Simple ways to maintain and repair your blender

Taking care of your blender may be easier than you thought! Here are some simple ways to get the most out of your blender by keeping up with some simple maintenance.

Blenders are convenient appliances for mixing light foods, especially liquids. Heavy-duty grinding and chopping can be accomplished better and faster with a food processor.

• If a blender is used for these jobs, it can malfunction.
• Bear in mind that blenders are designed for speed, not power, so they can easily become overloaded. Don't make your blender work too hard!

The blades of a blender sit in the bottom of a glass or plastic jar that rests on a motor base. The blades connect to the motor by either a metal drive stud or a coupling. To keep your blender in good working order, keep it clean.

• Clean the blender right after use; the longer you wait, the more caked-on the food becomes.
• Fill the jar halfway with warm water, add a drop of liquid detergent and cover. Blend at low speed for a few seconds. Run with clear water to rinse thoroughly. Clean the base with a damp sponge.
• Never immerse it in water or rinse it under running water.

If you turn on the appliance and you hear the motor humming but the blades aren't turning, turn the blender off immediately.

• First try reducing the load by cutting large chunks into smaller pieces or adding some liquid.
• Then try running the blender at a higher speed. If the blades don't start turning right away, turn off the blender immediately to avoid damaging the motor.
• Unplug the blender and remove the blade assembly by unscrewing the jar base.
• Check for any buildup of food material around the blades.
• Wash the blade assembly with dishwashing detergent. Rinse it thoroughly.

The most common source of a blender leak is a poor seal between the base and the jar.

• Remove the blade assembly and check the jar and base for chips and the sealing ring for cracks. Replace any part that is damaged.
• If none of these parts is broken, then the blade shaft or its bearing may be worn out. Replace the entire blade assembly.

If the blender operates erratically and the previous suggestions haven't fixed the problem, disassemble the entire unit and examine the wiring.

• Unplug the blender and set the jar aside.
• Remove screws or bolts from the bottom of the base.
• Carefully slide the base away from the housing.
• Look inside at all of the wires; many are attached with slip-on connectors. If you find a loose wire, plug it back onto its contact.
• Reassemble the base and housing, plug in the blender and test it.

Replacing a switch on a blender is an easy fix that costs far less than a new blender. If your blender works at some speeds, but not at others, a switch is usually at fault.

• Contact the manufacturer or dealer for the location of the nearest service center.
• Or you can order a new switch and install it yourself, following the instructions in the owner's manual.
• On some models, the screws holding the switch housing in place are behind a decorative label.
• Always unplug the blender before attempting any disassembly.

Though it's possible to make minor repairs on blenders, not all of them should be repaired by the owner. Some are so inexpensive that a new one may cost less than a repair.

• Always read the owner's manual before attempting any repair, and check the base or access panel of an appliance for a warning against owner servicing.
• Owner servicing may void a warranty.

A blender is an essential appliance in any kitchen. Keep your blender running smoothly and remember these tips, should you ever run into any problems.