Keeping your Morphy Richards Soup Maker clean helps maintain its cooking and blending performance, prevents unpleasant smells and keeps it ready for your next batch of homemade soup.
Whether you're dealing with everyday food residue, burnt-on ingredients, stains or an unpleasant smell, most cleaning can be completed using warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft sponge.
Some models also have a dedicated Clean or Pre-Clean programme to make the process easier.
This guide explains how to clean your Soup Maker safely, remove stubborn residue, care for the blades and electrical connections, and store your appliance correctly.
Models covered: 48822 Classic, 501014 Sauté, 501020 Total Control, 501021 Compact, 501022 Large, 501025 Perfect Soup and 501050 Clarity.
1. Before Cleaning Your Soup Maker
Always switch off, unplug and allow your Soup Maker to cool before manual cleaning.
Soup Makers contain sharp blades, heated surfaces and electrical components, so a few precautions are essential.
- Never immerse the powered jug, lid motor housing, electrical base or mains connections in water.
- Do not place the complete Soup Maker in a dishwasher.
- Take particular care when cleaning around the sharp blending blades.
- Keep water away from electrical sockets, contacts and connectors.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal scourers that could damage the surface of your appliance.
- Never attempt to dismantle the motor housing or remove fixed blades.
- Ensure all components and electrical connections are completely dry before using the appliance again.
Important: Even if your Soup Maker has a removable cooking vessel, this doesn't mean the entire appliance can be immersed or placed in a dishwasher.
2. How to Clean Your Soup Maker After Every Use
Cleaning soon after use, once the appliance has cooled sufficiently, helps prevent food from drying onto the jug and blades.
Step-by-step cleaning
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow the jug, lid and contents to cool before handling.
- Empty any remaining soup into a suitable container.
- Add warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid to the inside of the jug.
- Gently clean the internal surfaces using a sponge or soft cleaning cloth.
- Carefully clean around the blade assembly, keeping your fingers away from the cutting edges.
- Rinse the food-contact surfaces thoroughly without allowing water to enter electrical components.
- Wipe the outside of the jug and lid housing with a soft, damp cloth.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling or storing.
Tip: Don't leave soup residue in the jug for long periods. Tomato-based, starchy and creamy soups can become more difficult to remove once dried.
3. How to Use the Clean or Pre-Clean Function
Some Morphy Richards Soup Makers have a dedicated cleaning programme designed to loosen food residue from the base of the jug.
Which models have a cleaning programme?
| Model | Cleaning programme |
|---|---|
| 48822 Classic | Manual cleaning |
| 501014 Sauté | Manual cleaning |
| 501020 Total Control | Pre-Clean |
| 501021 Compact | Manual cleaning |
| 501022 Large | Clean |
| 501025 Perfect Soup | Clean |
| 501050 Clarity | Clean |
How to run the cleaning programme
For models 501020, 501022, 501025 and 501050, the cleaning instructions specify 800 ml of water and a small amount of washing-up liquid.
- Ensure the appliance has finished cooking and is unplugged.
- Remove the lid carefully, avoiding the sharp blades.
- Pour 800 ml of water into the jug or removable cooking vessel.
- Add a small amount of ordinary washing-up liquid.
- Refit the lid securely.
- Connect the appliance to the mains.
- Select the Clean or Pre-Clean programme using the controls.
- Start the cleaning cycle.
- Allow the four-minute cycle to finish.
- Unplug the appliance and take care, as the water and vessel may be hot.
- Once safe to handle, empty the cleaning water.
- Rinse the inside thoroughly until no soap bubbles remain.
- Clean any remaining residue from the jug and lid by hand.
- Dry all parts thoroughly.
Does the Clean programme wash the whole Soup Maker?
No.
The cleaning programme primarily helps loosen residue from the base of the jug or removable vessel.
You'll still need to clean:
- The inside walls of the jug.
- The lid and blade assembly.
- Any accessible food-contact areas.
- The removable vessel and lid seal, where fitted.
Do not use the Smooth, Chunky or Blend programmes as a substitute for a dedicated cleaning function.
Only select Clean or Pre-Clean if your model provides that programme.
4. How to Remove Burnt or Stuck-On Food
Ingredients such as potatoes, tomatoes, rice and thick vegetable mixtures can sometimes stick to the heated base.
If food has burnt onto the bottom of your Soup Maker, avoid scraping it away with a knife or other sharp object.
Recommended cleaning method
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow it to cool.
- Empty the remaining contents.
- Add hot, soapy water to cover the affected area, without wetting electrical connections.
- Leave to soak for approximately 15 minutes.
- Gently loosen the residue with a suitable sponge or non-scratching cleaning pad.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
If the residue remains, repeat the soaking process rather than using excessive force.
Can I use a metal scouring pad?
We recommend avoiding metal scourers for general cleaning.
