend fruits, vegetables, or protein shakes, small bits of food get trapped around the blades, in the gasket, and under the lid. These areas stay moist and warm, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can transfer to your next smoothie or baby food batch, potentially causing stomach issues or worse.

Preventing Smell and Mold Buildup

Ever caught a whiff of something sour coming from your blender? That’s usually caused by leftover food rotting in hidden crevices. Mold loves dark, moist areas—like under your blender lid or inside the gasket ring. A thorough vinegar clean can stop these smells before they become permanent. (Related tip: If your blender blade smells, you’ll love our deodorizing tricks in the deep-cleaning section.)

Prolonging the Life of Your Blender

A clean blender works better and lasts longer. Residue buildup can cause the blades to dull, motors to overheat, or parts to wear out prematurely. By cleaning regularly with something as simple as vinegar, you’re protecting your investment and saving money in the long run.

Ensuring Better-Tasting Smoothies and Meals

No one wants yesterday’s garlic pesto flavors sneaking into their morning strawberry smoothie. Cleaning with vinegar not only removes grime but also neutralizes lingering odors so every blend tastes fresh and delicious.

Can You Use Vinegar to Clean a Blender?

Yes, you absolutely can—and I do it all the time.

Why Vinegar Works So Well

White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s powerful enough to dissolve residue, neutralize odors, and kill germs—yet gentle enough not to damage plastic or stainless steel. Best of all, it’s non-toxic and safe around food.

How It Compares to Other Cleaning Methods

• Dish Soap: Great for daily cleaning, but not always effective for deep odor removal.
• Baking Soda: Amazing for scrubbing power, especially when mixed with vinegar.
• Commercial Cleaners: Can be effective, but may contain harsh chemicals you don’t want near your food.

Common Questions About Vinegar Cleaning

• Can you clean a blender with vinegar and baking soda? Yes! They work wonders together—more on that later.
• Does vinegar and baking soda clean produce too? It can, but use with caution on delicate items.
• Does baking soda cancel vinegar? Scientifically, yes—they neutralize each other, which is why they fizz. But this reaction also helps lift grime and odors.

How to Clean a Blender with Vinegar

Let’s dive into the main method. Here’s how to clean a blender with vinegar, step by step.

Materials Needed

• White distilled vinegar
• Warm water
• Dish soap (optional)
• Soft sponge or bottle brush
• Baking soda (optional for deep cleaning)

Self-Cleaning Method (Blending Vinegar Solution)

This is my go-to method because it’s fast and easy.

1. Fill the Blender: Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water to the blender jar.
2. Add Dish Soap: Add a drop or two of dish soap if the jar is greasy or heavily soiled.
3. Blend It: Put the lid on, and blend on high for 30–60 seconds.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Pour out the liquid, rinse with warm water, and leave the lid off to air dry.

This method reaches the blade, corners, and under the lid—places a sponge can’t always get to.

Manual Cleaning Method

For deep cleaning or after sticky blends, go manual:

1. Disassemble Everything: Remove the lid, gasket, and blades.
2. Soak in Vinegar: Submerge the parts in a bowl of vinegar and warm water for 10–15 minutes.
3. Scrub: Use a soft sponge or bottle brush to clean around the blades and tight spaces.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse with clean water and dry completely before reassembling.

Deep Cleaning Tips and Troubleshooting

How to Clean Stains and Smells

Cloudy blender jars, foggy lids, or lingering smells are common—but fixable.

• Cloudy Plastic: Soak with vinegar + water overnight. Scrub gently with baking soda paste.
• Smelly Lids or Gaskets: Soak in vinegar + baking soda for 20 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• Persistent Odors: Blend lemon juice and vinegar together—natural deodorizer!

How to Clean Sticky Blenders

Stuck-on food? Here’s what works:

• Fill the jar with hot water and ½ cup vinegar.
• Let soak for 30 minutes to loosen grime.
• Scrub with a sponge or bottle brush.

How to Clean a Blender Without Soap

Soap allergies? Going natural? No problem.

• Use a 1:1 mix of vinegar and warm water.
• Blend for 30–60 seconds.
• Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

This method is perfect for people who are sensitive to fragrances or want a chemical-free kitchen.

How to Clean a Blender with Vinegar and Baking Soda

When grime is stubborn, vinegar and baking soda are your dynamic duo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sprinkle baking soda (2 tbsp) into the blender jar.
2. Add vinegar (1 cup). Let it fizz and bubble.
3. Add warm water (1 cup) once the fizzing stops.
4. Blend for 30 seconds.
5. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Pro Tip: Don’t close the lid while it’s fizzing! The buildup of gas could create pressure. Always leave space for air to escape.

