Owning an electric can opener can make life in the kitchen much easier. No more struggling with manual models or hurting your wrists trying to open cans! However, like any small appliance, electric can openers need some basic care and maintenance to keep them running smoothly for years.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your electric can opener in tip-top shape. We’ll discuss regular cleaning and care, lubrication, troubleshooting common problems, rust removal and prevention, and important safety and hygiene tips.
The Benefits of Proper Maintenance
Before we dive into the nitty gritty details, let’s look at why proper maintenance of your electric can opener matters:
- Prevents malfunctions: Food buildup, grime, rust, and lack of lubrication are some of the most common reasons why electric can openers stop working properly. Staying on top of cleaning and care helps prevent issues.
- Improves performance: A well-cared for can opener with lubricated gears cuts more smoothly and easily, with less strain on the motor.
- Extends lifespan: The better you care for your can opener and keep everything in working order, the longer it will last before needing to be replaced.
- Saves money: Getting the most out of your appliance before needing to replace it saves you money in the long run.
- Enhances safety: Cleaning residue and buildup improves cutting performance and reduces the risk of dull or damaged blades that could pose safety issues.
So don’t ignore that cleaning checklist! Proper maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your can opener running like new.
Cleaning and Care Tips
To keep your electric can opener running smoothly, cleaning and care should be part of your regular routine. Here’s what you need to know:
After Each Use
- Wipe down the opener with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any food residue, drips, or spills. Pay special attention to the cutting assembly and under the lid lifter.
- For stubborn stuck-on food or greasy buildup, use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in warm, soapy water to gently clean the affected areas.
- Make sure no water gets inside the opener housing and wipe the outer surfaces dry when finished.
Deep Cleaning
About once a month, your can opener should get a more thorough deep cleaning:
- Soak removable parts: Place the cutting wheel and lid lifter/magnet in a bowl to soak in hot, sudsy water for 15-30 minutes. This loosens caked-on gunk.
- Scrub: Use a small brush designated for kitchen use and mild dish soap or baking soda scrub to gently scrub the soaking parts clean. A toothbrush works great for getting into small crevices on the cutting wheel and around the gears.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse all parts well after scrubbing and allow to air dry completely before replacing in the can opener. Drying prevents rust and other damage from moisture.
- Clean opener body: With removable parts out, take the opportunity to use cotton swabs, small brushes, or compressed air to gently clean any debris or buildup from inside the opener body and around the gear tracks.
- Check gear teeth: Ensure gear teeth are free of obstructions. A butter knife or toothpick can help gently clear out any stuck particles.
Lubrication Points
Regular lubrication keeps the gears and cutting mechanisms running ultra smooth:
- Gears: Every couple of months, use a small brush or toothpick to apply a tiny drop of food-grade mineral oil, canola oil, or silicone spray to the gears.
- Cutting assembly: Once a year, carefully lubricate the shaft on which the cutting wheel spins using food-safe lubricant. This prevents rust and helps the blade turn effortlessly.
- Added lubricant option: For periodic conditioning between deep cleans, use WD-40 spray. The light oil loosens debris and flushes out residue while providing added lubrication. Thoroughly wash the unit before first use again after applying.
By regularly cleaning your electric can opener after use and doing monthly deep cleans, you’ll prevent a buildup of sticky, smelly gunk that can impede performance. And lubricating key areas helps keep all the mechanisms running smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Electric Can Opener Problems
Even with diligent care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common electric can opener problems:
Note: Always unplug the can opener before doing any troubleshooting maintenance.
Problem #1: Motor Runs But Cutting Wheel Doesn’t Turn
Potential Cause: Gears clogged with debris
Fix: Use a toothpick to gently clean built-up food or grime from the gear teeth so they can remesh and turn properly. A butter knife can also help pry particles loose. Regular lubrication and cleaning helps prevent this.
Problem #2: Cutting Wheel Spins But Doesn’t Pierce Can
Potential Cause: Worn or damaged blade
Fix: The small teeth on the cutting wheel eventually wear down with extensive use over time. Replace the blade assembly or the whole opener if needed. Avoid opening cans with dents right below the rim, which can damage the blade.
Problem #3: Lid Drops Back Into Can After Cutting
Potential Cause: Weak lid lifter magnet
Fix: The magnet that lifts and releases the cut lid can lose its strength after years of use. This inexpensive part can be replaced easily in most models. Clean any metal shavings clinging to the magnet during regular cleanings.
Problem #4: Gear Tracks Make Grinding Noises
Potential Cause: Lack of lubrication
Fix: Use a mineral oil, silicone spray, or even WD40 to thoroughly lubricate the gear teeth, track, and cutting assembly shaft. Clean out any stuck particles then re-lubricate.
