By Julie
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Inside: See my 20-second hack for the easiest way of cleaning any brand of food processor!It works great and keeps it out of the dishwasher.
I love my food processor. For years I thought a food processor was one of those useless kitchen gadgets you didn't need. I put off buying one and used my blender or did everything by hand.
I finally broke down and bought one about 5 years ago. It has been a dream! I use it to make soups and toshred cheese. There is one thing I hated about it though. It can be a mess to clean up.
My first food processor bit the dust after it melted in the dishwasher. My second food processor broke in the dishwasher.I have found that although they work great, they don't do so well in the dishwasher.I followed all of the instructions, top shelf only, but they still broke.
Besides that, they take up a crazy amount of room in the dishwasher. We are always tight on space on the top shelf and plenty of room on the bottom.So I came up with this easy way to wash your food processor without taking up space in the dishwasher.
Speaking of dishwashers, don't miss how Imake dishwasher soapfor just cents and theseeasy tips to make your dishwasher run like new again.
How To Clean a Food Processor the Easy Way
It's so easy to clean the food processor you will never use the dishwasher again!
Items Needed:
- Dish Soap (I just use blue Dawn)
- Microfiber Cloth
- Water
STEP 1: Add a couple of drops of mild dish soap in the food processor bowl. Then, fill up the container with hot water a little below the recommended fill line.
STEP 2: Put the lid on and run the machine for a few seconds keeping a close eye on it to make sure the soapy water doesn't come over the lid. The first time I tried this I filled a little over the fill line and ended up with a soapy mess on my hands.
The water and soap with the spinning action of the food processor act like a mini dishwasher and quickly removes the food residue.
STEP 3: Dump the water, add fresh water, and run for a few more seconds. Remove the lid and blade section and give them one last rinse to make sure you remove all of the food in between the blade section and the base.
Give the container one last rinse and set it aside to dry.
STEP 4: Make sure that all removable pieces of the food processor are completely dry before reassembling. This will prevent mold and mildew growth.
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Common FAQs
Can I wash my food processor parts in the dishwasher?
Most food processor bowls, lids, and attachments are dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer's instructions first. The motor housing should never be placed in the dishwasher. Just know that dishwashing liquid will lead to dull blades, just as it does with standard kitchen knives. To keep sharp blades we never put them in the dishwasher. Plus, I have had two in the past that said they were dishwasher safe and ended up breaking.
How can I remove stubborn stains from the plastic parts?
Soak the stained parts of the processor in a mixture of warm water and baking soda or white vinegar for 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a kitchen sponge or brush then wipe with a dry dish towel.
Is it safe to use bleach on my food processor parts?
It's best to avoid bleach as it can damage the plastic and rubber components over time. Stick to mild detergents and natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda.
How often should I clean my food processor?
Clean your food processor after every use to prevent food buildup and bacteria growth. A deeper cleaning, including disassembling and inspecting for wear and tear, should be done monthly or as needed.
Can the blades of my food processor be sharpened?
Yes, but it's best to have them sharpened by a professional to ensure they're handled safely and effectively.
This little hack has made the cleaning process so much easier! I do this on a regular basis so I don't have to hassle with crusted-on food. It also works on high-speed blenders too.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
ARBM says
Um... Genius! Like totally!
I'm going to try this tonight when I make some dip in my food processor!
