Making healthy juices makes a lot of pulpy waste and splatters. Good thing learning how to clean a juicer only needs simple tools and these easy steps!
Cleaning Tools
The cleaning tools and agents you’ll need for cleaning a juicer depends on your unit model. So, make sure to check your instruction manual first. But, in general, here are some of the things you need to have on hand.
- Tools and equipment: non-abrasive sponge, soft brush or old toothbrush, microfiber cloth, rubber or silicone spatula, and dishwasher
- Cleanser: dishwashing liquid or detergent, baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice
Cleaning Steps
Prep your cleaning tools first. Then follow these steps on how to clean a juicer.
1. Unplug and disassemble your juicer
We don’t want any power surges, accidents or injuries while cleaning our juicers. So, before you start, make sure to turn yours off first. Then unplug the power cord from the power socket.
Afterwards, remove all the detachable parts. If it’s your first time cleaning your juicer, you might want to reread your manual and check its washable components.
These may include the grinder, mesh, plunger and lid. Some juicer models may have more. But the idea is to take out as many parts so you can clean every cranny with ease.
2. Empty the juicer bowl or pulp catcher
You don’t want to put scratches on your plastic pulp container. So, use a rubber or silicone spatula for scraping. This tool should reach all the wet pulp stuck to the corners.
You can dump the pulp into the garbage bin. But remember, the pulp is a food scrap you can repurpose. So, choose this option whenever possible to reduce waste.
If you’re into gardening and composting, you can add the pulp to your compost pile, too. To make clean-up faster, line the container with a plastic bag. And if you’re using the pulp for cooking, use a food-safe liner.
3. Wash and dry the removable components
The process of how to clean a juicer and its parts depends on the appliance model. Some are dishwasher-safe, and others require handwashing.
I think it’s best to manually wash all dirty components as juicers typically have a mesh and tight spots that need careful cleaning. What I’ll do is fill my sink with warm water, then add some drops of dishwashing liquid.
Next, I put in all the washable components. Let them soak for a few minutes. I then grab a soft cloth or wet sponge to wash the plastic containers.
I use the special cleaning brush from the package for the mesh and grinder parts. But, if that’s not available, you can always use a bottle brush, nail brush or even an old toothbrush.
At times, I dip a damp cloth onto some bicarbonate of soda and use that for scrubbing. It can get into those tricky spots without scratching the surface.
To make washing easier, wash the parts after every use to prevent juice particles from drying up or staining. Also, rinse the parts thoroughly to remove all traces of soap.
Then place them on a towel or rack to air dry. You can also use a microfibre cloth for wiping to avoid water spots.
4. Wipe down the base
While the washed components are drying, you can now turn your attention to the motor base. As this houses the electronic parts, you should never submerge this part in water.
Use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away splatters or juice pulp. You can also run your damp cloth along the power cord. Afterwards, dry the entire motor base with a clean towel.
5. Reassemble your juicer
Once everything is clean and dry, you can start putting the parts back together. Place it on your countertop or, if you don’t use it often, in the cabinet to keep it dust-free.
If you’re having difficulty reassembling it, check your juicer manual. There should be a copy of it online as well in case you misplaced it.
Cleaning your juicer for the first time may take some time. But after that, the whole cleaning process shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes.
Other Cleaning Methods and Tips
Learning how to clean a juicer is easy. But some juice particles or tough stains will need a bit more elbow grease. Try these tips to keep your cleaning routine simple and quick.
Do a deep-cleaning process weekly.
Aside from prompt cleaning after each use, schedule your juicer for a thorough cleaning. Spend a bit more time than usual to soak and scrub all parts.
Also, instead of mild dishwashing soap, you might want to use a specialised cleaning solution that breaks down built-up food particles. Check your cleaning guide and see your manufacturer’s suggestion for this.
Soak the mesh in lemon and water mixture.
Clogging is a common problem when cleaning the juice strainer. So, I see to it that I remove the pulp right away. Then I let the filter soak in lemony water (1 part lemon in 9 parts water) for a few minutes.
This soak should help soften the bits of food stuck onto the tiny holes. Afterwards, I use a soft brush for scrubbing. You can also dip the brush in bicarb of soda for extra scrubbing power.
Rinse it with warm water. Make sure the water passes through the juicing screen holes.
Treat plastic discolouration with lemon, vinegar or bleach.
Even if you immediately wash your pulp catcher and other plastic components, some juice ingredients like carrots can easily stain them. Solve this by soaking these parts in the same 1:9 lemon and water solution.
Soaking them in vinegar overnight also works. Another technique is to soak the parts in water, bleach and mild dish soap. Afterwards, scrub and rinse them as usual.
Use distilled white vinegar to remove water spots.
Wipe the parts dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water streaks. You can also soak them in vinegar for about 15 minutes, rinse well, then dry with a towel.
Avoid soaking metal parts for a long time.
While soaking parts is an effective cleaning technique, it can also cause rusting to metallic components. Always read your instruction manual first if your juicer has such parts.
Line your bench with a washable mat before juicing.
No matter what you do, splashes or splatters are unavoidable when juicing. So, to speed up cleaning time, I usually place a towel or mat beneath my juicer.
That way, most of the mess will go to my liner and not my countertop.
Wrap Up
Knowing how to clean a juicer is crucial when choosing your appliance. Some have complex parts that need meticulous cleaning. Others are dishwasher-safe.
Try watching clean-up and reassembly video demos before buying a juicer so you can match it with your preference and lifestyle.
Keen to look for easy to clean juicers? Check out my cold-press juicer reviews and buying guide to see which of these is perfect for your kitchen!
