Take apart the pitcher and blade assembly right after blending

The fastest way to keep your NutriBullet clean is to disassemble it while the pitcher is still wet. Unscrew the blade assembly from the bottom of the pitcher — it twists counterclockwise. Set the blade assembly aside on a paper towel. The pitcher itself, the lid, and the flip cap all come apart and go straight into warm soapy water or the dishwasher.

Do not let smoothie or nut butter residue dry on the pitcher. Dried material bonds to the plastic and becomes much harder to remove. If you blend in the morning and cannot wash when ready, fill the pitcher halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, screw the blade assembly back on, and run it for 10 seconds. Empty it, then take it apart and wash as normal.

Key Takeaways

  • Disassemble the pitcher, lid, and blade assembly when ready after blending, while everything is still wet.
  • The blade assembly has a rubber gasket that can trap food particles — rinse it separately and inspect the underside.
  • The pitcher and lid are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing the blade assembly extends its life.
  • A 10-second rinse cycle with warm soapy water clears dried-on material if you cannot wash right away.
  • The motor base never goes in water — wipe it with a damp cloth only.

Wash the blade assembly by hand, not in the dishwasher

The blade assembly is where food gets trapped, and the dishwasher can dull the blades and damage the rubber gasket that seals the pitcher. Hold the blade assembly under warm running water and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub around the base where the blades meet the plastic housing. Pay attention to the underside of the rubber gasket — flip it up gently and brush underneath, because nut butters and thick smoothies hide there.

Rinse thoroughly until no soap bubbles remain. Shake off excess water and set it on a clean towel to air-dry before you screw it back onto the pitcher. If you see discoloration or staining on the gasket, that is normal and does not affect performance, but if the gasket cracks or becomes hard and brittle, the pitcher will leak and you will need to order a replacement gasket from NutriBullet.

Clean the pitcher and lid in the dishwasher or by hand

The pitcher and lid are both dishwasher-safe and can go on the top rack. If you hand-wash, use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. Pay special attention to the threads at the bottom of the pitcher where the blade assembly screws on — dried smoothie can build up there and make the assembly hard to remove next time. A soft brush works well for this spot.

The flip cap that covers the opening should also be rinsed and dried. It is small and straightforward to lose, so wash it in a bowl or sink strainer so it does not go down the drain. Once everything is dry, you can reassemble the pitcher and blade assembly and store them together.

Wipe down the motor base with a damp cloth only

The motor base — the part that plugs in — should never be submerged or put in the dishwasher. Unplug it from the wall, then use a damp cloth to wipe the outside and the flat top surface where the pitcher sits. If smoothie has splashed onto the base, dampen the cloth a little more, but do not let water drip into the seams or the power cord connection.

If liquid has gotten inside the base, unplug it and let it sit upright for several hours before plugging it back in. Do not try to open the base yourself — it is sealed and contains electrical components. If the base stops working or makes unusual sounds after a spill, contact NutriBullet customer service.

Remove stubborn stains and odors from the pitcher

Turmeric, beet, and other deeply colored ingredients can stain the plastic pitcher over time. To remove stains, fill the pitcher halfway with warm water, add one tablespoon of baking soda, screw on the blade assembly, and run it for 15 seconds. Empty it, rinse, and wash as normal. For tough stains, let the baking soda solution sit in the pitcher for 30 minutes before running the cycle.

For odors — usually from nut butters or fermented ingredients — fill the pitcher with equal parts white vinegar and warm water, add the blade assembly, and run for 15 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry. If the smell persists, repeat the vinegar cycle or soak the pitcher in the solution for an hour before rinsing.

Store your NutriBullet with the pitcher assembled and dry

Once everything is clean and dry, screw the blade assembly back onto the pitcher and store them together. This keeps the gasket from drying out and cracking, and it prevents the blades from getting damaged if something bumps them. Store the motor base in a cabinet or on a counter away from water and heat sources.

If you do not use your NutriBullet for more than a few weeks, check the gasket before your next blend. If it looks dry or brittle, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes to restore flexibility. A well-maintained gasket can last for years and keeps your pitcher from leaking during blending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the blade assembly in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher can dull the blades and damage the rubber gasket. Hand-wash the blade assembly under warm running water with a soft brush, then air-dry it. The pitcher and lid are dishwasher-safe, but the blade assembly should always be washed by hand.

What should I do if the pitcher starts to leak?

Leaking usually means the rubber gasket is cracked, dried out, or not seated properly. First, unscrew the blade assembly, inspect the gasket for visible damage, and make sure it is sitting evenly in its groove. If it looks dry, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes. If it is cracked or does not seal after soaking, you will need to order a replacement gasket from NutriBullet.

How do I get dried smoothie off the threads?

Use a soft toothbrush or old brush under warm running water to scrub the threads at the bottom of the pitcher where the blade assembly screws on. If material is really stuck, soak the pitcher in warm soapy water for 15 minutes first, then brush. Do not use a hard brush or metal scrubber, as these can scratch the plastic.

Is it safe to run the NutriBullet with just water to clean it?

Yes. If you cannot wash right away, fill the pitcher halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap, screw on the blade assembly, and run it for 10 seconds. This rinses out most residue. Empty the pitcher, then take it apart and wash normally when you have time.

What if water got inside the motor base?

Unplug the base when ready and let it sit upright for several hours before plugging it back in. Do not try to open the base or dry the inside yourself. If the base does not work normally after drying, or if it makes unusual sounds or smells, contact NutriBullet customer service — the internal components may need professional attention.