How to Clean Nutribullet Pitcher Blades: The Ultimate Guide

Keeping your Nutribullet pitcher blades clean is essential for blender performance and longevity. Dirty blades can harbor bacteria, cause your smoothies to taste metallic, and lead to a weaker blend. While it may seem daunting, cleaning the Nutribullet blades is a quick and simple process. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about safely and effectively cleaning your Nutribullet pitcher blades.

How Often Should You Replace Nutribullet Blades?

Nutribullet blender blades are not indestructible and will eventually require replacement. Here are some general guidelines on blade replacement:

• If used daily, replace blades every 6 months
• For weekly or fortnightly use, replace annually
• Replace immediately if blades become damaged, cracked, or overly dull

According to John Shepherd, a small appliance repair expert, "Telltale signs your Nutribullet blades need replacing include increased blending times, chunkier smoothies, and the motor working harder with more noise and vibration."

Replacing blades regularly will maximize blender performance and prevent long-term damage to the motor. Always take care when handling blades and ensure they are securely assembled after replacing.

Can You Submerge Nutribullet Blades in Water?

Nutribullet does not recommend fully submerging their blender blades in water. The blades contain sensitive components that can be damaged by prolonged water exposure.

To clean the blades, Nutribullet advises using a soft damp cloth with warm soapy water. Gently scrub the blades to remove any residue, then rinse and dry thoroughly with a soft towel. Ensure blades are completely dry before reattaching to the pitcher.

According to the Nutribullet manual, "Water penetration through the blade seals can lead to internal corrosion and affect blender performance." Foroptimal results, always hand wash blades instead of soaking.

What‘s the Best Cleaning Solution for Nutribullet Blades?

To safely sanitize Nutribullet blades, appliance experts recommend soaking them in a mild soap and warm water solution for 5-10 minutes. Dish soap combined with warm water can dissolve most food buildup.

For tough stains or pulp residue, try our homemade cleaning solution:

Nutribullet Blade Cleaner

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp dish soap
• 1 tbsp baking soda

The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to lift away stubborn gunk without damaging the blades.

"Alternatively, a natural blender blade cleaner containing citric acid is an effective and non-toxic cleaning option for metal blades," says Shepherd.

Avoid bleach, ammonia, and abrasive scouring pads as these can scratch metal surfaces and erode the blade‘s sharpness.

How to Remove Nutribullet Blades from Pitcher

Nutribullet blades are permanently affixed inside the blender pitcher. Unlike some blenders, they cannot be taken out for cleaning.

However, you can remove the entire blade assembly from the pitcher body to simplify cleaning. Here‘s how for different Nutribullet models:

Nutribullet 600W/900W:

1. Flip pitcher upside down to access the blade unit‘s base
2. Locate the small locking pin and use a flat head screwdriver to gently pry it up
3. Twist the blade assembly counter-clockwise to release from pitcher
4. Hand wash each piece separately

Nutribullet Rx:

1. Press down on the pitcher‘s handle to detach it from the body
2. Grip the top collar and lift upward to slide off the blade assembly
3. Wash pieces individually before reassembling

Always grasp the blade unit by the top smooth collar instead of the blades themselves. Handle disassembled parts with care to avoid injury.

How to Tell If Your Blender Blades Need Replacing

Here are 5 signs that your Nutribullet blades need replacing:

• Inconsistent textures: Smoothies come out chunky or with whole food pieces. The blade‘s cutting edges are likely dull.
• Longer blending times: It takes much longer to break down ingredients, putting strain on the motor.
• Metallic taste: Dull blades fail to process ingredients fully and can impart a metallic flavor.
• Rust spots: Humidity and corrosion causes pitting on the blade surface.
• Damage: Obvious nicks, cracks or broken parts will hamper blending.

Take note if you observe any of these issues. Replacing a worn blender blade restores cutting efficiency.

Should Blender Blades Be Sharp?

For peak blender performance, the cutting blades should always be kept sharp. Sharp blades:

• Create smoother, creamier smoothie textures
• Chop and puree ingredients more efficiently
• Avoid bogging down the motor
• Produce less heat and friction
• Prevent buildup inside the pitcher

In comparison, dull blender blades require more blending time to break down ingredients. They are also more prone to food getting stuck and clogging up the blades.

Personal blender repair specialist Amanda Alvarez recommends periodically sharpening the blades: "Sharpening blender blades every 6-12 months will maximize their longevity and functionality."

How to Sharpen Nutribullet Blender Blades

With routine use, Nutribullet blades will gradually dull. Thankfully, it‘s easy to sharpen them at home with basic tools. Here is a simple method:

Supplies Needed:

• Sandpaper – Medium grit (120)
• Small file or sharpening stone
• Soft cloth
• Mild dish soap

Steps:

1. Remove blades from pitcher and hand wash thoroughly with a soft cloth and dish soap. Rinse away any residue.
2. Dry blades completely with a towel. Damp blades can rust if sharpened.
3. Place blade upside down on a flat, stable surface. Hold securely.
4. Using medium (120) grit sandpaper, gently polish each blade surface. Apply light, even pressure as you work the sandpaper across the cutting edges.
5. Further hone edges with a sharpening stone or small metal file. Again, use minimal pressure.
6. Clean newly sharpened blades with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.
7. Test blade sharpness before reassembling into the pitcher. Blades should easily slice through paper or shave arm hair.

