Over time, even the best kitchen blenders will start to show damage. This is especially true if you use your blender every day to make thick smoothies. Today, in our throwaway society, we are quick to throw away a product at the first sign of a malfunction. Small appliances like blenders are usually not worth taking to a repair shop to get fixed. But before you send your blender to the landfill and buy a new one, there are several quick and easy repairs you can do yourself. It’s worth taking the time to do these checks to see if you can get your blender working again.

leaks

One of the most common problems you’ll encounter with your kitchen blender is a leak. Even the highest rated blenders from blender reviews will start to have this problem eventually. The cause lies in the o-ring or gasket located at the bottom of the blender jar where the blade assembly and housing reside. Over time, the rubber gasket begins to wear out. If the blender leak is coming from the glass jar and not the bottom, then there is likely a crack in the jar and you will need to replace the jar. However, the leak at the bottom is likely the gasket. To inspect it, you will need to unscrew the blade housing from the blender jar and pull out the rubber o-ring. Then you can look for leaks and tears in the rubber on this ring. This part is easily replaceable and only costs a few dollars. You can find it online or at most discount home or appliance stores.

defective blades

Another common problem with blenders will occur with the blades. In this case, the motor will start to work, but the blades will turn too slowly. If this happens, the likely cause is something obstructing the blade assembly area. You will need to take the assembly apart and clean everything thoroughly with a scrub brush. There is probably a buildup of food that is slowing the blades. Soaking everything for a few hours in detergent will also help dissolve any food particles or dirt that may have built up over time. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to make sure this is okay for your particular brand of blender. You may also want to add some white grease or WD-40 to the bottom of the blade assembly (not in the areas where you’ll be placing food, of course). If all of this doesn’t work, then you’ll probably need to replace the entire assembly, which can also be purchased online or at most appliance stores.

burst buttons

Another problem you may have with your kitchen blender is with the buttons or control panel. Often the buttons will get stuck. This is probably due to food and drink falling into the button area causing the buttons to get stuck. Even if you are careful and thoroughly clean the buttons and control panel, food particles will still accumulate over time. Many blender models will allow you to remove the control panel cover so you can clean behind it. You can use a toothbrush here to help you get into all the crevices. Some blender models will also allow you to remove the screws on the bottom of the unit and pull out the bottom area of ​​the case so you can more easily access the buttons. Be sure to check your owner’s manual if you need to do this. Often all your blender needs is a good cleaning to get the buttons working again.

This information should help resolve the most common minor blender problems. Keep in mind that a simple repair or replacement will often save you the expense of buying a new blender. It’s also much better for the environment to repair something rather than just throw it away.