How to Clean A Food Dehydrator?

18 minutes read

To clean a food dehydrator, start by unplugging the unit and allowing it to cool completely. Remove the trays or racks and wash them in warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any food residue.


Next, wipe down the interior of the dehydrator with a damp cloth to remove any remaining debris. Be careful not to get any water inside the heating element or electrical components.


If the trays or racks are dishwasher safe, you can also run them through a dishwasher cycle for a thorough cleaning. Just make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions beforehand.


Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the dehydrator and store it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use it again. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend the life of your food dehydrator and ensure that your dried foods are safe to eat.

Best Food Dehydrators of 2024

1
Septree Large 8 Trays Food Dehydrator with 8.8ft² Drying Space for Big Family, 800W Stainless Steel Dehydrated Dryer, 24H Timer,190°F Temperature Control, for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Dog Treats and Yogurt

Rating is 5 out of 5

Septree Large 8 Trays Food Dehydrator with 8.8ft² Drying Space for Big Family, 800W Stainless Steel Dehydrated Dryer, 24H Timer,190°F Temperature Control, for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Dog Treats and Yogurt

  • Versatile Drying Options: The Septree food dehydrator offers a variety of temperature and time settings, allowing you to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, flowers,nuts, spices, pet food without losing any nutrients.
  • Large Capacity: This dehydrator is up to 8.8 ft² of drying space. Dehydrator machine Dimensions L*W*H 16.34*23.3*19.09inch.Its spacious trays can accommodate large quantities of food, making it perfect for families, gardeners, and food enthusiasts.
  • Easy to Clean: Made with 304 food-grade stainless steel, the trays are safer, more durable, and dishwasher-safe. The removable trays and drip tray make cleaning a breeze, saving you time and effort.
2
HOPERAN Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Dehydrator Machine with Digital Timer and Temperature Control, Overheat Protection, Recipe Book Included

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

HOPERAN Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Dehydrator Machine with Digital Timer and Temperature Control, Overheat Protection, Recipe Book Included

  • ⏰ 【Precise Temp & Timer Control Panel】The dehydrator is equipped with an adjustable timer control, allowing you to set drying times in 30-minute increments, with a maximum duration of 24 hours. The digital temperature presets range from 86℉ to 194℉, enabling you to adjust the temperature in increments of 9℉. The timer will display when your dehydration is complete, and it will automatically shut off once finished. This intelligent system ensures that your delicious dehydrated foods are comple
  • 🍌 【8 trays Large Capacity】8 detachable stainless steel trays, each measuring 11" x 7.87", made from 304 food-grade stainless steel for safety and durability. Ideal for dehydrating various foods such as vegetables, fruits, meats, and flowers, effortlessly locking in minerals and vitamins. All trays are dishwasher safe, eliminating concerns about potential health risks associated with using plastic drying trays. Provide the whole family with plenty of healthy and delicious 100% natural food.
  • 🍋 【Premium Quality & Easy to Clean & Durable】The food dehydrator is crafted from 100% food-grade stainless steel without bisphenol A, featuring a glass front door for easy monitoring of the drying progress. The stainless steel body is durable and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. After the timer completes, the food and beef jerky dehydrator will shut off automatically. In case of overheating, the overheat protection will activate. Comes with practical recipes and instructions, allowi
3
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved

  • REAR MOUNTED FAN FOR SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Dries food evenly, This electric dehydration machine is equipped with a rear-mounted drying fan and air flow circulation technology to ensure even drying, there is no need to rotate the shelves as needed by other brands, monitor the dryer process easily with the transparent door window
  • SPACIOUS ADJUSTABLE 7 STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS – INCLUDED FRUIT ROLL TRAYS! Use the trays for regular food and the mesh trays for smaller food such as nuts and herbs, for fruit roll ups use the fruit leather sheet which can also be used for drip trays! you can do a lot in one batch with the Magic Mill dehydration machine, the dehydrator comes with 7 premium stainless steel trays.
4
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats

  • POWERFUL FOOD DRYING PROCESS - Magic Mill Compact Food Dehydrator Machine streamlines 240W drying capacity that offers an efficient food drying process. It removes excess water from foods without compromising their natural juices, taste, and nutrients – boasting a 97% retention rate of vitamins and minerals.
  • MULTI-LAYER AND ADJUSTABLE TRAYS - This Fruit and Herb Dehydrator features five (5) food-grade adjustable trays that allow you to dry different foods, fruits, and veggies at once. The standard height between the trays is 0.6 inches, but you can raise each to 1.1 inches – perfect for thick-cut ingredients.
5
Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black

  • ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE from 95ºF to 158ºF that foods are dehydrated at their optimal temperature and horizontal air flow distributes heat evenly and efficiently.
  • FUN AND CRAFTS: Perfect for hobbyists to dry flowers, potpourri or dough crafts and pet lovers to prepare healthy and delicious 100% natural treats for their furry companions.
  • EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: using a base mounted fan promotes even drying and air circulation. Large viewing window allows you to monitor the drying process.
6
COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 BPA-Free 12.2" Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 BPA-Free 12.2" Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included

  • 165°F MAX TEMPERATURE: Adjust the dehydrator between 95-165°F in 1°F increments. Higher temps ensure safer beef jerky. USDA recommends 165°F for safe jerky
  • PERFECT RESULTS: With 350W power, the fan efficiently circulates hot air for even heating and drying of your foods
  • ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Customize tray heights for larger foods (raised) or easier storage (lowered)
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Trays are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning. Note: Accessories are hand wash only
7
Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrator Machine with Food Air-Drying Function, 176℉ Temperature Control & 48H Timer, 600W Fruit Dryer for Meat,Beef,Herbs,Dog Treats, ETL Approved

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Dehydrator Machine with Food Air-Drying Function, 176℉ Temperature Control & 48H Timer, 600W Fruit Dryer for Meat,Beef,Herbs,Dog Treats, ETL Approved

  • 🥩48-HOUR TIMER & TEMPERATURE CONTROL: DIYAREA Food Dehydrator with smart LED touch screen control offers Fahrenheit/Celsius temperature control. When adjusted to Fahrenheit, the dehydrator adjusts the temperature to 95°F to 176°F in 9°F increments; when adjusted to Celsius, the dehydrator adjusts the temperature to 35°C to 80°C in 5°C increments and sets a timer in 30-minute increments from 0.5 hours to 48 hours.
  • 🍖OVERHEAT PROTECTION: Beef jerky food dehydrator with thermostat ensures accurate and safe food processing. Meat Dryer The timer automatically shuts off when it expires. Thermal protection activates if the dehydrator overheats, giving you peace of mind throughout the process
  • 🥝UPGRADED 8-LAYER STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS: Beef dehydrator comes with 8 stainless steel trays, compared with other dehydrator stainless steel trays, our trays have been upgraded: thickened and reinforced. The trays are not easy to deform and dent, scratch resistant and more durable. Our dehydrator trays measure 12 x 12 inches, which has a larger capacity than regular dehydrator trays and can dry more food at once.
8
Food Dehydrator Machine Detachable, 8 Stainless Steel Trays, LED Display, 48H Timer & 86℉-167℉ Temperature Control, 600W Dryer for Jerky, Herb, Meat, Veggies, Fruit, Dog Treats, Recipe Book Included

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Food Dehydrator Machine Detachable, 8 Stainless Steel Trays, LED Display, 48H Timer & 86℉-167℉ Temperature Control, 600W Dryer for Jerky, Herb, Meat, Veggies, Fruit, Dog Treats, Recipe Book Included

  • Digital Temperature&Time Control: An enclosed thermostat from 86ºF to 167ºF in 9ºF increments. At the same time, the time can be set from 0.5-48 hours in 30-minute increments. It allows you to achieve the best results when drying different foods. We have prepared 6 optional drying function modes. You can adjust the time and temperature according to actual needs.
  • Easy to Clean&Safty: Each stainless steel tray is dishwasher safe or washed with warm soapy water. When the timer ends, the dehydrators for jerky will automatically shut off. If the machine overheats, the overheat protection will turn on.
  • Customer Service: KEENSTAR provides 24-hour friendly customer service. If you have any issues related to KEENSTAR food dehydrator, please feel free to contact us. You can dry fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, herbs, and flowers, and also can be used to make snacks for your pets.


How to clean a stainless steel food dehydrator?

  1. Unplug the dehydrator and wait for it to cool down completely before cleaning.
  2. Remove the trays and wash them with warm, soapy water. If they are dishwasher safe, you can also place them in the dishwasher for cleaning.
  3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the interior walls of the dehydrator with warm, soapy water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the stainless steel.
  4. Wipe down the exterior of the dehydrator with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime.
  5. For stubborn stains or stuck-on food residue, you can make a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or cloth.
  6. Rinse the dehydrator thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
  7. Dry the dehydrator completely with a clean, dry cloth before reassembling and storing it.
  8. It is recommended to clean your stainless steel food dehydrator after each use to prevent build-up of bacteria and odors.


How to clean a food dehydrator with a removable drip tray?

Cleaning a food dehydrator with a removable drip tray is a fairly simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Unplug the dehydrator and allow it to cool completely before you begin cleaning.
  2. Remove the trays from the dehydrator and set them aside. Carefully remove the removable drip tray and wash it with warm, soapy water. You can use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any food residue or debris.
  3. Rinse the drip tray thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean towel.
  4. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the dehydrator, removing any food particles or residue. Avoid using too much water in the interior of the dehydrator, as this can damage the appliance.
  5. If there are any stubborn stains or residue, you can use a mild vinegar solution to help break them down. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.
  6. Once the interior is clean, replace the drip tray and trays back into the dehydrator.
  7. Wipe down the exterior of the dehydrator with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or grime.
  8. Plug the dehydrator back in and allow it to dry completely before using it again.


By following these steps, you can keep your food dehydrator clean and in good working condition for years to come.


What is the importance of cleaning a food dehydrator regularly?

Cleaning a food dehydrator regularly is important for several reasons:

  1. Prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria: Cleaning the dehydrator helps to remove any food residue or moisture that can harbor harmful bacteria or mold. Regular cleaning can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that your dehydrated foods are safe to eat.
  2. Maintains the quality of dehydrated foods: A clean dehydrator will ensure that your dehydrated foods maintain their quality and flavor. Residual food or grease left in the dehydrator can affect the taste and texture of the foods you are drying.
  3. Extends the lifespan of the dehydrator: Regular cleaning can help prevent corrosion, rust, and other damage to the dehydrator. By keeping it clean and well-maintained, you can extend the lifespan of your appliance and ensure it continues to work effectively for years to come.
  4. Improves the efficiency of the dehydrator: A clean dehydrator will operate more efficiently, drying foods faster and more evenly. Removing any obstructions or debris from the dehydrator ensures that air can flow freely through the appliance, resulting in more consistent drying results.


Overall, regular cleaning and maintenance of a food dehydrator are essential for food safety, quality, and the longevity of the appliance.


How to clean the trays of a food dehydrator?

  1. Unplug the dehydrator and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
  2. Remove the trays from the dehydrator and empty any remaining food or crumbs.
  3. Wash the trays in warm, soapy water, using a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away any food residue. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the trays.
  4. Rinse the trays thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
  5. If there are stubborn stains or odors on the trays, mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and soak the trays for a few hours before washing them again.
  6. Allow the trays to air dry completely before reassembling them in the dehydrator.
  7. If your dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe, you can also clean them in the dishwasher using a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
  8. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your dehydrator trays will help to prolong the life of your appliance and ensure that your food is always safe and delicious.


How to clean a food dehydrator with vinegar?

To clean a food dehydrator with vinegar, follow these steps:

  1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
  2. Remove the trays and any other removable parts from the dehydrator.
  3. Spray the vinegar solution onto the interior walls and trays of the dehydrator.
  4. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to help break down any stubborn food residue.
  5. Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe down the interior of the dehydrator, paying special attention to any areas with stuck-on food.
  6. Rinse the trays and interior with warm water to remove the vinegar solution.
  7. Allow all parts to air dry before reassembling the dehydrator.


Regularly cleaning your food dehydrator with vinegar can help prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants on its surfaces.


What is the best cleaning tool for a food dehydrator?

A soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush is the best cleaning tool for a food dehydrator. These tools can help you scrub away any stuck-on food particles or residue without damaging the delicate trays or heating elements of the dehydrator.

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