This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
If you have ever owned a blender, you may have noticed a black sticky liquid start to leak from it. This could be caused by a variety of issues such as food debris, leaky lubricant, or even broken blender parts.
Thankfully, if your blender is leaking black liquid, most of these issues can be fixed without the need to go out and buy a brand new blender.
Today I’ll show you what’s causing the issue and how to fix your blender that’s leaking black liquid.
What is the Black Liquid Leaking From My Blender?
Blenders are one of the most versatile gadgets you will find in the kitchen. However, this does mean it can be hard to diagnose any issues you may be having, such as leaks from the base or cup of your blender.
First off, what even is this stuff?
The black liquid that you find leaking from your blender could be one of two things.
- Old food – I know this is nasty, but the most common cause of black stuff leaking is old food that has been left to rot away and form an unpleasant liquid. If it smells bad, this is your issue.
- Blender lubricant – The liquid could also just be the lubricant used to make sure your blender works like it’s supposed to. If the rubber seal begins to wear down or get moved out of place, then the black liquid leaking from your blender is probably lubricant.
This lubricant can leak out of your blender if the rubber seals begin to suffer from excessive wear or there is damage to the internal components of your blender.
One of the leading causes for this is that your blender parts are beginning to break down due to use, which is a common problem after a few years. It could also be a sign of a damaged blender; this is commonly caused by dishwashers or accidental damage.
Certain Vitamix blenders and blender parts are dishwasher safe. It is important to check and see if your blender is dishwasher safe before placing it in to clean it.
4 Reasons Why Your Blender is Leaking Black Liquid
1. Trapped food
Although the black liquid leaking from your blender may not look like food, trapped food could be the cause. There are two main reasons for this; firstly, small food debris can get trapped and begin to rot, forming a black-looking liquid.
Secondly, the food can clog up important motors and electronics inside your blender, causing your blender to malfunction. This will can lead to black stuff leaking from your blender, especially if it’s been blocked for a while.
The easiest way to check for trapped food is to clean behind the rubber seal in your blender with hot water. You should also consider disassembling your blender’s blades to see if the electronics are stuck on debris.
2. Worn out rubber gasket
The more you use your blender, the more likely it is that valuable parts, such as the gasket, will begin to wear down. No matter how expensive your chosen blender is, the gasket will almost always be one of the first parts that begin to wear away.
As the gasket is used as a rubber ring to create a tight seal and prevent leaks, a damaged gasket can quickly become problematic. Thankfully, replacing a gasket is incredibly simple, in fact, most manufacturers expect you to replace your gasket at some point.
The easiest way to check whether or not your gasket is the cause of your leak is to determine where the leak is coming from. If the liquid is mainly coming from the base or the bottom of your blender, this is likely caused by a damaged gasket!
3. Cracked blender container
Liquids can only begin leaking if there is a crack or a gap for them to pass through. Whether you notice a black sticky liquid or your smoothies are just beginning to leak, this may be a sign that you have a cracked blender container.
The best way to check for a cracked blender is to carefully remove the cup from your blender base and check for cracks. You can also pass your blender through water – does your blender start leaking from a specific location? Just be sure to unplug your blender before trying this.
If you do spot a crack, then you may want to start looking for a replacement container, or even a brand new blender if the crack is in the base. Also, check if your blender is still under warranty; if it is, you may be able to get free repairs or even a whole replacement!
4. Over-greasing of the blender blades
Black sticky liquid can usually be traced back to lubricant or grease found inside your blender. The blade motor base will generally require regular greasing to prevent it from wearing away and breaking down over time.
However, over-greasing can be just as problematic as not greasing at all. If you have used too much grease when greasing your blender blades, then it can begin to seep out and cause damage to surrounding components – it may even leak into your blender cup!
If you grease your blender yourself, always follow your manufacturer’s instructions. A Magic Bullet blender will require different amounts of grease than a Waring blender, so it’s worth checking with your manufacturer before getting hands-on!
Read more: How to sharpen your blender blades
How to Fix a Blender Leaking Black Liquid
If liquid does begin to leak from your blender, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
Start by cleaning it, making sure you’re using it correctly, and if that doesn’t work, you might need to replace a part or two.
Dismantle and clean the blender
The most common cause of black liquid coming from your blender is rotten food debris.
Most modern blenders are designed with disassembly in mind, so you can quickly clean your blender when needed. However, if you do notice your blender start to leak, then this is a sign that you may need to grab your dish brush and get scrubbing.
