How to Clean a Food Processor

The food processor has made cooking a far easier task, with its ability to chop, dice, slice and mash foods within seconds. They have become one of the most widely sold appliances for the kitchen and many people would agree that they would not be without their food processor now, having got so used to its capabilities. It is imperative to have a good method to clean the processor.

Step 1 – The Processor Bowl

Remove the plastic bowl from the processor. Much like a blender, the bowl will simply lift off the motor and you can then dismantle the blades. The lid of the processor will have a funnel for pushing the food into the processing bowl. Lift the lid off and the funnel tube.

Step 2 – Dismantle the Food Processor

Begin by dismantling the blades. Be careful with your fingers because they are extremely sharp blades. Take them out of their fixings and remove the rubber washer from underneath. You should find that there is a rubber washer, a small pad (but models vary), the blades, rotor blade or turner, which all screw into the body of the processor bowl.

Step 3 – How to Wash

The blades can be placed in your dishwasher if you have one, as can the other pieces from the plastic bowl. Also the plastic bowl itself is dishwasher safe, so if you wish to clean your appliance in that way you can do so. If you wish to wash them by hand, soak them in warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen any ground on food.

Step 4 – Scourer Pad

Scourer pads can scratch, so use them with a little gentleness to avoid scratching the plastic bowl and blades. If you have soaked the parts in warm water you may find that they will wash very easily without the use of the scourer, but stubborn food may need some persuading.

Step 5 – The Food Processor Body

Clean the body of the food processor with a warm damp cloth and some liquid soap. Wipe it down to remove any stains or food and dry with a clean dry cloth. Clean around the motor with as dry a cloth as you can, to avoid getting water inside the appliance's wiring.

Step 6 – Appliance Extras

All food processors come with extra blades  for cutting, mixing or chopping food. If you have used another fitting or extra appliances during your cooking or baking session, remove those from the plastic bowl and disconnect them. Place those also in the warm soapy water to soak before you clean them with the scourer pad or wet cloth.

Step 7 – Drying and Replacing

Once all the parts have been cleaned, dried and polished to a shine you can reassemble the parts which will be required for the next use of the food processor. Place any extra items in box or inside the plastic bowl to keep them safe.