Would you like to learn the simplest and most efficient way to clean a juicer? Take a look at this detailed guide, and learn everything you need to know about cleaning your juicing appliance!
N ot a lot of things can compare to drinking fresh fruit juice straight out of a juicer. You may do this for health reasons, or you might like the juice.
The high quantity of micronutrients secures many benefits, such as boosting immunity, getting your energy levels up, and improving your mood.
The performance of each juicer depends on the state of its components. That is why you should take optimal care of the device, and cleaning is a huge part of the maintenance process.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to clean your juicer. Whether you need to deal with tough stains, or you want to find the most efficient way of cleaning your device, you’ve come to the right place!
Contents
What Is a Juicer and Why You Need It?
A juicer is a household appliance that can extract juice from fruits and vegetables. The working process depends on the juicer type, which is why we often divide them into two main categories – electric and manual juicers.
Here are some other main juicer types:
- Citrus juicers – you may also find these under the name reamers. Their task is to extract juice from citrus fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, etc.
- Centrifugal – these devices use high speeds and a cutting blade to extract the juice.
- Masticating – unlike the previous type, these units work at low speeds and use an auger to squeeze the juice out of fruits and veggies. That enables them to keep some more nutrients than centrifugal appliances.
- Triturating – these use two augers, and a similar working process to masticating cold press juicers.
It doesn’t matter which type you choose because the primary task of a juicer remains the same. It aims to simplify the process of extracting juice from fruits and veggies and deliver a tasty beverage quickly.
Why Is a Clean Juicer Important for Your Health?
Juicer owners use these appliances frequently. Some of them prefer morning juice, but many people use the device several times a day. That is understandable because the nutrients from these juices boost our energy and overall health.
By keeping your juicer clean, you maintain its performance at the highest level. That will enable you to get the most nutrients each time you use the device. Additionally, if the appliance is dirty, that may cause digestion issues.
Depending on the juicer, these appliances can process small and large pieces of fruits and veggies. However, it is juice pulp and other small components that cause the most problems.
These get into tough to reach parts and compromise the performance of your machine. It is only by cleaning everything that you can maximize the health benefits, and get the best juice from the appliance.
A Step by Step Guide to Cleaning a Juicer
Here is an important tip – if you clean your juicer regularly, you will save time and effort in the long run. It may be tiring to detach and wipe everything each time you make your favorite juice, but trust me, it will be worth your while.
Not only you will ensure the appliance is spotless, but you won’t have to deal with tough stains and residue as frequently. The regular cleaning process means that you won’t need to deep-clean your juicer often.
As for the usual cleaning process, you will need the following components:
- A dish soap (preferably a mild one)
- Water
- Spatula
- A couple of soft clothes
- Toothbrush (although a nail brush will also do)
- Soft brush
Once you have all this ready, follow the steps listed below.
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Appliance
You should never clean your juicer while it is plugged into a power socket. That can lead to power surges and other problems that may cause fires, injuries, and other mishaps. Always make sure that you unplugged the cord. Don’t hesitate to double-check because it is that important.
Step 2: Detach the Removable Components
The chances are at least some components of your juicer are removable. That will depend on the appliance, but take a look at the manual, and remove any detachable parts.
The reason why you are disassembling your juicer is that you can reach all tricky areas, and spots that you might not be able to clean otherwise.
Step 3: Throw Away the Pulp
While processing the juice, the device separated the pulp into a particular container. It is time to throw away that pulp now. The easiest way to do this is to use a spatula.
You want to be thorough because the pulp can stick to the inside of the container. The spatula is your best friend at this point, so make sure you leave no residue.
Use mild dish soap and warm water to wash the container. You want to be thorough so that the results are satisfying. If you notice tough residue that you can’t remove, it is a sign that it is time for a deep-cleaning process.
Step 4: Wash Other Components
You started the washing process with the pulp container, and now it is time to continue with other components. It is vital to be as thorough as possible. My suggestion is to use dish soap, but be gentle. Some parts are sensitive, and you don’t want any scratches or damages from hitting the components against the sink.
Don’t forget to rinse each component thoroughly. You don’t want to risk your juice tasting or smelling like soap! Use lukewarm or warm water, and be patient until you go through all parts. You want to focus special attention on your mesh strainer. The chances are some pulp will be stuck there.
Step 5: Use a Toothbrush to Clean the Components
Some manufacturers may deliver a special cleaning brush. Feel free to use it, but if you don’t have one, a toothbrush is an excellent alternative. You can even use a nail brush, but keep in mind it will now become your juicer cleaning brush.