Always check behind the gasket and under the blender’s blades for food blockages, as these are some of the common places you will find food debris.
You want to make sure to get under every nook and cranny in your blender container and on the base.
Check that you’re using the blender correctly
One of the most common problems with blenders is overfilling, especially if you regularly blend large batches of food.
Fortunately, most blenders come with a thorough instruction manual to walk you through the best way to use your blender. It’s always good practice to underfill your blender cup too, as overfilling can cause your blender to start leaking.
Replace broken parts
The next thing to do is figure out what part you need to fix or replace.
The rubber gasket is perhaps one of the first things you should check if you notice any black liquids leaking from your blender cup.
Check to make sure the gasket is in place and tightly sealed. If it’s loose at all, try popping it off, cleaning the area and putting it back on.
A replacement gasket is fairly cheap and shouldn’t be too difficult to install. Most instruction manuals will cover the exact steps you need to take, but in most cases, it’s as simple as popping the old rubber gasket off and sliding a new gasket back in place.
You may also want to check that your blades are securely in place and the blades themselves don’t need replacing. Blade assembly should also be included in your blender’s instruction manual. Always ensure they’re screwed in tightly, so they don’t come undone during use.
Speaking of replacing, if you’re looking for a replacement Vitamix container we have a great post to help!
How To Prevent Your Blender From Leaking Black Liquid: Clean Your Blender!
Regularly cleaning your blender is a great way to prevent clogs and stains from building up. Cleaning a blender is thankfully fairly straightforward and shouldn’t require too much effort. Take a look below to find the best way to clean a blender and prevent it from leaking!
Step 1 – Unplug your blender
Before you start cleaning your blender, you will need to unplug it from your wall socket. It is extremely dangerous to clean a blender whilst it is plugged in as liquids and electricity don’t play well together.
Step 2 – Disassemble your blender
Next, you will want to begin to disassemble your blender. First, take out the blender cup and the blades and try to remove the rubber gasket to clean behind it. If you are planning on placing your parts in the dishwasher, give them a quick rinse with warm water and dish soap.
Be sure to check your blender’s instruction manuals to find out how to disassemble it. If the manual doesn’t explain how then just follow the blending assembly steps in reverse!
Step 3 – Scrub away any stains
Now that your blender is disassembled, you will want to fill your sink with warm water and dish soap and grab your trusty dish brush. Scrub away any stains from the rubber gasket and the blender cup and gently wipe the blades to remove any debris.
You may also want to wipe down the blender itself with a damp cloth to get rid of any stains that may have gathered. If you notice excessive wear in the rubber seal, then it may be time to look into purchasing a few replacement parts.
Step 4 – Clean the blender cup
A simple way to clean the blender cup is to fill it with a lemon juice and hot water solution. Ensure you fill halfway, or the water may begin to leak out the top of your blender cup.
Give it a gentle shake for around 30 seconds, and empty the blender cup back into the sink. You should also scrub it again gently if there are a few stubborn stains.
Step 5 – Reassemble your blender
Once you have cleaned any stains and removed any food blockages, it’s time to reassemble your blender. If you previously disassembled your blender, then putting it back together shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Ensure you dry it thoroughly before you put it away to prevent mold or similar damp problems from building up!
FAQs
Generally, if your blender is out of warranty or the cost of repairing the blender is more expensive than a new one, it’s time to replace it.
In most cases, soapy water is completely safe to use in a blender as the blades are usually made from stainless steel. However, you should avoid accidentally leaking water into the blade motor or assembly as this can cause irreparable damage.
To avoid long-term damage, you should ideally replace your blender’s rubber gasket at least once every 6 to 12 months. This also applies to your blades as they can begin to dull with constant use, especially when blending solid ingredients such as nuts.
The most durable blenders are usually the ones designed for use in a commercial setting. High-quality options such as Vitamix, Nutribullet, and Ninja blenders are also fairly durable and perfect for long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Liquid leaking from any electronic component can be worrying, especially if you use it regularly. Fortunately, a blender leaking black liquid is almost always an easy fix, especially if you take the time to diagnose the cause of your leak.
So whether you have just purchased your first blender or you are looking for the best way to fix a leak, be sure to keep this guide in mind!
Ever since I purchased my VitaMix several years ago, when I turn the machine on the base moves and a hit smell comes from it.
I have noticed seeing other VitaMixes being used, that this doesn’t happen.
Please advise as to what I need to do.
Thank you.