How to clean a milk frother

A guide to cleaning a milk frother

You can clean most milk frothers relatively quickly with just a handful of supplies, but how to clean a milk frother varies by type. Read the guide below to learn what supplies you’ll need to clean your milk frother. Find out how to maintain a KitchenAid^® Milk Frother Attachment that pairs with the KitchenAid^® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, and learn how to wash a milk frother that’s manual, automatic or a handheld whisk.

What you’ll need to get started

Supplies

• Warm water

• Dish soap

• Soft cloth

• Non-abrasive sponge (optional)

• Small cup (optional)

• Milk frother cleaner (optional)

How to clean a KitchenAid^® milk frother attachment

Clean your KitchenAid^® Milk Frother Attachment by removing all containers and small components, then washing, drying and reassembling the milk frother attachment pieces. Follow the steps below to get started.

Step 1: Remove and clean milk tank and storage container

Wash the milk tank and storage container in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly before reassembling.

Step 2: Remove small components

After removing the milk tank and storage container, take off the milk frother’s milk hose and hose connector. Remove the froth level adjustment knob, pull out the function knob and remove the decorative plate. Next, pull and twist the milk dispenser in a downward direction to remove it, and take out the black rubber frother component by pushing down from the top and pulling from the bottom.

Step 3: Wash components

Place all components removed in step 2 into warm, soapy water or a solution designed for milk frothers. Remove any stubborn or hard-to-reach residue using the brush provided with the milk frother attachment.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Thoroughly rinse each component and dry with a soft, dry cloth before reassembling.

How to clean a manual milk frother

Manual milk frothers have no electrical components and are simple to clean. Some are dishwasher safe, so be sure to check your milk frother’s instruction manual before you start. Follow the steps below to clean a manual milk frother by hand.

Step 1: Remove and wash the plunger and lid

Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to wash the plunger rod and mesh, as well as the lid. If the lid has a silicon ring, remove the ring to clean any trapped milk residue.

Step 2: Wash pitcher with warm, soapy water

Use soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean out the inside of the pitcher, since rough surfaces may scratch the pitcher lining.

Step 3: Dry and replace components

Use a soft, dry cloth to dry each component thoroughly before reassembly or storage.

How to clean an automatic milk frother

Automatic milk frothers are convenient to use and relatively quick to clean. When disassembling the milk frother for cleaning, be sure to keep the power base and electrical cord away from moisture. Be sure to check your owner's manual for exact instructions, but for a general idea, review the steps below to clean an automatic milk frother.

Step 1: Unplug frother and remove pitcher from base

If the base is dirty, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Never submerge the base or expose it to moisture.

Step 2: Remove and clean lid

Remove the lid from the pitcher, then remove the silicon ring inside the lid and clean the lid and ring under tap water with a soft cleaning brush or cloth and mild detergent.

Step 3: Remove and wash whisk

Remove the whisk and rinse with clean water. If necessary, gently wash it with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.

Step 4: Wash pitcher

Clean the pitcher with the cleaning brush included with your milk frother, or a soft cloth. Avoid using hard nylon or metal brushes that may scratch the pitcher.

Step 5: Dry and replace all parts

Thoroughly dry all pieces before reassembling the milk frother.

How to clean a handheld wand milk frother

Handheld wand milk frothers don’t require disassembly for cleaning and, without several components to account for, can be washed in seconds. As always, check the owner’s manual for your exact model. To get a general idea, review the steps below to clean the whisk and handle of a handheld wand milk frother.

Step 1: Fill dish with water and mild dish soap

Fill a cup or bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.

Step 2: Run milk frother for several seconds

Lower the steel section of the whisk into the soapy water and turn the whisk on for several seconds, then switch the whisk off before removing it from the water to avoid splatter. If stubborn milk residue remains, use a cloth or soft sponge to clean off the whisk.

Step 3: Rinse wand under clean, fresh water

Rinse the steel whisk with clean water—being sure to keep the whisk handle away from the water stream—and dry thoroughly before storing.

Step 4: Wipe handle with damp cloth

Wipe the handle of the whisk with a damp cloth. Clean off any remaining milk residue by applying a mild detergent to a damp cloth, then wiping down the handle.