How to Sharpen Blender Blades

A close-up inside a blender pitcher, looking at the blades.
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 10
What You'll Need
Sink
Water
Soap
Sponge or scrub pad
Soft cloth
Sharpening stone
What You'll Need
Sink
Water
Soap
Sponge or scrub pad
Soft cloth
Sharpening stone

If you have a blender that is old and no longer chopping or pureeing at its best, consider sharpening the blender blades instead of replacing them or buying a new blender. Blender blades are made of metal and can be easily sharpened using the correct method and tools. Below is a quick guide on how to do this and get your appliance back to working as it should.

Step 1 - Pull the Blender Apart

Unplug the device from the wall outlet to eliminate any chance of electric shock or injury from accidentally switching the appliance on while you're working. Then, pull the blender apart to separate the base from the glass or plastic pitcher on top.

Step 2 - Wash the Jug

You always want to work with a clean surface and clean parts, so before you continue, remove any old food particles and debris from inside the blender jar. Submerge it inside a sink filled with warm soapy water, and use a sponge or scrub pad to wash it completely. Pay special attention to the tight nooks and crannies at the bottom. Washing your pitcher in warm water will also help loosen the seal between it and the blade for the next step. Dry this well with a soft cloth afterward.

Step 3 - Remove the Blade

At the bottom, you will see a base where the blades are housed. Twist it counterclockwise to separate it; it should freely come off in your hands. Then, place the pitcher on the counter for safekeeping. If it is glass, do not leave it close to the edge of the countertop. That's just asking for an accident!

In your hands, you should now have the base, a ring or seal, and the blade. Separate all these parts from the base, and put everything down next to the jar, except for the blade.

Step 4 - Wash the Blade

Hold your blade in the warm soapy water. Do not drop it into the sink! Soap can make it hard to see your blades in the water, meaning you might have to reach around blindly until you can feel it. However, even a dull blade can cut if you grab it wrong. You should also wear a pair of rubber gloves when handling the blades directly, as this provides at least some protection for your skin.

Wash the blades thoroughly, and scrub away any caked-on food or leftover food particles with a scouring pad if needed.

Step 5 - Sharpen the Blade

Begin running one of the blade edges on a sharpening stone, keeping with and preserving the angle that the blade is already shaped to. Also, always run the blade away from your body to reduce any risk of injury. When you've worked enough on one edge, turn the piece over and proceed to sharpen the other side, moving the same way. Each individual blade will have four sides (two backs and two fronts) that need attention, and each blender usually has two to four blades, depending on the model. Repeat the sharpening process until every edge has been brought to a suitable standard.

Step 6 - Reassemble the Blender

Wipe the blade clean once more with a wet rag, and dry it with your towel. Then, sit the blade in the base, and add the seal or the wax ring. Pick up the blender pitcher, and screw the base back on. Finally, reattach this entire piece to the electronic base, plug it in, and test your work.

Tip: Feel free to pull the appliance apart again at any time if the blades still seem dull.