How to Clean a Stand Mixer — Toronto Home Guide

Stand mixers accumulate batter and dough spatters on the head and body, food build-up around the attachment hub, and sometimes grease or butter on the bowl and attachments. The body and motor head cannot be submerged — only the removable attachments and bowl are dishwasher or sink washable.

Bowl and Attachments

1. Remove the bowl and all attachments immediately after use — before batter or dough dries
2. Most KitchenAid bowls and attachments (wire whip, flat beater, dough hook) are dishwasher safe — check the manual for your specific model
3. For hand washing: warm soapy water and a cloth or sponge; use a small brush for the coiled wire whip where dough and batter catch between the wires
4. Dry all attachments thoroughly before storing — moisture in the crevices of metal attachments can cause discolouration

Head and Body

1. Unplug the mixer before cleaning the body
2. Wipe down the head and body with a damp cloth and mild dish soap — work around but not into any vents
3. For dried-on batter spatters: dampen a cloth and lay it over the dried spot for a few minutes to soften, then wipe clean
4. Dry with a clean dry cloth — do not let water sit on the painted metal body, which can cause spotting

Attachment Hub

• The attachment hub — the socket where the flat beater, whisk, and dough hook connect — accumulates flour and dough over time
• Use a dry brush or dry toothbrush to clean inside the hub socket
• A tiny amount of food-grade mineral oil on a cloth wiped inside the hub reduces build-up and keeps attachments inserting and removing smoothly

Under the Bowl Lift

• On bowl-lift models: clean the underside of the bowl support arms where splatter collects — a toothbrush reaches into the joint areas
• Check the bowl-locking mechanism for accumulated dried dough