Mastering the Art of Food Dehydrator Maintenance: An Expert Guide on How to Clean a Food Dehydrator
Food dehydrators are becoming a staple in every home. It used to be that they are only used in manufacturing plants for producing dried fruits, vegetables, and meat, but they have now made their way to the home kitchen. As people become fond of using this food-drying equipment, it becomes even more important to know more about this product and learn how to clean a food dehydrator
Currently, commercially-sold food dehydrators come in either stackable type or shelf type. The popular
Key Points:
- Parts of a
Food Dehydrator : Afood dehydrator consists of four main parts: heating element, fan, air vent, and food trays, which work together to remove moisture from food for dehydration. - Importance of Regular Cleaning: Regularly cleaning a
food dehydrator prevents food contamination, preserves flavor, avoids residue buildup, and maintains the appliance’s performance over time. - Proper Cleaning Materials and Techniques: Use non-scratch pads, soft cloths, mild detergent, and canned air to clean the interior parts, and hand wash trays, screens, and liners with warm soapy water for effective maintenance.
- How to Clean Each Part of the Dehydrator: Trays and liners can be soaked and washed by hand or in the dishwasher, while the heating element and fan should be cleaned with a soft cloth; avoid disassembling these parts.
- Additional Maintenance Tips: Dry parts thoroughly before reassembly, inspect for wear, rotate trays for even drying, and follow manufacturer instructions to prolong the life of your
food dehydrator .
- Parts of a Food Dehydrator
- Materials Needed for Cleaning a Food Dehydrator
- How to Clean Each Part of a Food Dehydrator
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- Additional Tips for Maintaining a Food Dehydrator
Parts of a Food Dehydrator
A food dehydrator is composed of four basic parts:
- Heating element
- Fan
- Air vent
- Food trays
The first three parts work together to remove moisture from the food. Specifically, the heating element, as the name implies, heats the food and prompts it to release moisture from within. On the other hand, the fan blows out the hot air together with the moisture that was released by the food. The air vent is where the heat and moisture come out. Without any of these three, the food will not be dehydrated properly.
The food trays, especially if they are removable trays, make cleaning much easier and prevent food from smearing on the rails. When comparing tray sizes, Nesco trays may differ from other brands like Excalibur, as Nesco trays are smaller. It’s important to measure both the trays and your sink to ensure they fit for easy washing and storage.
It is important that the food dehydrator is cleaned on a regular basis if not at the end of each drying session. Here are some of the reasons why:
Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance to avoid damage and ensure safe operation.
To avoid food contamination
During the process of dehydration, it is inevitable that some food residue is left inside the food dehydrator, particularly at the floor or bottom part. While food is being dried, some of the oil or juice drips down to the floor. There are also some food remains that stick to the screen of the trays during the process. Crumbs can also accumulate on the trays and should be removed to prevent contamination.
Sticky ingredients can make cleaning more challenging and increase the risk of contamination.
If these are not cleaned or removed, there is a big possibility that bacteria and fungi will grow from them. These could contaminate the next batch that will be dehydrated using the same screens. This could cause stomach ache, diarrhea, or worse, food poisoning.
To preserve the taste of each kind of food dehydrated
If the leftovers from the trays are not removed before processing another batch, there is a probability that the next batch of food will have a hint of the taste and odor of the previous food dehydrated using the same machine. No one would want to have dried berries with a hint of onion.
Mixed flavors and odors could also affect the taste of the dishes in which these dehydrated ingredients will be used.
To prevent food residue from build up and hardening
It is common knowledge that a stain that sits on any surface longer would be harder to remove. If cleaning is done the wrong way or skipped, residue can build up and become much harder to remove. The same is true for food residue and stains on a
To keep the food dehydrator in top shape for a long time
Food does not only get stuck on the screens and walls of the
It is important to tend to regular cleaning and maintenance routines to ensure your dehydrator continues to function well over time.
Materials Needed for Cleaning a Food Dehydrator
For the interior of the
Q-tips or spatula
Use Q-tips or a rag that can be attached to a spoon or spatula to help with cleaning the rails, edges, and corners of the dehydrator.
Toothbrush
For hard to remove food stains or residue, use a toothbrush especially for this purpose.
Soft sponge or non scratch pad
Use a soft sponge and warm water for cleaning the interior. For sticky residues, you may need to lightly scrub with a non-scratch pad. A gentle scrub or a soft-bristle brush can also be used to remove stubborn debris without damaging the trays or mesh liners. It is suggested that chemicals are avoided when cleaning the dehydrator itself.
Canned air
For removing food stuck in the screen of the fan or heating element, simply remove using a spatula and use canned air to blow the debris off.