The idea of using a brush is to reach those tricky spots. You can try using your fingers, but the chances are you can’t reach every corner of every component.
Step 6: Wipe the Remaining Components
It is time to switch your attention to the parts of the juicer that are not detachable. It is critical to note that you can’t rinse these components under running water. That is because you may damage the motor of the device, power cord, or other sensitive parts.
However, you can use a soft cloth or a slightly wet sponge. In my experience, it is best to dampen soft cloth because it is very efficient in removing any residue, and it can’t get too wet like the sponge.
Now, it is important to wipe the entire base and do not miss a single spot. Be patient and use gentle force to wipe any dust and debris.
Step 7: Wait Until All Components Dry
It is wise to have a drying rack next to your sink. That way, you can place all the components you cleaned on the rack.
Alternatively, you can put a towel on the kitchen counter, and allow the parts to dry. You should also ensure to give the base enough time to dry, but you don’t have to place it on the rack or towel.
Step 8: Reassemble the Appliance
If you are confident that everything is dry, you can start reattaching the components. In case you’ve forgotten where a part goes, consult the instruction manual.
That is much better than trying to force a component in the wrong place as that can damage the entire construction. Once you get everything assembled, you can start the juicing process again whenever you want.
The entire cleaning process shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. It can take more or less than that, and it strictly depends on the product.
If you want the best results from a basic cleaning process, you should start cleaning the device as soon as you finish juicing. That way, you won’t give any time for the residue to buildup, and it will be easy to remove any grime.
The steps you’ve read above apply to any juicer, including masticating, centrifugal, and other appliance types. However, you may have detailed cleaning process instructions for your particular unit in the product manual.
How to Remove Tough Stains on Your Juicer
If you’ve applied the basic cleaning process several times, you may start noticing that the results are not as before. The device is not spotless, and you can see a small stain and residue in a couple of places.
Fortunately, there is a way to take your cleaning efforts to the next level. You should deep-clean your device occasionally (every several weeks or so), as well as any time when you miss to clean the appliance for hours after you finish juicing.
The steps below will reveal the process that you can use to remove persistent residue and stains on your juicer.
First, let’s check out to see the materials you will need:
- Salt
- Water
- A spray bottle
- Bowl
- Milk
- White vinegar
- Denture tablets
- Enzyme dish liquid
Did you get everything ready? Excellent, here are the steps to follow during the process.
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug the Device
I am not kidding – this is the only and the most important safety precaution when cleaning a juicer. If you own an electric juicing device, make sure it is turned off and unplugged from the power socket.
Once you are confident the product is turned off, go ahead and detach the removable components.
Step 2: Try Eliminating the Residue with Enzyme Dish Liquid
The process is the same as during the standard cleaning process. That means you should rinse all the components under warm water, and use dish liquid to wash them. You are using a potent liquid now, and that should increase the effectiveness in removing the residue.
Once you finish washing, make sure to rinse each component thoroughly. These liquids have strong chemicals, and you want to ensure you washed them all.
Now, inspect each of the parts and see which ones still have residue left. Leave the ones that you’ve cleaned successfully on the drying rack, and put the “still dirty” parts in the sink.
Step 3: Soak the Dirty Parts
Grab a big bowl (or use your sink, but make sure to plug the drain to prevent the water from leaving), and put the dirty components inside. Fill the bowl with water until all parts are completely soaked.
Add two denture tablets to the water, and watch them fizz. It might take a bit of time, but the fizzing action and water should eliminate any residue. Make sure to rinse each component carefully until it is clean.
Take a close look at each component again. If you still notice stains, here are a couple of alternative methods to try:
- Milk and vinegar – grab a bowl, and add these items in 1:1 ratio. Stir to combine the ingredients. Take a spray bottle and fill it with the mixture. Spray the mixture to the stain to remove it. You can repeat the process several times.
- Warm water and salt – add some salt to warm water (a teaspoon per quart). Soak the dirty components in the mixture, and let the magic happen for about 30 minutes. Rinse everything and see if any stains survived.
Step 4: Dry and Reassemble the Components
The final step is simple – allow the parts to dry on a drying rack or towel. Once they are dry, reassemble the appliance and feel free to use it again!
A Guide to Cleaning Mesh Screen/Filter of Your Juicer
Do you know what a particularly tricky juicer component to clean is? It is your device’s filter or mesh screen. However, it is vital to clean it properly because it plays an integral role in keeping your juice free from the pulp.
