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If you’re an avid baker, then you know that your stand mixer is a pretty handy appliance in the kitchen. It’s required for mashing creamy potatoes, mixing bread dough, grinding meats, and more. But like all appliances, it needs to be properly cleaned regularly to maintain its performance and longevity.
A dirty mixer can cause all sorts of problems, like poor mixing performance, funky smells, and even food poisoning. So, how to clean a stand mixer?
In this blog article, we will discuss how to properly clean your stand mixer using 8 easy steps. So don’t wait any longer—grab your cleaning supplies and get started!
Why Clean a Stand Mixer?
Before we jump into the cleaning process, let’s briefly discuss why it’s so important to keep your stand mixer clean.
One reason to keep your stand mixer clean is to prevent mechanical problems. Over time, food particles and grease can build up on the moving parts of your mixer, which can cause it to work less efficiently or even break down completely.
Another reason to keep your stand mixer clean is to prevent food contamination. If you use your mixer to prepare raw meat, for example, any bacteria on the mixer’s attachments could be transferred to the food, which could make you sick.
8 Easy Steps in Cleaning a Stand Mixer
A stand mixer can be used in creating anything from the ground up, including a cake, a cookie, or something else. If you want to learn about more of its uses, check out our article on using a stand mixer.
These nifty appliances also come in different models and features. Cleaning them, on the other hand, is quite similar. Click here to check some of the best stand mixers out there.
Now that we know why it’s important to clean a stand mixer, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it. Here are the 8 easy steps you should follow:
Step 1: Unplug the Stand Mixer
The first step is to unplug the stand mixer from the outlet. It’s always a good idea to unplug your blender before cleaning it.
Even if you aren’t going to be cleaning any of the electrical components, it’s better to be safe than sorry by unplugging it first.
Step 2: Disassemble the Stand Mixer
Next, you’ll need to disassemble the stand mixer. This usually means removing the bowl, beaters, and any other attachments.
Be sure to consult your mixer’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this properly.
Step 3: Get All Necessary Materials
Now that your stand mixer is disassembled, it’s time to gather all the necessary materials for cleaning. This includes:
- A mild dish soap
- Warm Water
- A clean sponge
- A Damp Cloth
- A Towel
- A toothbrush
- A soft brush (optional)
- Baking Soda (optional)
Step 4: Wash the Attachments
A stand mixer can have attachments like a dough hook, flat beater, or wire whisk. The first thing you’ll want to do is wash these attachments in warm, soapy water.
If they’re very dirty, you may need to soak them for a few minutes before using a toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt or food particles. Be sure to rinse them well and dry them completely with a towel before moving on to the next step.
In the case of most attachments, you may use the above techniques. But with wire whisks, each wire must be cleaned carefully and discreetly with a soft brush. Residual dirt or food particles might remain if you do not clean carefully between each wire.
Step 5: Wash the Bowl/Container
Wash the bowl or container inside-out in warm, soapy water. Again, if it’s very dirty, you may need to soak it for a few minutes first.
Use a sponge or cloth to wipe away any dirt or food particles. Also, dry the bowl thoroughly. Any watermarks or splatter should be removed. Remember, one of the most attractive features of your stand mixer is represented by this bowl.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Bowl/Container
Once the bowl or container is clean, rinse it off with warm water. Then, towel dry or air dry all the parts before reassembling the stand mixer.
Step 7: Wipe the Mixer Body Clean
The Mixer’s body is the machine’s central part and most attractive aspect. So, whether you want to preserve your machine’s life or its appearance, you’ll need to clean its body appropriately.
Here are some pointers on how to clean this essential component of your stand mixer:
- Before we begin, keep in mind that the mixer body should never be washed in water.
- To clean the mixer body, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. If there are any tough stains or spills, you can use a mild cleaning solution or baking soda.
- It’s also critical to clean the mixer’s base bottom since it may dirty the place it’s kept. And, like every other kitchen equipment, location is a key consideration. Find out more in our article on putting a stand mixer in your kitchen.
- Use a toothpick to clean around the perimeter of the clamping plate at the base of the stand. If any stubborn ingredients have dripped down into the base, you can use a soft brush to remove them.
Step 8: Put it Back Together
Once everything is clean and dry, it’s time to reassemble the stand mixer. Again, consult your mixer’s manual for specific instructions on how to do this properly.
And there you have it! By following these simple steps, you can easily clean your stand mixer and keep it in good working condition.
Conclusion
A stand mixer is a handy kitchen appliance that can make your baking life a whole lot easier. But like any other appliance, it needs to be properly cared for and cleaned regularly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily keep your stand mixer clean and working like new.
Hope this article was helpful to your intended purpose. Thank you for reading! Hope you have a great time baking!
