When it comes to cleaning a food processor, most of us just put the ‘dishwasher safe’ items into the dishwasher and call it a day. But sometimes, your food processor needs that thorough cleaning especially if some pieces of food are stuck in hard to reach nooks that a dishwasher just can’t clean. According to Hourglass Brasserie, cleaning a food processor does not have to be a difficult process. In this article, I shall guide you through 8 easy steps you can follow. These steps will leave your food processor all shiny, clean, and smelling fresh!
Items needed:
- Sink with Warm water
- Mild dish washing soap
- Baking soda (Optional)
- White Vinegar (Optional)
- Small brush with a long neck (or a toothbrush)
- Sponge or a soft cloth
- Dry dishtowel
Safety
There are a number of very sharp objects inside the food processor, which if not handled with caution can cause you, harm. Remember to handle these items carefully. Be careful when cleaning and wiping down the blades
Instructions:
1. Take the food process apart
For best results, take the food processor apart from the motor base. When dissembled, you will have a bowl, the blades, the pushers, and the lid.
2. Clean the removable items
Submerge the bowl, pushers, and the lid into a sink of warm water. Do not submerge the motor base in water. Using mild dish soap and a sponge, scrub the items gently until they are clean to your satisfaction. I would advice not to insert the blades in water but rather use a wet sponge to clean them. This can help preserve them and keep them sharp.
If you prefer to use a dishwasher rather than clean the items manually, ensure to place them on the top rack of the dishwasher.
3. Inspect all the nooks
Due to the latches and clips, some liquids and small pieces of food tend to get stuck in hard to reach places. This is where a toothbrush comes in handy. Take a closer look at your blade, the spring compartment, and the handle. Inspect these areas carefully.
4. Clean thoroughly
Using the toothbrush, or if you own a special cleaning brush, scrub the inside of the handle until it’s squeaky-clean. To clean the blade, move the brush up and down to dislodge the pieces of food that might be stuck. Most of the stuck pieces of food are easy to remove with soapy water and a small brush. However, if you want to add that extra shine to your items, use white vinegar and a sponge to clean them.
5. Wipe down the motor base
The motor base is never in direct contact with your food, but as we all know, spillage is a common thing in the kitchen. Using a wet cloth, wipe down the motor base until clean. In case you have some hard to remove stains, you can pour a bit of baking soda on your wet cloth and gently scrub the stain out. Mild warm soapy water will also do the trick in case you do not have any baking soda lying around. Remember not to submerge your base in water or pour water over it!
6. Tackle the odor
Sometimes your food processor might still have a faint odor after cleaning. If your food processor is still smelly, mix a 1 to 1 ratio of water to baking powder. Store the mixture inside your bowl for approximately 10-15 minutes. The baking soda will absorb all the smell and leave your processor with a nice, fresh smell.
7. Rinse and dry
Rinse your items and put them out to dry.
8. Reassemble your food processor
When your items are completely dry (let them sit out until they are dry to avoid any bacteria growth or damage), assemble your food processor back to its original state.
After cleaning and reassembling your food processor, place it in a location that is easy to reach or in an enclosed location. It is good to note that electronics get dirty according to the amount of usage so it is essential for you to take good care of them. Cleaning eliminates dust, dirt, and grease, which if not properly cleaned can lead to clogging and malfunctioning of your processor. The better you maintain your processor the longer it will last.