Problem #5: Rust On Cutting Parts
Potential Cause: Moisture exposure
Fix: Discoloration and rust mean moisture got into parts that should stay dry. Soak rusted pieces in white vinegar then scrub with a toothbrush. Always dry thoroughly after cleaning. Store can opener unplugged and upright with cutting wheel facing up to prevent water dripping inside.
Regular tuning up of your electric can opener with thorough cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, and replacing worn parts as needed will have it running like new for years to come.
Deep Dive Cleaning for Problem Prevention
While quick wipe downs and regular monthly cleanings cover basic upkeep, periodically doing a deep dive cleaning allows you to inspect every nook and cranny of your electric can opener. This thorough maintenance helps nip potential problems in the bud.
Here are suggested steps for a complete electric can opener overhaul:
Disassemble the Casing
Refer to your specific model’s manual for full instructions on properly taking your can opener apart. Features and casing designs vary across brands.
- Remove any easily detachable parts like the cutting wheel, lid lifter, gear plate, etc.
- Carefully pry off or unscrew the main plastic casing to expose the inner workings. This often requires unscrewing a few short screws or releasing snap tabs.
- If needed, use a small Philips head screwdriver to detach panels covering the gear assembly.
- As you remove pieces, place them on a clean towel and group related components together.
Scrub Interior and Components
Soak any grimy, greasy areas of the disassembled opener parts in a hot sudsy water bath for 15-30 minutes to loosen debris. Then thoroughly clean:
- Use an old toothbrush, mini brush, or cotton swabs to gently scrub away caked-on gunk and food residue from all surfaces and crevices.
- If needed, use a small sharp tool like a toothpick to gently pry out compacted particles caught in gear teeth or tracks.
- Rinse under running water until all suds and particles are flushed out.
- Allow parts to completely air dry on a lint-free towel before reassembly. Moisture left inside may lead to electrical issues or rust.
Inspect and Replace Worn Parts
Closely inspect components for damage while doing a deep cleaning session. Catching issues early helps avoid problems down the line:
- Check the gear teeth for signs of wear and even meshing. Gears with overly rounded teeth won’t turn properly.
- Examine the metal contacts between the cutting wheel and the opener body. Severe rusting or corrosion here can prevent electrical connectivity.
- Assess the cutting wheel for chipped, blunt, or broken teeth. A blade with excessive wear cuts less cleanly.
- Test the magnetism of the lid lifter. Weak magnets drop lids rather than holding to release them into the attached receptacle.
- Watch for crackling noises, burning smells or sluggish operation indicating an overloaded motor.
Replace any overly worn parts like cutting assemblies, feed gears, and motors to keep your can opener running smoothly for extended periods between upgrades.
Lubricate Gears and Shafts
With the opener mechanism totally exposed during deep cleaning, it’s the perfect time to thoroughly lubricate all interior gears, shafts, and moving joints:
- Put a drop of food-safe lubricating oil on all pivot points and gears, especially the motor pinion gear and main drive gear.
- Use a toothpick to evenly distribute and direct the oil into the gear teeth and tracks.
- Replace any oil-soaked cotton sleeves around gear posts.
- Carefully add lubricant to the cutting assembly joint and along the metal wheel shaft.
Thorough interior lubrication during routine deep cleaning maintenance helps keep everything operating smoothly for years on end.
Reassemble the Device
Once all parts are fully cleaned, dried, inspected, and lubricated, reassemble your opener by following the manufacturer’s instructions in reverse order. Taking pictures along the way makes it easier.
- Replace any necessary components like cutting assemblies, feed gears, or magnets. Using manufacturer replacement parts ensures proper fit and performance.
- Position wires, levers, and gears properly so nothing gets pinched or hindered from moving.
- Replace protective tip covers and panels removed during disassembly. This prevents food or moisture from entering the interior.
- Test operation once fully re-assembled before regular use. Address any remaining issues before using your freshly tuned-up can opener!
Periodically setting aside time for an intensive overhaul cleaning allows you to keep your electric can opener running optimally for years and years.
Rust Removal and Prevention Tips
Since can opener cutting mechanisms are constantly exposed to moisture from cans and cleaning, surface rust can occur over time. Here’s how to both treat and avoid it:
Cleaning Off Existing Rust
If you spot some small rust spots or oxidation forming on metal cutting parts or anywhere on an electric can opener, don’t fret. These DIY methods can restore and prevent further damage:
Vinegar Soak
The high acidity in vinegar dissolves rust efficiently. Follow this process:
- In a glass or ceramic bowl, submerge rusted tool parts in undiluted household white vinegar.
- Let soak 30-60 minutes until rust appears gone or loosened. Scrub gently with a toothbrush if needed to lift particles.
- Rinse well in warm water then immediately hand dry thoroughly or place in front of a fan to evaporate all moisture.
