How to Clean a Mixer Grinder Jar Properly
A mixer grinder jar that is used daily in an Indian kitchen picks up turmeric stains, masala residue, and strong odours very quickly. Regular cleaning keeps the jar hygienic and extends the life of the blades and gasket. Here is the right way to clean every part of the jar.
The Self-Cleaning Method (After Every Use)
This is the fastest and safest cleaning method and should be done after every use while the jar still has food residue in it.
- Add half a cup of warm water to the jar.
- Add 2 drops of liquid dish soap.
- Lock the jar onto the base, place the lid on, and run it for 20–30 seconds.
- Pour out the soapy water, rinse with clean water, and air dry upside down.
This clears most food residue without submerging the jar in water or scrubbing near the blades.
Removing Stubborn Masala Stains
Dark masala pastes — especially those with red chilli and tamarind — leave brown stains inside the jar that plain soap does not remove.
- Make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water.
- Apply the paste to the stained areas inside the jar with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Run the self-cleaning method (water + soap for 30 seconds).
- Rinse thoroughly.
Removing Turmeric Stains
Turmeric (haldi) leaves bright yellow stains that are notoriously difficult to remove. This method works well:
- Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side along the stained interior surface.
- Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the lemon-wet surface.
- Let it fizz and sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse out with warm water.
- For severe stains, repeat once and then use the self-cleaning method.
Deodorising the Jar
After grinding strong-smelling ingredients like garlic, onion, or spices, the jar can retain a persistent odour even after washing.
- Drop a few pieces of lemon rind into the jar.
- Add half a cup of water.
- Lock and run for 30 seconds.
- Rinse and leave to air dry.
The lemon’s natural oils neutralise most food odours effectively without leaving any chemical smell behind.
Cleaning the Blades Safely
The blades inside a mixer jar are sharp and should never be cleaned with bare fingers — even when the jar is detached from the base.
- Use the self-cleaning method (soap + water run) as the primary blade-cleaning step.
- If residue sticks around the blade assembly, use a wet cloth folded into a thick pad and wipe around the base of the blades carefully.
- Never poke a finger or a thin utensil between the blades.
- A bottle brush with a narrow head works well for reaching around the blade hub without touching the edges.
Cleaning the Gasket Ring
The rubber gasket ring at the bottom of the jar seals the jar against leaks. It traps masala and oil underneath it, which can cause odours and mould if ignored.
- Remove the gasket ring from the jar base (it lifts off or pulls out — check your jar model).
- Soak it in warm soapy water for 5 minutes.
- Rub with a cloth and rinse well.
- Dry it completely before reattaching — a damp gasket encourages mould.
Drying Before Storage
This step is often skipped but is important. A wet jar stored with the lid on becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
- After rinsing, place the jar upside down on a dry cloth or rack.
- Leave the lid off or ajar to allow airflow inside.
- Allow 20–30 minutes to air dry before assembling and storing.
What Not to Do
- Do not soak the jar in water. The blade assembly at the bottom is not fully waterproof — water can seep into the bearing and cause rust or damage.
- Do not put the jar in a dishwasher. High heat and strong detergents degrade the gasket and can damage plastic components over time.
- Do not leave food residue overnight. Clean immediately after use — dried masala is far harder to remove and can pit the interior surface.
- Do not use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers. These scratch the jar interior and create surfaces where bacteria and stains accumulate more easily.
With these steps, your mixer jar will stay clean, odour-free, and hygienic with minimal effort. If your mixer itself is aging — overheating, leaking, or losing power — you might want to read our guide on the mixer grinder overheating fix. And if you decide it is time for a new one, you can sell your old mixer grinder instead of throwing it away.