You can, but you should not need to. The self clean method takes about a minute and does the job better than a dishwasher cycle. Hand wash the lid and lid plug, and check your manual before you put any part in the dishwasher.
This page is based on the maker's care guidance and owner reports, not on our own use. We have not tested the blender.
The self clean method
The blade sits at the bottom of a tall, narrow container. A dishwasher spray does not reach it well, and food dries on the blade base. Blending soap and water moves liquid over every surface, including under the blades.
- Rinse the container right after you pour out the food.
- Fill it about halfway with warm water.
- Add one or two drops of dish soap.
- Put the lid on and start on low. Raise the speed to the highest setting.
- Run it for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Pour it out, rinse, and let it air dry upside down.
Do it right away. Dried smoothie or nut butter is much harder to remove than wet food.
Why the dishwasher is a poor fit
The container is a clear plastic. Hot water, strong detergent and many cycles can make it cloudy or scratched over time. That is a looks problem, but it is a common owner complaint.
The blade assembly is the bigger concern. It is a sealed part with bearings, and long soaks in hot, soapy water are not good for it. Dishwasher detergent can also leave a film on the blade that you then blend into the next drink.
Fit is the last issue. A tall container takes up a lot of space on the rack, and it may not sit flat.
The lid and the gasket
The lid has a rubber seal. Pull the lid plug out and wash it by hand in warm soapy water. Look under the lid rim for trapped food, since that is where smells start.
Dry the seal and the plug before you put them back. A damp seal can hold odors. If the rubber gets sticky, cracked or stained, replace it. It is a cheap part.
When a deep clean is needed
Some foods leave a stubborn film: nut butter, hummus, hot sauces. For those, use the self clean method twice. If the container has a cloudy white film from hard water, blend warm water with a splash of white vinegar, then rinse well.
Never put your hand in the container to clean the blades. Use a long brush if you need to reach in, and unplug the base first.
Who should skip the self clean method
Skip it if the food has already dried hard on the blades. Soak the container in warm water first, then run the self clean.
If you still want the dishwasher, read the care section of your manual first. Use the top rack only, and keep the blade assembly out of long cycles.
The blender this applies to
The Vitamix 5200 is a high power blender with a tall container. It is the model this advice is written for.
Skip this blender if you only blend a smoothie now and then. It costs more than most blenders, and it is tall, so it may not fit under your cabinets.