How to Clean Different Types of Blenders

Hand Blenders

• Unplug first!
• Remove detachable parts and soak in vinegar + warm water.
• Wipe motor handle with a damp cloth (don’t submerge it).
• Use a toothbrush for tough spots near the blade.

Blender Bottles (like protein shakers)

• Fill with vinegar + warm water + a drop of dish soap.
• Shake vigorously.
• Rinse and dry with the lid off to prevent odor.

Beauty Blenders

Yes, you can use vinegar—gently!

• Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts warm water.
• Soak sponge for 5 minutes.
• Squeeze and rinse repeatedly under clean water.
• Air dry completely.

Cleaning Blender Accessories and Parts

• Blender Sponge: Soak in vinegar + water to kill bacteria.
• Blender Base: Wipe with a vinegar-damp cloth. Never pour liquid on it!
• Motor and Buttons: Use Q-tips dipped in vinegar to clean crevices safely.
• Blade Housing: Soak in vinegar + baking soda to remove rust or buildup.

Preventing Future Blender Smells and Stains

• Clean Immediately: Rinse or clean after every use—don’t let food dry!
• Weekly Vinegar Rinse: Keeps odor and grime in check.
• Lid Off Storage: Store with the lid off to avoid trapped moisture and mold.
• Oil Lining: Lightly rub coconut oil inside the jar before blending sticky ingredients.

My Best Tips for Easy Blender Cleaning

• Keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water under your sink—quick clean anytime.
• Always run the self-clean cycle right after blending—don’t wait!
• Label a bottle of vinegar as “Kitchen Cleaning Only” so no one drinks it.
• Use a splash of lemon juice with vinegar for a fresh, citrusy clean.
• Keep blades sharp—less food sticks, and cleaning gets easier.

What Are the Best Blenders That Are Easy to Clean?

After years of blending everything from green smoothies to peanut butter, these are my top picks:

Vitamix

• Wide jar, self-cleaning function
• Blades don’t need removal
• Super durable and easy to rinse

NutriBullet

• Compact, dishwasher-safe parts
• Simple design with fewer crevices
• Great for quick clean-ups

Ninja

• Removable blades
• Wide-mouth jars
• Some models have auto-cleaning

Look for blenders with wide openings, minimal seams, and dishwasher-safe parts to make cleanup a breeze.

Common Blender Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Using boiling water: It can warp or crack plastic jars.
• Neglecting the base: Wipe it down regularly!
• Not cleaning under blades: That’s where bacteria hides.
• Skipping drying: Always dry thoroughly to prevent mold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you clean a blender with vinegar and baking soda?

Add baking soda first, then vinegar to create fizz. Blend with warm water, rinse, and dry.

Can you clean a blender by blending soapy water?

Yes! Blending warm water and dish soap for 30 seconds is a quick, daily clean.

Is vinegar safe to clean blenders?

Absolutely. It’s non-toxic, food-safe, and great for cutting grease and odors.

Can you clean a blender with just vinegar and water?

Yes. Blend equal parts vinegar and water for 30–60 seconds, then rinse.

What’s the fastest way to clean a blender?

The self-clean method: Add warm water + soap or vinegar, blend, rinse, done!

How do you clean a sticky or smelly blender lid?

Soak it in vinegar + baking soda, scrub, rinse, and air dry.

Can vinegar remove blender stains?

Yes. For stubborn stains, soak with vinegar or use a vinegar + baking soda paste.

How do you make cloudy plastic clear again with vinegar?

Soak in vinegar overnight, then scrub with baking soda paste and rinse well.

What’s the best way to clean blender blades?

Soak in vinegar to loosen debris, then scrub gently with a toothbrush or sponge.

How do you remove fungus from a blender?

Use vinegar + baking soda soak. Rinse thoroughly, and make sure everything is fully dry before reassembling.

Conclusion

Cleaning your blender regularly is one of those small habits that makes a big difference. It keeps your drinks tasting fresh, your kitchen smelling clean, and your blender running like new. And the best part? You don’t need fancy products—just a splash of vinegar and a few minutes of your time.

Personally, I rely on the self-clean method with vinegar every week and do a deep clean with vinegar and baking soda once a month. It’s easy, effective, and keeps my blender in top shape.

Try out the steps above, find what works best for your blender type, and don’t forget to share your own cleaning hacks. If this guide helped you, pass it on—or better yet, leave a comment below and let me know your go-to method!