How to Clean a Juicer: Cleaning Instructions + Buildup Removal
August 22, 2024
We all know juicing is a healthy choice, but a lot of people avoid juicing, even if it's healthy, because of the prolonged cleanup process.
If the thought of cleaning your juicer makes you avoid using it, you're not alone.
However, we’ll show you that keeping your juicer clean is easier than you think.
We’ll discuss how to clean a juicer, how to remove juicer buildup, and whether you should genuinely clean your juicer every time.
So, keep reading below to enjoy fresh juice without the hassle of extended cleanup.
What’s the Easiest Way to Clean a Juicer?
The easiest way to clean a juicer is to do it immediately after use. This prevents leftover juice and bits of pulp from drying and sticking.
The point is to make cleaning easy and to keep your juicer free from long-term buildup.
Should You Clean Your Juicer EVERY Time if You’re Juicing Multiple Times per Day?
In this case, you should at least rinse your juicer after each use. And then do a more thorough cleaning at the end of the day.
Pro tip: Is cleaning your juicer the worst part of your juicing experience? Get an easy-cleaning juicer for even easier maintenance.
Hurom juicers use Easy-Clean Technology, which replaces the strainers with small holes with grooved strainers. That means you can enjoy low-pulp, nutrient-rich juice without the hassle of cleaning mineral buildup. Basically, our cold-press juicers simply need to be rinsed under.
Why Cleaning Your Juicer Is Important
- Prevents bacteria: Regular cleaning prevents the growth of bacteria and microbes inside your juicer components. A clean juicer ensures your fresh-pressed juice doesn’t have contaminated residue, which is especially important if you’re preparing juice for your kids.
- Avoids stains: Cleaning your juicer after each use prevents stains from forming on the juicer chute and other parts.
- Easier maintenance: It's easier to clean fresh juice residue than to remove long-term microbial buildup.
- Extends juicer life: Regular cleaning keeps your juicer in good condition. Basically, you’re extending its lifespan and maintaining its efficiency.
How to Clean a Juicer: Step by Step Instructions
Now that you know why cleaning a juicer is important, here are the steps to do it:
- Unplug and disassemble: Always unplug your electric juicer before cleaning to ensure safety. Take apart all juicer components, including the pulp container, juice spout, and juice pulp collector.
- Rinse and soak: Rinse each part with lukewarm water immediately after use to prevent the buildup of pulp. If you can’t clean the juicer immediately, fill a basin with soapy water and soak the juicer chute and other removable parts until you find the time.
- Scrub and clean: Use a cleaning brush to scrub away any bits of pulp stuck in small crevices. Ensure all parts are thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminated juice residue.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water to remove any soapy residue. Use a soft cloth or kitchen towel to dry each component, ensuring no watermarks are left.
- Reassemble and wipe: Once all parts are dry, reassemble the entire juicer. Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the juicer to remove any juice splashes and water marks.
Pro tip: Use a soft cloth with water to clean your juicer if you have kids. Studies show microbes inside kitchen sponges can be dangerous for little ones.
How to Clean Juicer Buildup
Prompt cleaning is best, but sometimes life happens. If you don’t have an easy-clean juicer, you might dread washing it. And when you postpone washing your juicer for too long, buildup appears.
So, follow the steps below to get rid of it:
1. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
To tackle stubborn grime and food bits, use white vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar's acidity breaks down mineral deposits and food residue. Baking soda's mild abrasiveness scrubs away stuck-on particles.
Basically, vinegar and baking soda are powerful natural cleaners.
Vinegar kills 98.6% of microbes, including E. coli and tuberculosis bacteria. Baking soda eliminates 99.99% of viruses and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella.
Both are inexpensive, nontoxic, and highly effective for cleaning your juicer.
Combine these natural cleaning supplies for powerful cleaning. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, soak the parts, then sprinkle baking soda on a cleaning brush to scrub.
2. Soak in Hot Water
Soaking juicer components in hot water helps loosen long-term buildup.
Fill a basin with hot water and submerge the parts overnight. This softens grime, making it easier to remove.
After soaking, use a cleaning brush to scrub away any remaining residue. Ensure all parts are rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your juicer and leave harmful residues.
Use natural alternatives like citric acid, lemon juice, or baking soda. These provide effective cleaning power without the risk of contamination.
Harsh chemicals can degrade plastic and rubber parts, reducing the lifespan of your juicer.
4. Soak Plastic Parts Regularly
If your juicer has plastic parts, they can discolor and absorb odors.
To avoid that, soak water-safe plastic parts overnight in a 10% lemon juice or white vinegar solution. If short on time, a few hours will do.
After soaking, dry with a microfiber cloth until completely dry.
5. Inspect and Reassemble
After cleaning, inspect each part for any remaining buildup.
Pay special attention to the juicer chute and juice spout. Clean any remaining bits of pulp to prevent microbial buildup.
Once you’re happy with the result, reassemble the juicer and store it properly to keep it clean and ready for use.
6. Do Regular Deep Cleaning
Incorporate regular deep cleaning sessions into your maintenance routine. Even with prompt cleaning, some buildup can occur over time.
Use a mixture of citric acid and water for deeper cleaning. Soak the parts, scrub with a cleaning brush, and rinse thoroughly.
7. Get an Easy-Clean Juicer
Getting an easy-clean juicer means you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying fresh juice. With features designed for quick disassembly and easy rinsing, maintenance becomes a breeze. Plus, you'll avoid the hassle of dealing with stubborn buildup and keep your juicer in optimal condition longer.
Do You Need To Clean Your Juicer After Every Use?
Yes, you should clean your juicer after every use. Regular cleaning:
- Prevents the buildup of pulp and bacteria.
- Prevents stains.
- Keeps your fresh juice free from contaminated juice residue.
- Extends the lifespan of your juicer.
Pro tip: If cleaning your juicer after each use seems like a chore, consider juicing in bulk and read our 8 awesome tips for batch juicing.
Does It Matter in What Order I Juice the Ingredients?
Yes, it does matter in what order you juice the ingredients.
Start with harder fruits and vegetables, followed by softer ones. This helps to break down tough fibers first.
Juicing softer fruits last is better because they have a higher water content. That means they can flush out any remaining pulp and fibers. As a result, it’s easier to rinse your juicer instead of jumping straight into a deep cleaning session.
What Do You Need to Clean a Juicer?
To clean a juicer, you need:
- Warm water
- Soapy water
- A cleaning brush
- White vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking soda
- A soft cloth or kitchen towel
- A damp cloth for exterior cleaning
These items help you clean all juicer components, remove buildup, and keep your juicer in good condition.
Can You Wash a Juicer in the Dishwasher?
Some juicer parts are dishwasher safe, but it depends on the model of juicers you have. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if your juicer components can go in the dishwasher.
Typically, parts like the pulp container and juice spout are dishwasher-safe.
However, hand washing with natural cleaning supplies like citric acid and baking soda is recommended for deeper cleaning and longevity.
How Easy Is It to Clean a Juicer? See Here
Cleaning a juicer is simpler than you might think. Regular maintenance prevents long-term buildup and keeps your juicer in top condition. Most juicers are designed with easy-to-remove parts, making the cleaning process straightforward.
So, follow the steps above, and you can have your juicer clean and ready for its next use in no time. Unplug, disassemble, rinse, scrub, and reassemble – that's all it takes.
Want to see just how easy it can be? Check out this video on cleaning a Hurom juicer for a step-by-step visual guide.
And don’t forget to check out our collection of juicers to find the best easy-clean model for your needs!