Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Suggestions and Complaints => Topic started by: Karen Joy on May 20, 2011, 09:33:31 am

Title: Cleaning problems
Post by: Karen Joy on May 20, 2011, 09:33:31 am
Hi, I know there may be a lot of topics related to cleaning already but I just wanted some help about cleaning.  I just got my TM three days ago and the first thing I made was shrimp couscous with bisque.  The shrimp smell just wouldn't come off from the lid!  I tried brushing, soaking and even put it in turbo with temp but the smell is still there.  Also, yesterday, i made chicken risotto.  I used some water and flour mixture in the end to thicken up the sauce but, it got stuck in the blades.

I feel like I spend more time cleaning the insides of the bowl (mainly the blades assembly part which is very difficult) than cooking.  Am afraid that if I have to whip up egg whites (which requires very clean bowl and utensils), I might fail because there are just some hard to reach nooks and crannies..

Any ideas for a speedy cleaning? Oh, and also, how can one dry the bowl quickly?
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: judydawn on May 20, 2011, 10:02:29 am
I rarely have to spend any time at all cleaning my bowl Karen Joy.  Always make sure your food is moving around, sometimes on  ^^ speed, food will catch.  I always use speed 1, sometimes speed 2. When adding a thickening agent, I pour it around the blades and give it a little stir with a spatula, not on top of the blades because the heat can cause it to stick to them and not do the job you intended. This (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1549.0) thread from ILB may help answer some of your questions.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: faffa_70 on May 20, 2011, 10:31:39 am
KarenJoy, have you been shown how to do the self clean?

another tip is when you have scraped out the bowl to place the lid back on put the dial to locked lid position and hit turbo, this will fling it all to the side of the bowl from the blades so you can scrape it out. The self clean is then usually enough.

If I am doing egg whites I clean my bowl using the self clean method but with hot water and a splash of white vinegar  ;)

The other cleaning threads are probably worth your read as there are lots of other tips in there from everyone - but cleaning your bowl should be quick and easy  ;)
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Karen Joy on May 20, 2011, 11:23:33 am
Hi Judy and Katheryn,

Thanks for the encouragement.  I did pour the water-flour mixture on the blades while the blades are turning at  ^^..so, that probably caused it stick on the top of the blade.  Next time, I will just have to stop the mixing and add it on the side (not very close to the bowls inner sides either). 

Will go one reading here..:-)
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Rogizoja on May 21, 2011, 10:57:54 am
I know this might sound like a stupid question, but do you remove the seal from the lid when you clean? Recently I did a post-sale demo for a lady who had had her TMX for a couple of weeks. I did the self-clean and then when I removed the seal to rinse it off she said "I didn't know you could do that, must remember in future"!!! :-)) If you don't remove the seal, food residue can get stuck under it and that will retain a smell.

To clean the blades I find the easiest thing to do is remove the blade assembly from the bowl and then use a baby-bottle brush to give it a good cleaning - works a treat.

To dry the bowl quickly, give it a quick swirl out with hot water (from the kettle), dry with a clean tea towel, then leave for 30 seconds or so - any residual moisture should quickly evaporate.  I do this if I'm going to grind rice, sugar etc. and have just used TMX.

And finally, don't forget to keep seal and lid separate when not in use; lets them dry completely - no moisture, no bugs.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: meganjane on May 22, 2011, 03:30:34 pm
I'm wondering why you used a cornflour paste to thicken risotto? Normally, the rice absorbs all the liquid. You may need to check your recipe and use less liquid next time.

As far as cleaning, what everyone else has said.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Katya on May 22, 2011, 03:54:50 pm
A tip I read somewhere was that you could put a clean tea towel into the bowl and run it on  :-: at speed 1 to dry it in a hurry
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: judydawn on May 23, 2011, 01:33:48 am
KarenJoy, MJ is right about not needing to thicken risotto - do you place it in your thermosaver for 5-10 minutes or leave it in the TM bowl to rest & thicken naturally before serving? 
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: TM_Ted on May 23, 2011, 02:13:04 am
Hi Karen Joy, if you go to http://www.cookwithjanie.com/recipes/Speedy Cleaning.shtml (http://www.cookwithjanie.com/recipes/Speedy Cleaning.shtml) you will find a quick video that you may find helpful.

It really is that easy. If you want to mix some Pavlova's however, I have found you need to do the vinegar wash to completely clean the bowl.

Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Katya on May 23, 2011, 07:59:30 am
That video is really helpful Ted, but I don't think Janie's method works so well when there is stuff stuck on the bottom....  That's when bicarb, gumption or vinegar and elbow grease really come into their own  :D

 
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Frozzie on May 23, 2011, 09:25:37 am
KarenJoy, MJ is right about not needing to thicken risotto - do you place it in your thermosaver for 5-10 minutes or leave it in the TM bowl to rest & thicken naturally before serving? 

no thermoservers in France JD but she may hae something similar!
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Frozzie on May 23, 2011, 09:35:19 am
I havent had problems with resisting smell..had smel but once cleaned well it was fine and my consulant said to me either wipe down with vinegar or lemon juice..pure on the lid (taking off the seal) and if stil resists put some water and either vinegar or lemon jice and cook for 5 to 10 to give it a good clean...how did you clean it with the vinegar?

ps hope you had a nice time at the weekend  :)

another tip is once the dinner is ready and served and needs to be cleaned more than a quick auto clean ie some scrubbing needed i just fill with hot water from the tap with some dishwashing liquid and let it soak until we finish to eat then i find its easier to clean in those situations..like suggested a baby bottle cleaning brush that youc an buy in the baby isle of any of our supermarkets is good for getting in under the blades and often its quicker to pull the blades out, scrub with baby brush, rinse then put back in and dry.  I also give the lid and mc etc a quick rinse, not clean but just to get off any foodstuffs immediately ready to be washed properly after eating and avoids food smells setting in!   You just need to find what works for you! 
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: cottchick on May 23, 2011, 02:12:33 pm
Good advice from everyone and I learned a few things and I thought I knew it all about cleaning the tmx!

With the baby brush, get one that is designed just for the teats - its really little and fits under each blade. I find if I clean it (or at least rinse it) straight away its not a problem. Or I leave water with detergent in it (really hot) and come back to it later.

I have done the teatowel dry and its ok but would not be sufficient for something that required a bone dry machine.

Finally, I think I hav e just got better at knowing how to clean it best depending on whats been in it with time. You just get to know it better as the months roll on!
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Karen Joy on May 23, 2011, 02:49:56 pm
I know this might sound like a stupid question, but do you remove the seal from the lid when you clean? Recently I did a post-sale demo for a lady who had had her TMX for a couple of weeks. I did the self-clean and then when I removed the seal to rinse it off she said "I didn't know you could do that, must remember in future"!!! :-)) If you don't remove the seal, food residue can get stuck under it and that will retain a smell.

To clean the blades I find the easiest thing to do is remove the blade assembly from the bowl and then use a baby-bottle brush to give it a good cleaning - works a treat.

To dry the bowl quickly, give it a quick swirl out with hot water (from the kettle), dry with a clean tea towel, then leave for 30 seconds or so - any residual moisture should quickly evaporate.  I do this if I'm going to grind rice, sugar etc. and have just used TMX.

And finally, don't forget to keep seal and lid separate when not in use; lets them dry completely - no moisture, no bugs.

Hi Rogizoja, thanks for the advice.  Actually, I do remove it everytime I clean the lid.  that's what surprised me because the smell is still there even if I clean the parts separately.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Karen Joy on May 23, 2011, 02:53:28 pm
I'm wondering why you used a cornflour paste to thicken risotto? Normally, the rice absorbs all the liquid. You may need to check your recipe and use less liquid next time.

As far as cleaning, what everyone else has said.

Hi MJ, I usually put the cornflour paste when I find my risotto a little bit watery..or if I added too much water...so, yes, I guess I have to pour the paste somewhere else (not on the blades)
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Karen Joy on May 23, 2011, 02:55:23 pm
A tip I read somewhere was that you could put a clean tea towel into the bowl and run it on  :-: at speed 1 to dry it in a hurry

Hi Katya, thanks for the tip...I tried this one and it work...and it also worked well with hot water...so much faster! :-)
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: mb5 on June 27, 2011, 10:04:43 am
Hi, I to am a new TM owner and have tried everything suggested (detergent, vinegar, bi carb, lemon in the bowl, also cut up lemons and left them on the lid) to get the onion smell off the lid, all with no success. I am now not wanting to make sorbet etc for fear of contanimation.
I was thing of buying an additional lid.  :-
I would be grateful for any suggestion.

Marlene.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: judydawn on June 27, 2011, 11:13:09 am
Hi mb5, welcome to the forum.  These smelly lids seem to be a real problem so I have found a few threads for you to check out and see if there is any other method available to you.  I always wash my TMX immediately if cooking something with a very strong smell, never store my lid clicked into place, I hang it on the bowl with its little hook so that the bowl and lid air properly.  From time to time I take the seal out to air that too but you do have to remember to put it back in or you can have liquid everywhere :-)) :-)) You have tried a few methods already but maybe there are others on one of these threads that you can try - like placing it in the freezer overnight. I would buy a spare seal at least and keep one for desserts and one for savoury cooking. I think all TMX's should come with 2 seals to begin with.

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3380.0

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=6304.0

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=3352.0

http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=4545.0

http://www.recipecommunity.com.au/thermomix-tm-31/thermomix-tm-31/11344/smelly-lid-seal.html
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: sue_h on June 27, 2011, 01:43:21 pm
Have you found that the smell transfers to your next dish?

I made a curry once that stained the lid and left a smell on the lid. I found that after a while the smell and the stain disappeared and quickly too. It also didn't taint any of the other foods I cooked in there afterwards. My group leader suggested that I just keep washing as normal and it would all be OK. Guess what it was.

I also learnt a few things on this thread so thanks for posting Karen Joy.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Meagan on June 27, 2011, 03:41:29 pm
A tip I read somewhere was that you could put a clean tea towel into the bowl and run it on  :-: at speed 1 to dry it in a hurry

Hi Katya, thanks for the tip...I tried this one and it work...and it also worked well with hot water...so much faster! :-)

Just be aware that your warranty can be voided by doing this with a tea towel  :o

Also to dry your bowl, after wiping it with a tea towel and your hand ( always in the clockwise direction ) put your lid on and wiz on spd 10 for a second or hit the turbo button. This pushes all water on the bottom of the blades and heating element to the side of the bowl then use your tea towel to wipe the lower sides of the bowel and voila very  dry bowl :)
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Bedlam on June 28, 2011, 12:13:27 am
The best tip I use, as my seal also became smelly in the beginning is to never store with the lid on. Best to hang it on the bowl. My seal doesn't hold smells since doing this.
Denise
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: meganjane on June 30, 2011, 12:35:20 pm
I've never had problems with smells hanging on until I got my new seal recently. My TMX has a permanent cooking smell - oniony, garlicky sort of smell.
The new seal is mainly clear, whereas the old one was a solid dark grey colour.

I've not really worried too much about it and have made the custard for ice cream, cooked apples and cakes and the smell hasn't transferred.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: supernanny on July 08, 2011, 05:25:10 am
Re. cleaning and drying your TM. The first few days are the worst trying to get used to it all.
I usually take out the blades for cleaning. Adding vinegar to cleaning water takes away the smell.
If I need to use it again quickly, the hair dryer is a good option for the underneath connections
that must be dry before use.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: cookie1 on July 08, 2011, 06:07:38 am
Welcome to the forum supernanny.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Wonder on July 08, 2011, 06:27:24 am
Meagan, re drying with a tea towel on reverse, does that void the warranty?  At both my initial and delivery demonstration my consultant showed this as the standard way of drying the TMX. I personally haven't bothered but am curious to know if the consultant is giving out incorrect advice.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Meagan on July 09, 2011, 01:09:18 pm
Meagan, re drying with a tea towel on reverse, does that void the warranty?  At both my initial and delivery demonstration my consultant showed this as the standard way of drying the TMX. I personally haven't bothered but am curious to know if the consultant is giving out incorrect advice.

Yes the consultant shouldn't be doing that. It was a directive about 3/4 months ago, maybe longer. If you accidentily wizzed it at a higher speed then yes your warranty would not cover it.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Lellyj on July 09, 2011, 01:19:11 pm
Oh wow, thanks for that Megan.  I was shown at a class how to do the teatowel thing and often do it when I'm using the TMX for lots of different things! 
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: KylieJade on July 19, 2011, 12:51:14 am
Re the tea towel dry method - we used to show that at demos as a bit of a laugh, but now have been told not to; if done with a nice new tea towel it is fine, but if someone tried it with a bit of an older tea towel with threads hanging off the threads could get twisted up in the blades.... so no more self dry!

As for the seal retaining smells - I made a few curries and could not get the smell off – so I bought a "curry seal" especially for use for those smelly dishes. But sitting unused for a few weeks in the drawer it now has absolutely no odour... it must just have been that first few days after making the curry...
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Tasty on August 22, 2011, 05:27:01 am
I am a new TM owner and thought you could take the seal out but it seemed very difficult whenever I tried so I thought it was stuck in place. I haven't really had much of an issue with smells. However, I just went to try taking out the seal after reading all this and figured out how to do it  :-)) so I have learnt something as a result of this.

I have also learnt how to clean the TM better as a result of practice but I still find it annoying how sometimes things get caught under the blades.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Frozzie on October 08, 2011, 01:18:10 pm
oh you have got to be kidding..this guy is getting annoying...MM I hope you can get onto this soon  :)
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: faffa_70 on October 08, 2011, 01:23:48 pm
I have reported the posts to MM
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: cookie1 on October 09, 2011, 04:35:30 am
Sorry Frozzie and everyone else I wasn't on here yesterday. His posts are gone. Will contact MM if we get anymore.
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: Frozzie on October 09, 2011, 07:08:37 am
thankyou that was so annoying he kept popping up everywhere!!  didnt report it as several others had beat me to it!
Title: Re: Cleaning problems
Post by: cookie1 on October 09, 2011, 07:14:45 am
Yes I've found a few more. Also another one I got rid of.