The mesh filter is susceptible to clogging because its task is to trap the pulp and prevent it from going into your juice. The crucial step in cleaning the filter is to do it right after you complete the juicing process.
If you leave the pulp on the screen, it will dry and become almost impossible to remove. Those who clean the filter right away can complete the entire process by using only a paper towel to remove wet pulp.
Here is a guide that will help you to clean the mesh filter thoroughly.
- Add some pure lemon juice to hot water (keep a 1:9 ratio). Put the filter inside this mixture, and let it soak for a while. The process will eliminate any pulp stuck in holes. You are unable to reach this pulp otherwise, which is why this step is necessary for a thorough mesh filter cleaning.
- Remove the filter from the lemon-water mixture, and use a toothbrush to eliminate any visible pulp. Rinse the screen with warm water as that will also help to remove the pulp. Be thorough, and make sure the water runs through holes of the screen to get the pulp out.
- If you want better results, you can use soap and water to wash the filter. However, don’t forget to rinse the screen thoroughly.
The filter has an important task of removing the pulp and delivering juice that meets your expectations. It’s vital to note that all fruit produces pulp, which is why you need to maintain your juicer screen clean.
How to Clean Plastic Components of Your Juicer
Some of the components of your juicer may be made of plastic. The plastic can be food-grade and BPA-free, but it is still tricky to clean. That is particularly true if the parts are transparent, which is usually the case in these appliances.
Many fruits and vegetables have vivid colors that get transferred to the plastic components of your device. That is another reason why you should clean your juicer as soon as you finish juicing.
Here are several methods you can use to clean the plastic components of your device:
- Use warm water to rinse it thoroughly.
- If necessary, mix lemon juice and water in a bowl (keep a 1:9 ratio). Soak the components for a while.
- Fill a bowl with vinegar and milk, and put the parts inside the mixture overnight.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaning solution to get rid of the discoloration.
- Soak the components in a mixture of detergent, bleach, and water. Don’t forget to rinse each part thoroughly after that.
The process of cleaning plastic components is not that different from removing tough residue from your juicer. It is vital to be quick because fruits and veggies, especially root ones like carrot, leave discoloration marks quickly.
Additional Tips to Make Cleaning Your Juicer Faster and More Efficient
Here are some other tips that might make cleaning your juicer more efficient:
- Always read the instruction manual before you clean the machine. That way, you will know which parts are detachable, and which you can wash with water. Some of the components might even be dishwasher-friendly.
- Never put the base of the machine into the water, especially if it is an electric appliance that uses a motor. You should also avoid soaking metal parts for too long because they might not be rust-resistant.
- If you plan to be absent for a couple of days, store your juicer in a box, and place it in a cupboard. That will prevent dust and debris from piling up over your machine, which will save you some time before the next use.
- If you want to keep your kitchen clean, always place a towel below the juicer during the cleaning process. You can do the same even while using the machine. That will protect your countertop and keep the kitchen spotless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is It Easy to Clean a Juicer?
A: Juicers aren’t difficult to clean, and the process doesn’t take a lot of effort. However, some juicing appliances may be easier to clean than others. We consider a machine simple to clean if you can reach all tricky areas and spots effortlessly. It also helps if the components are detachable because that makes it easier to wash.
Q: How often should you clean a juicer?
A: Many people would say that cleaning is the worst part of owning a juicer. That is because you should clean the device after each use. If you do that, you will prevent the pulp and fruit parts from drying and sticking to the surface of the components.
It will make the cleaning process more manageable than if you leave the juicer for hours or days. In that case, you will need to go through a deep-cleaning process, which takes a lot more time and effort.
Q: Do you need special tools to clean your juicer?
A: The basic cleaning process doesn’t require any special tools. However, a toothbrush (or any other type of brush) may be welcome to get to the tough to reach some components spaces. The manufacturers often provide a cleaning brush to make the process easier. Apart from that, you will find everything you need to clean your juicer in an averagely-equipped kitchen.
Conclusion – Boost Your Health with a Clean Juicer
Juicers are incredibly useful devices that can boost your health, and deliver a tasty beverage any time you need it. You can choose between thousands of recipes until you find your favorites.
During the process, it is vital to take care of your juicer properly. That includes cleaning it after every use, as well as going through a deep-cleaning process occasionally. Some components, such as plastic parts and mesh filters, may require special care.
Although maintenance will take a bit of time and effort, it will enable your juicer to work flawlessly and maximize its performance and longevity.