How to Clean a Food Dehydrator

Food dehydrators are quickly gaining popularity, but many people worry about the work involved to maintain them. In fact, keeping your food dehydrator in clean, working condition is quite simple! Follow these quick and easy steps to clean your food dehydrator and get it ready for your next dehydrating experience.

1. First: Preparation

   Before cleaning your food dehydrator, you must prepare the space. First, fill the sink roughly half way with either warm or hot water. Make sure to add a generous amount of dish soap as well. Also, grab a towel and have it ready to use later. Once you have completed this step, it is time to begin cleaning!

2. Second: Disassemble your food dehydrator

   To clean your dehydrator properly, you must disassemble it. Take off the lid and trays from your food dehydrator and set them in the sink you have filled. Leave these in the sink to soak and move on to the next step.

3. Third: Wipe down the outside

   Cleaning the outside of the dehydrator is an important, and often overlooked, step. While your trays are soaking in the sink, use a clean, damp cloth or towel to wipe down the outside of your food dehydrator. Make sure you remove all the sticky fruit juices and bits that were left behind. Once you have finished, it is time to return to the trays resting in the sink.

4. Fourth: Wash the trays and lid

   There are two ways to wash the trays and lid after they have soaked. If you have a dishwasher, check the user manual for your food dehydrator and make sure your trays are dishwasher safe. If they are, simply toss them in the dishwasher and let it do to the work for you. If not, just use a sponge or cloth and wash your dehydrator trays until they are clean and free from food residue. You are almost done!

5. Fifth: Allow to dry

   You may either dry your food dehydrator trays with a clean, dry towel, or allow them to air dry. Either way, it is very important to leave everything out until it is completely dry; putting your dehydrator away wet is an open invitation for mold and other bacteria to begin colonizing your food dehydrator. Congratulations! Your food dehydrator is now clean and ready for storage until its next use!