The stand mixer sees a lot of action if you bake frequently.A KitchenAid mixer is quite an investment, but with proper cleaning, it will last a lifetime.If you take a few minutes to wipe your stand mixer down after every use, it will be less of a chore.It doesn't take a lot of effort to get your mixer looking new if you've already developed that habit.
Step 1: Before you clean or remove the beaters from your stand mixer, make sure it's unplugged.
Before you clean your stand mixer, always plug it in.Touching the beaters while the mixer is still plugged in could cause injury.It's possible to cause sparks or even electrocution if you put water in the appliance.It should always be unplugged even if it's turned off.
Step 2: After every use, wipe down the stand with a damp cloth.
Use a soft cloth that won't damage the mixer's finish.Put the cloth in warm water and wring it out so that it doesn't get wet.If there is no visible dust or debris, wipe all the surfaces of the stand.Dust and oils can accumulate.Don't use abrasive cleaners or pads because they can damage your mixer's finish.
Step 3: Baking soda can be applied to stains that won't wash off.
Put a small amount of baking soda on a damp cloth and gently apply it to the mark or stain.If the stain is not going to go away, cover it in baking soda and leave it for a while, then wipe it off.Use a moist cloth to remove any leftover baking soda from your mixer.
Step 4: Use a dry toothbrush or toothpick to loosen the material in the crevices.
You can use bottle brushes to get into your mixer, but an old toothbrush or toothpick will work just as well.If you want to get rid of the material, brush or pick it up, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.Make sure your toothpick is dry.It is harder to get out of moist crumbs.
Step 5: The mixer's head needs to be cleaned.
Attach your hooks or beaters with a moist cloth.If you want to get up in places that are hard to reach with the cloth, use a dry toothbrush or bottle brush.You need to dry the underside of the head before you put it in place.
Step 6: To clean the base, lay the mixer on its side.
You can clean off the mixing debris with a damp cloth.Use a toothbrush or toothpick to get the debris out of the base.Baking soda can be used to get rid of stains on the base of your mixer.Stand your mixer back up and dry the base.
Step 7: The beaters and hooks need to be washed by hand.
If you have beaters, wash them by hand.If you put aluminum beaters in the dishwasher they will oxidize and you will get a black smudge on your hands.KitchenAid transitioned to dishwasher-safe beaters.All you have to do is put your mixer or beaters in the dishwasher.After cleaning burnished beaters, dry them immediately.Allowing them to soak can cause the aluminum to oxidize.
Step 8: After every use, wash the mixing bowl in the dishwasher.
The bowls can be washed in the dishwasher on either the top or bottom rack.If you don't plan to run the dishwasher immediately, rinse it off before putting it in.You can wash the mixing bowl with soap and water if you need to use it more than once.
Step 9: If you want to remove stains or rust, mix a baking soda and vinegar paste.
If your mixing bowl or beaters get stained or rusty, it's a good idea to put some baking soda in a container.When you get a paste-like consistency, rub it on the stains or rust you want to get rid of.It takes about 10 minutes for the baking soda and vinegar paste to do the trick.If the rust or stain has been there for a while and won't come off, you might need to let the paste sit on it for several hours.To remove any residuals, rinse thoroughly.Don't scrub stains or rust, that will make them worse.
Step 10: After cleaning and drying your mixer attachment, store it.
Dust and oils will gather if you leave your attachment out.After each use, put them in a drawer or cupboard.If you don't have enough cupboard space, you can put them in the mixing bowl of your mixer.If you want to protect the bowl from scratches and dust, line it with a kitchen towel.