- Apply a thin protective layer of food-grade mineral oil once fully dry. Buff gently with a soft cloth.
- Avoid soaking any non-stainless steel parts like aluminum gears to prevent pitting corrosion. Instead, use vinegar paste.
Repeat vinegar soaks whenever rust reappears until you’ve addressed root causes.
Baking Soda Paste
As a milder option for more delicate parts, make a paste from equal parts baking soda and water. Gently rub paste onto affected areas using a soft toothbrush or cotton swab then rinse. Dry fully.
Preventing Rust Reoccurrence
No matter what removal method is used, addressing why rust formed allows you to prevent encore appearances:
- Is your can opener getting sufficiently dried after washing? Thoroughly hand dry all surfaces.
- Are metal parts rubbed bare where protective enamel coating got stripped away? Touch up with appliance paint.
- Is humidity causing condensation inside the motor housing? Store opener unplugged upright in a dry area.
- Consider applying food-safe protective wax occasionally.
With diligent care and moisture control, you can keep a handle on recurrent rust issues.
Rust-Resistant Storage
Certain steps when putting away your electric can opener also guard against corrosion:
- Always unplug the electric opener and coil cord loosely before storage. Keeping it energized can damage the motor.
- Store the opener upright resting on its side, not laying flat. This allows air circulation and prevents water droplets from pooling.
- Place it somewhere dry and at room temperature if possible. Exposure to condensation from temperature shifts causes oxidation.
- If storing for prolonged periods, place the unit in a sealed plastic bin or bag with desiccant packs. Silica gel beads prevent moisture accumulation.
- Before use after storage, inspect parts and contacts for signs of rust or corrosion buildup needing removal via cleaning.
With mindful care taken when storing your opener properly between uses, you can prevent most rust issues from developing in the first place.
Safety and Hygiene Tips
While we’ve focused on performance and upkeep, caring for your electric can opener also requires paying attention to safety and hygiene matters. Stay vigilant about these key areas:
Electrical Safety
Since electric openers involve mixing electricity and water, extra caution helps prevent mishaps:
- Always unplug the opener by grasping the plug, not the cord, before cleaning, lubricating, or troubleshooting issues.
- Ensure hands are dry when plugging back in to prevent shocks.
- Don’t submerge the cord or allow liquid into the motor housing. This poses an electric shock risk from current leakage into metal components. Carefully wipe any spills.
- Check that the polarized plug correctly fits your outlet. Avoid using adapters or extensions to power the opener.
- Replace any units with damaged power cords lacking protective insulation rather than trying to tape and repair cracks exposing wires. Exposed conductors create further electrical dangers.
- Consider connecting through a GFCI outlet for protection if water exposure is likely. Ground fault circuit interrupters cut power if abnormal current flows occur.
Following basic electrical safeguards reduces the risks of shocking incidents with your small but powerful appliance.
Sharp Blade Hazards
Rotating cutting blades under an electric motor pack a powerful punch. Exercise safety measures during use and maintenance:
- Only grasp the plastic opener body, never reach into the cutting assembly or gears until unplugged.
- Position fingers safely away from the blade area when locking cans into place and during operation.
- Allow moving parts to fully stop before doing any cleaning or handling to avoid pinches or cuts.
- Unplug before removing any protective panels. Inadvertently turning on an exposed mechanism by accident causes severe injury risk.
- Ensure no children or untrained persons use the opener without supervision. Spinning metal presents dangers requiring caution.
Staying alert and using common sense goes a long way to prevent painful can opener incidents.
Sanitation and Hygiene
As a food preparation tool exposed to liquids, keeping your can opener hygienic requires focus:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before using your can opener when preparing meals.
- Wash and dry the opener, especially cutting components, after each use. Leaving remnants invites bacterial growth.
- Do monthly deep cleanings to scrub away hidden gunk buildup.
- Use dedicated kitchen brushes and towels only for cleaning the device to avoid cross-contamination.
- When doing maintenance, work over paper towels or trays to catch grime falling out.
- Allow all parts to fully air dry prior to storage or reassembling after cleaning to prevent trapped moisture growth.
The easier pathogens find their way onto surfaces, the faster they multiply. So keeping your opener pristinely clean provides peace of mind from a food safety perspective.
Keep It Running Smoothly
Electric can openers rank among the most frequently used appliances around the kitchen. But a bit of TLC goes a long way when it comes to keeping your trusty device performing smoothly long-term.
By adopting regular maintenance habits like monthly deep cleaning sessions plus periodic complete overhauls, you’ll keep all the mechanisms gunk-free and working their best. Taking steps to lubricate internal components and avert moisture damage also prevents many common operating issues. And knowing how to tune up troubles when they arise avoids frustration.