A stand mixer is an indispensable tool in any baker’s kitchen. This powerful appliance makes quick work of mixing, kneading, and whipping ingredients. However, like any kitchen tool, stand mixers require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best and functioning properly.
Cleaning a stand mixer after each use prevents baked-on debris and stains. It also helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. With just 5 simple steps, you can easily clean your stand mixer for sparkling, streak-free results.
Also Read: Stand Mixer Repair: Common Malfunctions and Fixes
Step 1: Unplug the Stand Mixer
Before cleaning, always make sure to unplug your stand mixer. Not only does this prevent accidental activation while cleaning, it eliminates the risk of electric shock.
Follow these steps to safely unplug your stand mixer:
- Locate the power cord emerging from the back of the stand mixer
- Grip the plug end and pull firmly to remove from the outlet
- When unplugged, lay the cord aside to prevent tripping while cleaning
With the unit powered down, you can now safely access all surfaces of the mixer without worry. Just be sure to avoid getting any water or cleaning solution into openings like vents.
Step 2: Remove Attachments and Wipe Down
Your stand mixer comes with several attachments designed for specific mixing jobs. These include:
- Stainless steel mixing bowl
- Flat beater for batters
- Wire whisk for whipping creams and egg whites
- Dough hook for kneading yeast doughs
Before cleaning the mixer itself, detach all accessories and wipe them down individually. Here’s how:
Remove Accessories
Stand mixers lock attachments into the power hub with a lever locking mechanism. Simply flip this lever up to release the attachment.
To remove attachments:
- Turn lifted lever up towards you
- Grasp accessory and pull directly away from power hub
- Place accessory aside for individual cleaning
Repeat for all attachments, including bowl. Avoid placing detachments on the counter top or other unsanitized surfaces.
Wipe Down Accessories
Before washing, use a clean paper towel or soft cloth to wipe down each attachment. This removes excess grease and food debris before cleaning.
To wipe attachments:
- Add a small dollop of dish soap to a clean, damp towel or cloth
- One at a time, thoroughly wipe down each accessory, removing visible debris
- Pay special attention to crevices and grooves where batter tends to collect
- Rinse towel/cloth and re-wipe if necessary to remove stuck-on batter
Place wiped down attachments in sink or tub for full washing later.
Step 3: Clean the Mixer Body
With attachments removed, direct your cleaning efforts to the body of the stand mixer. Pay particular attention to the power hub and surrounding areas.
Supplies Needed
- Clean cloths or soft sponges
- Mild dish detergent
- Small brush or old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas
- Small bowl of warm water
Avoid using harsh scrub brushes or abrasive cleaners which can damage the mixer’s shiny metal finish.
Instructions
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean the body of your stand mixer:
- Add detergent to water: Squirt a small amount of mild dish detergent like Dawn into a bowl of warm water and stir lightly.
- Wipe exterior surfaces: Dip cloth or sponge into soapy water. Squeeze out excess. Carefully wipe down all exterior surfaces including back of mixer.
- Clean power hub: Use a small brush dipped in detergent solution to gently scrub down the power hub (the part attachments affix to). Pay special attention to any visible gunk collection between hub and post. Rinse brush frequently for maximum cleaning power.
- Detail clean: Using detergent, cloth and small brush, detail clean any remaining spots like speed control, display, and underside of mixer head. For stuck-on splatters, allow detergent solution to soak briefly before scrubbing.
- Rinse: Wipe down the entire mixer body with clean damp (water only) towel or cloth. Thoroughly remove all soap residue.
- Dry: Wipe dry with clean lint-free towel, microfiber cloth or air dry thoroughly before restoring power.
Take extra time when cleaning the power hub and areas near the hub. Built up food debris can impede proper functioning.
Step 4: Clean Mixing Bowl
The stainless steel mixing bowl included with your stand mixer likely sees the worst of the mess. For thorough cleaning, tackling it separately is best.
Mixing Bowl Cleaning Options
Choose one of these effective methods to clean your stand mixer’s bowl:
- Hand wash
- Fill with warm sudsy water
- Allow batter to soak
- Scrub interior with non-abrasive sponge or brush
- Dump out dirty water and repeat rinse and soap application until bowl is spotless
- Air dry completely
- Dishwasher wash (Only if manufacturer approved)
- Upper dishwasher rack recommended
- Remove excess debris first
- Avoid placing anything inside bowl during washing
- Heat-dry cycle
- Barkeeper’s Friend cleanser
- For stubborn, stuck-on batter especially in bowl corners
- Make paste from powder and small amount of water
- Use soft sponge to gently apply over problem areas
- Allow to set 10 minutes before scrubbing
- Rinse thoroughly
Avoid steel wool, metal scrub brushes or other abrasives when cleaning your mixing bowl or other stainless accessories. These can damage protective finishes leading to corrosion over time.
Step 5: Dry and Reassemble Stand Mixer
Before returning your spotless stand mixer back to service, it must be completely dry and properly reassembled. Any moisture left behind promotes mold and yeast growth which requires repeat cleaning.
Dry Thoroughly
Follow good drying practices:
- Allow detached accessories and mixing bowl to air dry separately on a clean dishtowel.
- Carefully blot up any remaining moisture inside the mixer base with microfiber cloth. Pay special attention to the power hub and underside of mixer head.
- Allow the mixer body to air dry completely before restoring power. Fans or a hair dryer on the cool setting can speed up dry time if you’re in a hurry.
Reattach Accessories and Bowl
Once dry, reattach mixing attachments and bowl according to manufacturer directions:
- Select an accessory and orient it correctly beneath mixer head/power hub.
- Lift the accessory lever up to open and insert attachment central post into receptacle.
- Press the accessory in firmly then flip lever down to locked position.
- Give the accessory a gentle tug downward to ensure proper locking.
- Repeat steps for remaining accessories including mixing bowl.
Double-check that all are securely in place before mixing again!
Conclusion
Regular cleaning keeps your stand mixer operating in tip top condition for years of faithful service. Simply follow these 5 key steps after each use:
- Unplug Stand Mixer
- Remove and Wipe Down Accessories
- Thoroughly Clean Mixer Body and Power Hub
- Wash Mixing Bowl
- Dry and Reassemble
Take proper care of this hardworking kitchen ally and it will deliver sweet returns for every recipe you whip up!