Why Does My Blender Smell?

Published: 
December 16, 2022
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Reasons Your Blender Might Smell

If you have wondered, “why does my blender smell?’’ You're not alone. Many people have trouble figuring out what's causing their blender to smell strange. Over time, even the best-kept blender can start to develop funky smells. While several factors can contribute to this problem, the most common cause is bacteria growth.

When food particles stick behind after blending, they provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, left over moisture can also promote the growth of mold and mildew.

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your blender, take action! Otherwise, the problem will only get worse. The good news is there are a few simple steps to eliminate bad smells from your blender. Keep reading to learn more!

What Causes My Blender to Smell?

If you've ever owned a personal blender, chances are you noticed that it can start to smell after a while. It is especially true if you use your blender frequently or if you did not clean it properly. There are a few common reasons why blenders start to smell.

Food Trapped Inside

One of the main reasons why your blender starts to smell is because food gets trapped inside. Blenders have a lot of nooks and crannies where food and debris can get stuck, and this can cause them to start smelling over time.

If you notice that your blender is starting to smell, it's a good idea to disassemble it and give it a good cleaning. Over time, these bits of food and debris will rot and decay, which can cause an unpleasant smell. This rings true for any blender, whether it be a full-sized appliance or a small blender bottle.

Mold Overgrowth

Blenders are made of plastic or other materials that can harbor mold spores. If you don't clean it regularly, these spores can start to grow and multiply.

Mold is a type of fungi that can cause serious health problems if inhaled, so you must get rid of mold spots as soon as you notice them.

Bacterial Growth

Bacteria can produce smelly chemical compounds. These include hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methyl mercaptan. Compounds cause the unpleasant smells you associate with rotten food and sewage.

When these bacteria get into your blender, they can start to multiply. The problem may get worse because blenders are often difficult to clean thoroughly. Bacteria can hide in the nooks and crannies of the blender jar and blade assembly, and even survive the dishwashing process.

Don't forget to check the gaskets and seals. If you've cleaned but you still smell something, check the rubber parts. Over time, this seal can develop cracks and crevices - the perfect hiding place for bacteria.

If all seems lost, you can try replacing the rubber seal on the blender jar. You can usually find a replacement part on Amazon.

Types of Foods and Drinks

Certain foods are smellier than others. You'll want to proceed with caution when it comes to protein shakes, for example. You've probably noticed the sour smell when you unpack your protein shaker after a day at the gym.

If you're wondering why your shaker bottle smells funny after mixing protein powder, it's because of the milk. Milk is a dairy product and when it goes bad, it can start to smell sour.

Milk and nut butter often leave a residue on your blender that makes it smelly. Other offenders that may stink up your blender include garlic, fish, and onions.

Take Your Blender Apart and Clean Each Part Individually

Cleaning Hacks

If you've tried cleaning your blender and it's still smelling bad, there are a few other things you can try. In most cases, you can fix a smelly blender with a little bit of cleaning and maintenance.

However, if your blender is extremely smelly or if it's not responding to other measures, it's important to contact the manufacturer. They may be able to offer additional assistance or replacement parts.

Prevention Is Key

To prevent smells, clean the blender after each use. Wash the motor and blades with hot water and rinse well.

Wipe down the inside of the blender container with a clean, damp cloth. By taking these precautions, you keep your blender smelling fresh and prevent bacteria from taking over.

Vinegar Soaks

If your blender smells a little funky, don't worry, you can easily fix it using vinegar. All you have to do is pour some vinegar into the blender and blend it for a few seconds. Do this using a mixture of water and white vinegar at least once a week.

The vinegar will help deodorize the blender. If your blender is still stinky, mix baking soda and vinegar. Leave the mix for a few minutes before rinsing it out.

Freezing or Boiling

Check your manufacturer's information, but if it's ok, you can put your blender blade into boiling water. Let it soak until it cools. Another option is to place your blender in the freezer for a few hours. This can help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the problem.

Certain Ingredients Have a Tendency to Cause Odors in a Blender

Why Does My Blender Smell Like Fire?

If your new blender smells like burning plastic, it is likely due to the manufacturing process. The materials used in blenders range from plastic to metal. These materials can sometimes off-gas or release chemicals that smell like burning.

If you want to get rid of the smell, do these things:

Leave the blender out in the open to air out for a few days

Wash all of the non electronic parts of the blender with warm soapy water

Make a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) and soak the blender parts in it for an hour. If unsuccessful, you may wish to consider adding baking soda to your solution.

If the smell persists, it is best to contact the manufacturer or return the blender for a replacement. There may be other reasons your blender smells like burning.

Reason 1: Not Enough Liquid

If your blender is producing a burning smell, it may be because the blades are spinning too fast. This can happen if the blender is not properly secured on the countertop or there isn't enough liquid between the blades.

Reason 2: The Blender Is Getting Old

If your blender is producing a burning smell but it is old, this is likely because the blender motor is beginning to wear out. Reach out to the manufacturer about replacement parts or invest in a new blender.

Reason 3: The Blades Jammed Up

If your blender is producing a burning smell and you can see that the blades caught something, this is likely because it can't handle the food. To fix this, remove the object from the blender and dispose of it properly.

Check the blender's capacity ahead of time. For example, the Ninja blender or Vitamix container can blend nearly anything, while budget models can't.

Reason 4: The Blender Is Still Dirty

If your blender is producing a burning smell, food or other debris may be building up on the blades. To fix this, disassemble the blender and clean the blades thoroughly. You may also need to clean the rest of the blender if there is a build-up present.

To prevent your blender from smelling in the future, be sure to clean it after each use. You can wash it in the dishwasher or rinse it out.

It is Important to Thoroughly Clean Your Blender Before Use if it Smells Bad

Fix Your Blender’s Bad Smell

No more asking yourself “Why does my blender smell?’’ You have the answers - the first step is to try and clean it out. Rinse it out with warm water and dish soap after each use, and give it a more thorough cleaning with vinegar or bleach once a week.

If that doesn’t work, the next step is to determine if it’s a bacterial overgrowth or a burning smell. Identifying the problem will help you fix it.

Frank Salvatore

Hey there - I'm Frank Salvatore. I created this site as a comprehensive kitchen resource. You'll find everything you need to know about everything in your kitchen. From appliances to utensils and layout - it is covered on this site!

About Me
Frank Salvatore
I created this site as a comprehensive kitchen resource. You'll find everything you need to know about everything in your kitchen. From appliances to utensils and layout - it is covered on this site!
Learn More About Me
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