I’ve had my Vitamix Total Nutrition Center 3 (also known as the 6300) for over five years, and let me tell you, it’s my absolute kitchen MVP. But recently, I noticed a brown, cloudy buildup in the container that just wouldn’t come off with regular dish soap and a sponge. My first thought was, “Wait, does this mean I need to fork out $250+ for a new container or even $600+ for a brand-new Vitamix?” Thankfully, after a little experimenting, I found a solution that worked wonders—and it’s something you can do at home with common items you probably already have in your pantry.
Here’s my journey to cleaning that cloudy Vitamix container to like-new condition (and how you can prevent that cloudy film from building up in the first place!).
Why Do Vitamix Containers Get Cloudy?
If you’ve noticed that same cloudy film on your Vitamix container, you’re not alone! This is a common issue for high-speed blender owners, especially those who use their Vitamix regularly. The cloudiness can happen for a few reasons:
- Mineral Deposits: If you live in an area with hard water, minerals from tap water can gradually build up, leaving a cloudy film.
- Residual Food Particles: Certain ingredients, like leafy greens, nuts, or spices, can leave behind tiny particles that cling to the container over time.
- High Temperatures: Blending hot soups or other high-temp ingredients can sometimes cause a residue to “bake” onto the container, making it harder to clean.
Knowing what causes the buildup can help you prevent it in the future. But first, let’s get that container clean!
Step 1: Vinegar Water Soak for Light Cleaning or Odours
When I first noticed the cloudy buildup, I figured a simple vinegar and water soak may do the trick. After all, vinegar’s great for cleaning just about anything, right? I filled the container halfway with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water, let it soak overnight, and then gave it a scrub. Cue disappointment. The container looked…marginally cleaner at best. That cloudy film was still staring me down!
But, if your buildup is very minimal, or if you just want to get rid of any lingering odours, this method could definitely be worth a shot. It won’t fix heavy buildup, but it’s a good starting point for lighter cleaning.
Step 2: The Baking Soda Paste Miracle
Determined not to give up, I decided to try something else—baking soda. I made a paste by mixing a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with just a bit of water until it had a thick, spreadable consistency. Then, I grabbed an old toothbrush (perfect for scrubbing small areas!) and went to work on the inside of the container, especially focusing on those stubborn cloudy spots and the blade area.
I do have to admit though that I scrubbed it super thoroughly—probably a good 30 minutes. But my container had a lot of buildup, so the extra time really paid off. After all that effort, the difference was night and day! The baking soda paste really broke down that tough buildup, and my Vitamix container was looking better than it had in years. Even the area around the blade—which I thought might have been rust—came out spotless and gleaming.
Make sure to rinse everything thoroughly afterward to avoid any grainy residue. I found that doing a standard wash with a drop of dish soap and warm water, blending for about 10 seconds, and then rinsing well did the trick to get everything nice and clean.
How to Prevent Cloudy Buildup in Your Vitamix Container
Now that my container was sparkling clean, I wanted to keep it that way. Here’s what I learned: that cloudy film is often due to minerals and food residues that build up over time, especially if the container isn’t dried right away. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Dry Your Container Immediately: After washing, use a soft cloth to dry it thoroughly. Air-drying can leave mineral deposits behind, which contribute to the cloudiness.
- Avoid Using Super-Hot Ingredients: Blending hot liquids can sometimes “bake” residue onto the plastic, so avoid blending overly hot ingredients whenever possible.
- Deep Clean Monthly: For those who use their Vitamix daily, a monthly deep clean can make a big difference. Either use the baking soda paste, vinegar soak, or dishwasher tablet method to keep the container clear.
Final Thoughts
If your Vitamix container has seen better days, don’t rush to buy a new one just yet. Give this simple cleaning method a try first, and you might be surprised at the results—just like I was!
This little cleaning hack saved me the cost of a new container, and my trusty Vitamix is back to being shiny, clean, and ready for many more years of smoothies, soups, and whatever else I throw its way. ✨
Xo,
