Clean a Food Processor

To make a great spaghetti sauce, you have to chop up a lot of stuff. If you’re a busy parent, you love being able to throw items into a food processor and end up with perfectly chopped components to your recipes. Cleaning the gunk out of the processor? You can live without that. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your food processor clean and in tip-top shape in 15 minutes.

How to Clean a Food Processor

1. Take the food processor apart.

   Food processors have several pieces. Take them all apart to make sure you get all the little pieces of food removed.

1. Wash the removable pieces.

   All the removable pieces of the food processor can be washed in warm water with a mild dish soap. Do not scrub the parts of the processor with abrasive cleaners or pads. Be careful with the blades. They should not soak in water but be gently wiped down first thing to preserve them. The removable parts can also be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack.

2. Wipe down the base/motor.

   Using a damp cloth, wipe down the base/motor area. Do not submerge in water. Do not pour water over the base/motor unit. A simple wipe down is usually all that is needed. For stubborn stains (like tomato), mild dish soap or a baking soda paste may be able to lift out the stain.

3. Fully dry and assemble the processor.

   Dry the pieces of the processor completely. Put it back together and store. If you use your food processor on a regular basis, store it on a countertop or in another accessible location.

Tips

1. If your processor is smelly, mix a 1 to 1 ratio of baking soda and water. Store it in the bowl of the processor for 10-15 minutes. It will absorb odors.
2. Nylon brushes can help clean blades without as much danger of cutting yourself.
3. Be sure to dry all the pieces thoroughly to prevent bacteria growth or damage.

What You Need

• Mild dish soap
• Dish cloths or sponge
• Baking soda
• Nylon brush