How do you clean an electric kitchen grinder or shredder?
by Karine Lemoine
Coffee grinder, spice grinder or small multi-purpose electric grinder: these devices quickly accumulate residues that can go rancid or transmit their odor to the next product. Improperly cleaned, on the other hand, can damage the blade or the motor.
Some elements can be washed off with water, others cannot be washed off at all: the distinction is essential before you start.
Table of Contents

Here is how to clean an electric grinder or grinder according to its type, without risking damaging the device.
Always unplug and disassemble anything that is removable
Before cleaning, the appliance must be unplugged. The bowl, lid and, on many models, the blade assembly can be removed and cleaned separately from the motor unit.The engine block should never be submerged or run under running water, even for a few seconds, otherwise electrical components may be damaged.
The blade, which is often very sharp, is handled with care during cleaning, preferably by holding it by the central plastic part rather than by the cutting edge.
The case of water-washable grinders and blenders
For conventional food grinders (mini-choppers, small blenders), the bowl and the blade generally support water, and are often dishwasher safe in the upper position: the instructions always specify this compatibility. Immediate washing after use prevents residues from drying out and sticking to the walls or shaft of the blade.
The seal around the blade deserves special attention, as residues easily accumulate there and can develop odors over time if they are not rinsed thoroughly.
The particular case of coffee and spice grinders
Bladed coffee or spice grinders should generally not be run in water, as the mechanism is closer to a small motor with a fixed blade than to a removable bowl. To clean them, it is common to empty a handful of raw rice or a piece of stale bread, which absorbs the fatty and fragrant residues stuck to the walls, before throwing them away.
A dry brush or a slightly damp cloth can then be used to remove the last particles. Between two very different spices, this cleaning prevents the aromas from mixing from one use to the other.
Our tips
►Never wet the engine block
Regardless of the model, the part that contains the motor should never be submerged or put under the tap. A damp cloth is sufficient for the outer part.
►Use rice to clean a spice mill
Spinning raw rice empty in a mill that is not washable with water effectively absorbs odors and greasy residues, without dismantling or water.
►Wash the bowl immediately after use
On removable bowls, quick washing after use prevents residues from drying out and makes cleaning much easier compared to a bowl left aside for several hours.
By distinguishing between parts that can be washed with water and those that cannot be washed with water, cleaning an electric mill or shredder remains simple and without risk for the device.
You can also read:How do you clean an electric skilletandHow do you clean a smoker.
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