Repeat sharpening periodically to maintain performance. Take care not to over-sharpen, as excessively thin edges can become fragile.

Does the Nutribullet Pitcher Come Apart?

All Nutribullet blender pitchers feature a two-piece design that separates into cup and blade assemblies. Taking them apart makes cleaning easier and also allows you to replace components if needed.

To separate a Nutribullet pitcher:

1. Ensure the pitcher is unplugged and blades have fully stopped spinning.
2. Turn the cup upside down to access the base.
3. On select models, press in the white locking button with your thumb.
4. Twist the cup and blade unit counter-clockwise to unscrew.
5. Lift cup up and off of the blade assembly.

Always grasp the top collar or handle, not the blades themselves. Reverse steps to reassemble. Consult the user manual for your specific Nutribullet model.

Separating these components gives you full access when cleaning. Be sure to hand wash the rubber gasket as well.

How to Remove the Bottom of a Nutribullet Blender

Removing the bottom motor base on a Nutribullet allows you to fully clean the unit after heavy use. Here are instructions for various models:

Nutribullet 600/900W:

1. Unplug the power cord and ensure the motor has stopped.
2. Turn the unit upside down to access the underside.
3. Locate the locking pin on the base perimeter.
4. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry up the locking pin.
5. Twist the cup counter-clockwise to detach it.
6. Lift cup up and off of the motor base.

Nutribullet Rx:

1. Press and hold the power button to turn off the motor.
2. Turn the Nutribullet upside down and locate the side locking latch.
3. Flip the latch upwards so it is perpendicular to the base.
4. Twist the cup counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the base.
5. Lift cup up and off of the motor body.

Carefully pry off the base, handling the electrical components gently. Avoid tugging on any wires.

What to Do if Your Nutribullet Stops Working

Common issues like a non-working Nutribullet can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting:

• Make sure the unit is plugged in securely.
• Check that the bottom motor and blade assemblies are fully tightened together.
• Press down on the cup while blending to keep the blades engaged.
• Reset the motor‘s thermal protector by unplugging for 15 minutes.
• Clean inside the cup threads and base to remove any debris.
• Ensure none of the components are damaged or cracked.
• Replace the blades if they are overly worn.
• Contact Nutribullet customer service if still not working.

Reassembling each piece properly is key for proper functioning. A warranty may also cover free repairs.

Is the Nutribullet Machine Dishwasher Safe?

While the Nutribullet cups are top-rack dishwasher safe, other components should be hand washed only.

According to the user manual, you should never wash these parts in the dishwasher:

• Power base (with electrical components)
• Rubber gasket
• Blade assembly
• Lids and handles

The heat and water pressure inside a dishwasher can warp plastic pieces over time. Detergents may also corrode the metal blades and erode their sharpness.

For best results, clean the machine base, gaskets and blades by hand only using mild soap and water.

How to Clean Nutribullet Rubber Seal

With frequent blending, pulp can build up on the black rubber gasket inside Nutribullet pitchers. Here‘s how to clean it:

Supplies Needed:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• Soft-bristled toothbrush

Steps:

1. Remove the rubber seal from inside the Nutribullet blade assembly.
2. Soak seal in warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap for 15 minutes.
3. Using a soft brush, gently scrub the seal clean. Pay attention to any pulp residue.
4. Rinse under warm running water. Air dry the seal thoroughly.
5. Avoid using corrosive cleaners, bleach, or abrasives on the seal.
6. Reinsert the cleaned rubber seal back into the blade unit.

Proper seal cleaning prevents leaks, extends lifespan, and improves blending performance.

How to Remove Mold from a Nutribullet Seal

If black mold develops on your Nutribullet seal, it can be removed with natural cleaning methods:

Supplies Needed:

• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Small brush
• Dish soap
• Spray bottle

Steps:

1. Mix 2 parts white vinegar to 1 part warm water in a bowl.
2. Soak the rubber seal in the solution for 20 minutes.
3. Scrub seal with a small brush, then rinse.
4. Fill spray bottle with vinegar solution and spritz seal. Let sit 10 minutes.
5. Wash seal with dish soap, rinse and allow to fully air dry.
6. Spray a disinfectant on the dry seal to sanitize.

The vinegar‘s acidity kills mold spores and sanitizes. Make sure no moisture stays trapped in the seal after cleaning.

Regular cleaning keeps your Nutribullet blades hygienic and optimizes mixing performance. Follow the proper methods to safely disassemble, wash, and sharpen your pitcher blades. Replace worn out blades promptly to protect your motor. This comprehensive guide outlined tips for cleaning all components and troubleshooting common blender issues. With the right techniques, you can keep your Nutribullet running like new for years.