A well-maintained juicer isn't just about hygiene—though that's certainly important. Proper cleaning and regular maintenance directly impact juice quality, extraction efficiency, and the longevity of your machine. I've seen juicers that should have lasted a decade fail within two years due to neglect, and others that continue performing beautifully after fifteen years of daily use because their owners understood the importance of proper care.
In this guide, I'll share everything I've learned about juicer maintenance from years of testing machines and helping thousands of Australians troubleshoot their equipment. Whether you have a budget centrifugal model or a premium twin-gear masticating juicer, these principles will help you get the most from your investment.
The Golden Rule: Clean Immediately After Use
If there's one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: clean your juicer as soon as you finish making juice. Fresh pulp and juice residue rinse away in seconds. Dried residue can take twenty minutes of soaking and scrubbing to remove, and may permanently stain certain components.
The sugars and acids in produce begin bonding to plastic and metal surfaces almost immediately after juicing. Within an hour, that bond is already significantly stronger. Leave pulp overnight, and you'll be dealing with a frustrating cleaning session that could have been avoided entirely.
💡 Quick Tip for Busy Mornings
If you genuinely don't have time to clean immediately, at minimum fill your juicing bowl with warm soapy water and submerge all removable parts. This prevents residue from drying and makes cleaning later much easier.
Daily Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Process
The specific components vary between juicer types, but the general cleaning process follows similar steps for most machines. Here's the routine I recommend after every juicing session:
Step 1: Disassemble All Removable Parts
Unplug your juicer first—this is a safety essential. Remove the pulp container, juice jug, filter screen or strainer, feed chute cover, and any other detachable components. Consult your manual if you're unsure which parts can be removed.
Step 2: Empty and Dispose of Pulp
Empty the pulp container before the pulp has a chance to compact and dry. Consider composting your pulp or saving it for recipes like veggie burgers, muffins, or crackers. Fresh pulp is still full of fibre and can add nutrition to many dishes.
Step 3: Rinse Under Running Water
Give all removable parts an initial rinse under warm running water to remove loose pulp. Work quickly while the residue is still fresh and easy to dislodge.
Step 4: Clean the Filter Screen
The filter screen or strainer basket requires special attention as pulp tends to get trapped in the mesh. Most juicers come with a small cleaning brush specifically designed for this purpose. Use the brush to gently scrub both sides of the screen under running water, working in small circular motions. For stubborn residue, let the screen soak in warm soapy water for five to ten minutes before scrubbing.
Step 5: Wash All Parts with Dish Soap
Using a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap, wash all components thoroughly. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on plastic parts as they can create tiny scratches that harbour bacteria and become increasingly difficult to clean over time.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Motor Base
The motor base should never be submerged in water. Instead, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any splashes or drips. Pay attention to crevices where juice might have collected.
Step 7: Dry Completely Before Storing
Allow all parts to air dry completely, or dry them with a clean towel. Storing damp components can lead to mould growth and unpleasant odours. Once dry, reassemble your juicer or store parts in a clean, dry location.
Key Takeaway
Daily cleaning should take no more than five to seven minutes if done immediately after juicing. This small time investment protects your machine and ensures every glass of juice is fresh and hygienic.
Deep Cleaning: Weekly and Monthly Tasks
Beyond daily cleaning, periodic deep cleaning addresses buildup that accumulates over time even with diligent daily care.
Weekly: Soak in White Vinegar Solution
Once a week, soak removable plastic and metal components in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts warm water for fifteen to thirty minutes. Vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits from hard water and removes stubborn staining from pigmented produce like beetroot and carrots. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and wash with dish soap as usual.
Weekly: Inspect Gaskets and Seals
Rubber gaskets and silicone seals can accumulate residue in their grooves. Remove them if possible and clean individually, checking for any signs of wear, cracking, or deterioration. Damaged seals should be replaced promptly to prevent leaks and maintain optimal performance.
Monthly: Clean the Motor Vents
Dust and debris can accumulate around motor vents over time, potentially affecting cooling and motor performance. Use a dry, soft brush or compressed air to gently clean vent openings. Never insert anything into the motor housing.
Monthly: Lubricate Moving Parts (If Applicable)
Some masticating juicers have moving parts that benefit from occasional food-grade lubrication. Check your manufacturer's instructions—not all machines require this, but for those that do, it can significantly extend the life of the auger and other components.
🧼 Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Beetroot and carrot staining is common on plastic components. For tough stains, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stained areas, and let it sit for thirty minutes before scrubbing gently. Sunlight can also help fade stains naturally—leave stained parts near a window after cleaning.
Extending Your Juicer's Lifespan
Beyond cleaning, several practices help protect your juicer from premature wear:
Don't overload the feed chute. Forcing too much produce through at once strains the motor and can damage blades or augers. Feed produce at a steady, moderate pace.
Alternate soft and hard produce. When juicing both soft items (like tomatoes) and hard items (like carrots), alternate between them. This helps keep pulp moving through the machine and prevents jams.
Cut produce appropriately. Even machines with wide feed chutes benefit from properly sized pieces. Cutting produce slightly smaller than the maximum feed chute size reduces strain on the motor.
Run water through after juicing greens. Leafy greens can leave stringy residue that's difficult to remove once dried. Running a few pieces of watery produce like cucumber through after greens helps flush the system.
Store properly. Keep your juicer in a dry location away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can degrade plastic components over time, causing them to become brittle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Many problems people experience with their juicers stem from inadequate maintenance. Here are solutions to issues I encounter frequently:
Reduced juice yield: Often caused by a clogged or worn filter screen. Deep clean the screen and inspect for damage. Screens eventually wear out and may need replacement.
Unusual noises: Check that all parts are properly assembled and seated. Remove and reassemble if necessary. Persistent unusual sounds may indicate worn bearings or motor issues requiring professional service.
Persistent odours: Usually from residue in hard-to-reach places. Disassemble completely and perform a thorough deep clean with vinegar solution. Ensure parts dry completely before storage.
Motor overheating: Allow the motor to cool completely before continuing. This typically indicates overloading or running the machine for extended periods. Some juicers have built-in thermal protection that temporarily disables the motor when it overheats.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most maintenance can be performed at home, certain situations warrant professional attention:
- Electrical issues such as sparking, burning smells, or failure to power on
- Visible damage to the motor housing or internal components
- Persistent performance issues despite thorough cleaning
- Warranty repairs that require authorised service centres
Check your warranty terms before attempting any repairs beyond standard cleaning, as opening the motor housing may void coverage.
With consistent care and attention, your juicer will reward you with years of reliable service and countless glasses of fresh, nutritious juice. The few minutes you invest in proper maintenance today will save you money and frustration tomorrow.