How to Clean and Care for a Stand Mixer

By the Mixer Lab editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

A little regular care keeps a stand mixer looking good and running smoothly for years. This guide covers cleaning the bowl and tools, wiping the head and body, and keeping it in top condition.

The short answer

Clean the bowl and attachments after each use, wipe the head and body with a damp cloth, and never immerse the motor unit in water. Check whether your bowl and tools are dishwasher-safe (many stainless bowls are, some coated beaters are not). A quick clean after baking stops batter and dough drying on, which is far harder to remove later.

The bowl and tools

Wash the bowl, beater, whisk and dough hook soon after use before mixture dries on. Many stainless steel bowls are dishwasher-safe, but check coated or aluminium tools, which may need hand washing to protect the finish. Dried-on dough and batter are much harder to shift, so a prompt rinse saves effort.

The head and body

Wipe the motor head and body with a soft, damp cloth, then dry. Never run them under the tap or immerse them, as they house the motor and electronics. Pay attention to the attachment socket and the area around the beater shaft, where flour and splashes collect, and clean the splash guard if you use one.

Around the moving parts

Flour, sugar and splatter gather around the head hinge, the bowl-locating points and the attachment hub. Wipe these with a damp cloth and a small brush if needed, so grit does not build up. Keeping these areas clean helps the head tilt or the bowl lift smoothly and keeps attachments seating properly.

Storage and care

Store the mixer clean and dry, ideally on the worktop if you use it often, since lifting a heavy mixer in and out of a cupboard is a chore. If you store it away, keep it covered to avoid dust. Follow the maker's guidance on any lubrication or servicing for the head mechanism over the long term.

Common mistakes to avoid

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean a stand mixer?

Wash the bowl and attachments soon after use, wipe the head and body with a damp cloth, and never immerse the motor unit in water. Check whether your bowl and tools are dishwasher-safe, as some coated tools need hand washing.

Are stand mixer bowls dishwasher safe?

Many stainless steel bowls are dishwasher-safe, but coated or aluminium bowls and tools may need hand washing to protect the finish. Always check your model's guidance before putting parts in the dishwasher.

Can you put a stand mixer in water?

Only the bowl and detachable tools - never the motor head or body, which house the electronics. Wipe the head and body with a damp cloth and dry them, and keep water away from the motor unit entirely.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Cuisinart SM-50R 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer (our score 9.6/10) - A stand mixer (5.2L, 110 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough..