Chop chop! Learn how to clean a food processor so you can keep your favorite kitchen gadget working the way it should.
How to Clean and Care for a Food Processor
Updated on May 16, 2023
Most of us don’t know what we’d do without our food processor. Well… we’d be spending a lot more time in the kitchen, endlessly chopping, dicing and mincing! Fortunately, the food processor makes that knifework optional, which means our lives are a whole lot easier.
But cleaning this convenient kitchen appliance isn’t always so easy. How do you get in all the nooks and crannies? Do you have to clean the outside? So many questions—and we’re answering them below with our guide on how to clean a food processor.
What to Clean After Each Use
Blades: Wash the blades by hand after each use with warm soapy water to avoid crusted-on food. Scrub from the center of the blade to the outside edge to avoid cutting yourself. Don’t put the blades in the dishwasher if you can help it. The hot water can damage the blades over time and even melt the plastic coating.
Container and Lid: An easy way to clean the container of your food processor is by squeezing a few drops of dish liquid in the bottom and filling the container halfway with warm water. Put the lid on and run the food processor for a few seconds. Then dump out the soapy water and rinse. You can also simply submerge the lid and container in a sink filled with warm soapy water and scrub with a kitchen sponge.
Test Kitchen Tip: Because cleaning the lid can be a pain, prevent extra scrubbing by placing a sheet of plastic wrap between the lid and the container before you use your processor.
Inside the Blade and Handle: Food can get stuck inside the crevices at the blade’s center and the processor’s handle. Use a mini scrub brush or a toothbrush to get up in those hard-to-reach spots. Put some dish soap and water on the brush, then scrub vigorously to clean out crumbs.
What to Clean Occasionally
Every couple of uses (or whenever you splash liquid or food onto the base), wipe down the outside of the food processor. Use a damp cloth with dish soap or vinegar to sanitize the exterior and remove any tough stains.
Deep Cleaning Tips
A thorough cleaning is necessary when you notice a smell coming from your food processor or suspect mold is growing. Soak the container and blades in a mixture of 1 part baking soda and 1 part warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling. (You can clean just about everything with baking soda.)
Now that you know how to clean a food processor, put your kitchen gadget to work making cauliflower rice or another surprising recipe!
40 Surprising Food Processor Recipes
Roasted Eggplant SpreadBlack pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice BowlsThis tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Don’t have a food processor at home? Check out our list of the best mini food processors before you buy one.
Lemony Walnut-Raisin GaletteThis flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. There's a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dad's Famous StuffiesThe third of July is almost as important as July Fourth in my family. We make these stuffed clams on the third every year, and it's an event in and of itself! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Almond-Coconut Lemon BarsGive traditional lemon bars a tasty twist with the addition of almonds and coconut. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter ToffeeElevate your homemade candy game with this easy butter toffee recipe—wonderful for gifting, sharing or indulging in a sweet, crunchy treat.
Texas Garlic Mashed PotatoesThese creamy potatoes get their flavor burst from garlic and caramelized onions. Their savory goodness makes any meal better. —Richard Markle, Midlothian, Texas
Freezer BurritosMake-ahead freezer burritos are fully loaded with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese for an easy, delicious meal ready when you are.
Chocolate-Topped Strawberry CheesecakeCreamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Canning Spaghetti SauceCanning spaghetti sauce is a delicious way to preserve garden-fresh tomatoes. Here's how to can spaghetti sauce in a water bath—no pressure canner required.
Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut SauceUsing wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum JamAmong my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Onion TartOnion lovers are sure to be asking for second helpings of this appetizing tart—it uses two kinds of onions! Parmesan and feta cheese, nutmeg and hot pepper sauce enhance the flavor nicely. With its quichelike filling, the dish is ideal for a brunch or buffet.
-Christine Andreas, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Delicious Almond BraidsSimilar to an almond crescent, this coffee cake is light and flaky with a rich almond center. It’s versatile, so you can serve it for dessert, breakfast or brunch. It tastes as if it came from a high-end bakery, but packaged puff pastry dough makes it easy. —Gina Idone, Staten Island, New York
Salmon SlidersThe fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner RollsMy grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Brussels Sprouts au GratinBrussels sprouts au gratin is topped with creamy sauce, Swiss cheese and bread crumbs. Serve this dish at your next dinner party, and prepare for your Brussels sprouts to be sought after.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar GlazeThese smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
German Beer Cheese SpreadWe love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
CheesecakeWant to learn how to make the best ever cheesecake recipe? Our Test Kitchen offers all the tips you'll need.
Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry SauceThese crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that's ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Apple BarsCheck out our classic apple bars recipe in time for fall baking season.
Spiced Butternut Squash PieMy mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad's favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida.
Turkey & Swiss Biscuit SlidersOne of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Lemon TartThis sunshiny lemon tart recipe will make everyone smile. It is a simple treat with intense citrus flavors, and it can be easily decorated for elegant events.
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken NuggetsI was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Salted Caramel Cappuccino CheesecakeAfter spending years living in Seattle, I’ve become a coffee junkie! I had to relocate across the country for a time, so I created this cheesecake with the flavors of salted caramel, coffee and espresso. It lifted me up on days when I felt blue about leaving one of the world’s amazing coffee destinations. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
