Can Vitamix Go In the Dishwasher?

So, you’ve decided to spend a bit more on a Vitamix blender. You definitely will not regret it, but it’s important that you keep your investment in tip-top shape by washing it after each use. So, can you pop a Vitamix blender in the dishwasher, or is there another preferred method for cleaning the container?

According to Vitamix, the only dishwasher-safe models are the S-series 40- or 20-ounce and the S30. All of their components, minus the blender base, are safe to place on the top dishrack in your dishwasher, but washing them by hand is the far safer method.

If you’re curious about what parts of a Vitamix are safe to wash in a dishwasher, as well as how you can wash your blender using the self-cleaning feature, I’ve provided all of the details you should know when it comes to maintaining your top-of-the-line blender.

Can Vitamix Go in the Dishwasher?

There are several things that make Vitamix blenders so great, including their highly adjustable blade speeds, which allow you to blend smoothies, soups, and salsas to the perfect consistency every time. However, when it comes to keeping a Vitamix clean, there are several things you need to know.

For starters, can a Vitamix go in the dishwasher? The answer is, yes, it can, but only if it’s an S-series 20- or 40-ounce, or an S30 blender. The other Vitamix models should not be washed in a dishwasher.

With that said, not every part of your S-series can go in a dishwasher. When disassembling your blender, make sure to keep the blending unit—i.e., the part that houses the electric motor—away from water. Everything else, from the container to the lid, can be safely washed on the top-most dishrack.

If you’re unsure of what Vitamix model you have, take a look at the included paper that came with the blender. You should also take some time to read the manual from cover to cover to learn the proper technique for washing the unit in the dishwasher.

How to Use the Vitamix Self-Cleaning Feature

Most Vitamix blenders will come with a self-cleaning feature, which will unstick food remnants from every nook and cranny in the container, blade assembly, and lid. If you have such a model, follow these simple steps to clean your blender.

1. Dump out the contents of your blender and briefly rinse with cool water.
2. Place the container back on the blender base and fill halfway with cold water and 1-2 drops of regular dish soap.
3. On the blender base, active the “Clean” setting, and let the blender run until it shuts off automatically.
4. Dump out the soapy water mix.
5. Disassemble the blender by removing the lid and blade assembly from the container.
6. Rinse the lid, container, and blade assembly under cold running water.
7. Place the lid, container, and blade assembly on a microfiber cloth or paper towel upside down and allow them to air-dry (30-60 minutes).

Now, what can you do if your Vitamix does not have a self-cleaning feature? Simple—make use of the variable 1 speed.

1. Dump out the contents of your blender and briefly rinse with cool water.
2. Place the container back on the blender base and fill halfway with cold water and 1-2 drops of regular dish soap.
3. On the blender base, active the variable 1 speed, and let the blender run for 30 seconds.
4. After 30 seconds, crank the blender speed to its highest speed setting and let the blender run for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Dump out the soapy water mix.
6. Disassemble the blender by removing the lid and blade assembly from the container.
7. Rinse the lid, container, and blade assembly under cold running water.
8. Place the lid, container, and blade assembly on a microfiber cloth or paper towel upside down and allow them to air-dry (30-60 minutes).

How to Get Rid of Stuck Food in a Vitamix Blade Assembly

As handy as the self-cleaning feature is, it’s not 100% foolproof, especially when it comes to removing stuck-on the blade assembly. There are several possible reasons this could be the case, including not washing the container and blade assembly immediately after using it. When you allow food to sit in the blender for longer, the more difficult it will be to get rid of with just the self-cleaning feature.

So, whenever you’re done making a healthy breakfast in your Vitamix blender, run the self-cleaning feature immediately. That way, sticky ingredients will not get a chance to cling to the surface of the high-speed blades.

Now, if you find the self-cleaning feature incapable of getting rid of stuck-on food remnants, here’s what you need to do.

1. Turn off the Vitamix blender.
2. Dump out the contents in the container and rinse with cold water.
3. Disassemble the blender by removing the lid and the blade assembly from the container.
4. Soap the lid, container, and blade assembly in a tub of soapy water for 1-2 hours.
5. Using a sponge, carefully wipe away the softened food remnants clinging to the surface of the blades, the interior of the container, and underneath the lid.
6. Using a toothpick, get rid of tiny food remnants stuck in the blade assembly.
7. Rinse the lid, container, and blade assembly under cold running water.
8. Finally, follow the steps on How to use the Vitamix Self-Cleaning Feature described above.

How to Clean a Vitamix Stainless-Steel Container

Vitamix blenders will come with 1 of 3 types of containers—plastic, glass, and stainless steel. All 3 containers are highly durable and can withstand tremendous heat levels for brief periods.

However, when it comes to the stainless-steel container, you need to be extremely careful about how you clean it.

Oxygen, water, and other metals can wear down the protective chromium oxide layer that stops stainless steel from rusting. When this happens, you may notice brown spots developing on the container. When this happens, you will need to retreat the coating or deal with the rust in another way.

So, while it’s technically safe to wash a stainless-steel container in a dishwasher, I recommend handwashing it since it will reduce the risk of exposure to elements that can break down the protective coating.

To clean a Vitamix stainless-steel container, simply follow the steps described in the “How to Use the Vitamix Self-Cleaning Feature” section.