How to Keep Your Food Processor Functional

Keep your blade sharp, your bowl clean, and your motor running

A food processor is the ultimate workhorse: It shreds cheese, dices peppers, effortlessly turns chickpeas into a silky hummus, and does it all with an almost smug efficiency. It’s the best thing in your kitchen. Until, that is, it’s time to disassemble and clean it.

Cleaning a food processor can be a nightmare wrapped in a puzzle, wrapped in the very real possibility of slicing off a small portion of your hand. The blades are sharp, the nooks are numerous, and the whole thing is somehow both too easy to take apart and impossible to put back together accurately on the first try. But, I’ve been through the battles (and taken copious notes), and I’m here to ensure that your processor — and your fingers — live happily ever after.

How long should a food processor last?

A quality food processor can easily last the caring cook for seven to 10 years, with some brands offering a lifetime guarantee. But bad habits can shorten the life of this invaluable prep tool. You may be tempted to set your food processor in the sink and “deal with it later.” But here’s a hard truth: later means dried-on crud, scraping, soaking, and regret. A food processor should be cleaned immediately, preferably before whatever dish you’ve just made has had time to cool.

Before I take a bite of whatever masterpiece I’ve just blitzed up, I give the bowl, lid, and blade a quick rinse under warm water. It doesn’t have to be an extensive clean, just enough to keep anything from turning into a cement-like crust.

How do I safely disassemble a food processor?

The key to cleaning a food processor properly is taking it apart completely but safely. That blade? It is not your ally. It’s lying in wait, ready to exact revenge for every resistant root vegetable you’ve ever fed it. Always carefully remove the blade first. Hold it by the (usually) plastic center, and set it aside in a safe spot, not hidden in a soapy sink where it will become a hazard.

Take apart the lid, the feed tube, the bowl, and everything that detaches. If it comes off, it should be washed separately.

Can’t I just throw food processor parts into the dishwasher?

Yes, technically, most food processor parts are dishwasher-safe. But do you really want to take that risk? Heat warps plastic, blades dull over time, and there’s always that one component that somehow flips over and comes out just as dirty as it went in.

Blade: Hand wash only. Always. No exceptions. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or brush. Never let the blade sit in water. It dulls the edge and can lead to rust. Dry it immediately with a towel and store it separately to keep it sharp. Food is easily trapped and forgotten in the center of the blade, so use a straw or baby bottle cleaner to prevent gross particles from making a home of your beloved appliance.

Bowl and lid: Warm, soapy water is your best bet. If something is stuck on there, a soak is fine, but avoid abrasive sponges — they’ll scratch the plastic, eventually making it more difficult to clean.

Motor base: Never submerge the base of the appliance. Just wipe down with a damp cloth. If food gets stuck in the buttons or seams, use a toothpick or a soft toothbrush to gently remove it.

How do I repair common food processor problems?

Sometimes, regular washing isn’t enough. Maybe your processor smells like onions no matter how many times you clean it. Maybe the bowl has taken on a cloudy, sad appearance. Maybe you inherited a food processor from your mom, and it has seen many years and many things.

If your processor suffers from lingering smells, fill the bowl with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (about a tablespoon per cup of water), let it sit for about an hour, then rinse. If a less than desirable aroma sticks around, wipe the inside with a cut lemon and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it again. (Old wives’ tale? Maybe. But it works.)

The cloudy film that won’t budge is usually a combo of mineral deposits and fine scratches. Make a paste of baking soda and water, scrub gently, and rinse well. Some people swear by rubbing the plastic with a bit of white vinegar, but do a spot test first — vinegar can be harsh. And if you find yourself with a faulty/old motor that gives out, all hope is not lost. Try a system reset, a deep clean of every crevice (gummed-up residue wreaks havoc on the hardware), or simply replace it.

What’s the best way to store my food processor?

Once everything is completely dry, reassemble and store it properly. I prefer to keep the blade separate, either on a magnetic strip or in a blade holder, but you can also store it within the machine. The important thing is to store it in a safe spot where it won’t get dull. Store the bowl and lid loosely assembled, not fully locked in place, which can lead to a stale smell over time. If your food processor lives on the counter, wipe it down before each use to avoid dust buildup.

Taking a few extra minutes to care for your processor spells shorter prep times and less frustration. No lingering whiffs of last week’s pesto sauce in your homemade whipped cream. Be kind to your forever sous chef: wash it well, dry it immediately, and respect the blade.

Rai Mincey is a food writer and baking enthusiast whose focuses include culinary history, seasonal cooking, and Southern cuisine. She splits her time between Birmingham, Alabama, and Tulum, Mexico.
Nicole Medina is a Philly-based illustrator who loves using bold color and detailed patterns to create eye-catching illustrations. Nicole likes drawing surreal imagery that tells a story and has a sense of adventure.