How to Clean Each Part of a Food Dehydrator
Trays, screens, and liners with warm soapy water
It is recommended that the trays, screens, and liners are washed by hand, as hand washing helps maintain their condition. You can fill a plastic bin, tub, or sink with water and a little soap to soak all the trays, including inserts like mesh sheets and non-stick liners, overnight to make cleaning easier. After washing, rinse the trays, inserts, and the top tray thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Once rinsed, lay the trays, liners, and inserts out to drip dry. Alternatively, you can dry trays and liners in your dehydrator by setting it to a low temperature for a short time. Handle and roll trays and liners carefully after cleaning to prevent damage. Nevertheless, there are brands that are dishwasher safe. Using non stick liners can also help with easy cleanup. However, they need to be removed from the dishwasher before the drying cycle starts. To avoid warping, place the trays on the top rack of the dishwasher, as high heat can cause plastic trays to warp.
The heating element and fan
For shelf type dehydrators or those that have the heating element and fan at the back, this should not be too much of a problem. However, for the stackable type of food dehydrators, particularly the models that have the heating element and fan at the bottom, this would be quite a challenge since most of the food residue drops to the floor because of gravity.
The simplest way to clean the heating element and fan at the bottom of the dehydrator is not to get them dirty. This can be done by having the bottommost tray empty during the dehydration process, so it can catch everything that would fall from the trays at the top.
When cleaning, use a soft cloth to remove debris from the heating element and fan. Ensure the machine is unplugged and cool before cleaning, and dry the area thoroughly before operating the machine again.
It is important that the fan and heating element are kept off food debris since only their exterior can be cleaned. It is not recommended to disassemble these parts to avoid malfunctioning.
Rails and walls
The rails and walls can easily be cleaned using the materials listed above. Q-tips, spatula, and a toothbrush could remove hard stains, while soft sponge can be used to wipe the interior with water. The canned air is used to easily blow off dried debris.
Conclusion
For some people, their
Food dehydrators are very useful for everyone. They help save money and are environment-friendly, as they minimize food waste. For them to last long and to provide quality, clean, and healthy dehydrated foods, it is imperative that the users also know how to clean a dehydrator properly.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean dehydrator trays?
The best way to clean dehydrator trays is by hand with warm water and a soft sponge. If you’re wondering how to clean dehydrator trays efficiently, consider soaking them overnight in a sink, making sure the sink is large enough to fit the trays, or use a deep storage container with dish soap if your sink isn’t suitable. Some trays are dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to remove them before the drying cycle starts. After cleaning, make sure you are storing the trays properly to keep them protected and organized. Non-stick liners for Excalibur should be stored in a cardboard tube to keep them protected.
Can I use chemicals to clean my food dehydrator ?
It is not recommended to use chemicals when cleaning a
How often should I clean my food dehydrator ?
It is recommended to clean your
Can I disassemble my food dehydrator to clean it?
It is not recommended to disassemble certain parts of a
Can bacteria grow in a dehydrator?
Yes, bacteria can grow in a dehydrator if it is not cleaned properly. This is why regular cleaning and proper maintenance of a
Additional Tips for Maintaining a Food Dehydrator
- Always make sure to thoroughly dry the trays, screens, and liners before placing them back into the
food dehydrator . Moisture can cause bacteria growth and affect the quality of the dehydrated food. - Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear in parts such as the heating element and fan. If there are any damages or malfunctions, it is best to have them repaired or replaced by a professional.
- For stackable food dehydrators, rotate the trays during the drying process to ensure even dehydration and prevent hot spots.
- Avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning your
food dehydrator as they can scratch or damage its surfaces. - Store your
food dehydrator in a dry and clean place to prevent any dust or debris from entering it. Keep trays and non-stick liners protected during storage—consider rolling them up and storing them in a tube, similar to how you would store a painting, to keep them safe from dust and damage. - Use slides or guides to organize non-stick liners or trays, ensuring they stay neatly in place and are easy to access when needed.
- Do not overstuff the dehydrator with food. Stuffing too much food inside can make cleaning more difficult and may affect the appliance’s performance.
- Be mindful of the type of food being dehydrated as some foods, like meats, may leave more residue and require a thorough cleaning after use.
- Regularly check your
food dehydrator ’s user manual for specific instructions on how to properly maintain and clean your model. - For the Excalibur dehydrator, ensure you clean the fan and heating element area regularly to prevent any buildup that could affect performance.
By following these additional tips, you can ensure that your food dehydrator stays in good condition and continues to produce high-quality dehydrated foods for years to come. Happy dehydrating!