Some older stainless-steel Soup Maker instructions allow more intensive cleaning of severe burnt marks, but this advice does not apply to every model.
In particular:
- 501020 Total Control: Do not use abrasive scouring pads on the removable vessel.
- 501022 Large: Do not use a metal scouring pad, as it can scratch the base.
- 501050 Clarity: Do not use a metal scouring pad.
- Other models: Start with soaking and gentle cleaning rather than abrasive treatment.
If residue cannot be removed without damaging the surface, contact Customer Support before attempting more aggressive cleaning.
For advice on preventing food from burning in future, see:
Morphy Richards Soup Maker – Food Burning or Sticking to the Base
5. How to Clean the Blades Safely
Soup Maker blades are extremely sharp, even when the appliance is switched off.
Food residue can collect around the blades, particularly after preparing thick or blended soups.
How to clean them
- Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool.
- Remove the lid carefully.
- Hold the lid by its handle or motor housing, away from the blades.
- Use warm water and a suitable sponge to clean accessible food residue.
- Avoid direct contact between your fingers and the cutting edges.
- Rinse carefully, keeping electrical components dry.
- Allow the blade assembly to dry thoroughly.
Do not attempt to remove a fixed blade assembly for cleaning.
If food becomes trapped around the blades, don't use your fingers to pull it free.
Use a suitable non-metal cleaning utensil or soft brush carefully while the appliance is unplugged.
If the blades appear loose, bent or damaged, stop using the Soup Maker and contact Customer Support.
6. Cleaning the 501020 Total Control Removable Vessel
The 501020 Total Control Soup Maker has a removable cooking vessel, making it different from models with fixed jugs.
How to remove and clean the vessel
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Press the Vessel Release Button.
- Carefully lift the removable vessel out of the jug body.
- Hand wash the vessel using warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry the vessel and its electrical contacts carefully.
- Wipe the jug body with a soft, damp cloth.
- Ensure the removable vessel is correctly aligned before pressing it back into position.
Do not immerse the jug body or lid in water.
The removable vessel should be hand washed rather than placed in a dishwasher.
Cleaning the lid seal
The 501020 also has a removable lid seal that may need occasional cleaning.
- Ensure the lid is cool and the appliance is unplugged.
- Carefully remove the lid seal.
- Wash the seal using warm, soapy water.
- Rinse and dry it thoroughly.
- Refit the seal correctly before using the appliance again.
Check that the seal is not twisted, damaged or incorrectly positioned.
If the seal is split, distorted or no longer fits securely, contact Customer Support.
7. How to Clean the 501050 Clarity Soup Maker
The 501050 Clarity Soup Maker has a transparent jug, making it easier to see the ingredients during cooking.
However, its surface needs careful cleaning to avoid unnecessary scratches or cloudiness.
Recommended cleaning
- Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
- Avoid metal scourers and abrasive cleaning products.
- Clean soon after use to prevent residue drying onto the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
- Use the dedicated Clean programme for routine cleaning where helpful.
Why is my transparent jug becoming cloudy?
Over time, the transparent jug may gradually lose some of its original clarity.
This can occur through normal use and repeated cleaning.
Some staining may also develop after preparing strongly coloured ingredients such as tomatoes, carrots or turmeric.
Minor discolouration or gradual loss of clarity does not necessarily indicate a fault.
However, cracks, deep scratches, surface deterioration or damage around the jug should not be treated as ordinary cosmetic staining.
If the jug appears damaged or you're concerned about its condition, stop using the appliance and contact Customer Support.
8. How Do I Remove Stains From My Soup Maker?
Some ingredients contain natural pigments that can leave marks on cooking surfaces.
Common examples include:
- Turmeric.
- Carrots.
- Tomatoes and tomato purée.
- Beetroot.
- Strongly coloured spices.
What can I do?
- Clean the appliance soon after use.
- Use warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid.
- Allow stubborn food residue to soften before wiping.
- Clean gently with a suitable sponge.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, abrasive powders and unapproved descaling solutions.
Can I use vinegar, lemon juice or bicarbonate of soda to clean my Soup Maker?
We do not recommend using vinegar, lemon juice or bicarbonate of soda to clean the Soup Maker models covered by this guide (48822, 501014, 501020, 501021, 501022, 501025 and 501050).
These products are not part of the standard cleaning procedures we recommend for these models.
Instead, use warm water, a small amount of ordinary washing-up liquid and a soft sponge or cloth.
For models 501020, 501022, 501025 and 501050, you can also use the dedicated Clean or Pre-Clean programme with 800 ml of water and a small amount of washing-up liquid.
Do not add vinegar, lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda, bleach or descaling chemicals to the automatic cleaning programme.
Some discolouration may remain even after thorough cleaning.
If the surface is otherwise intact, this may be cosmetic. If the coating is peeling, flaking or damaged, stop using the appliance and contact Customer Support.
9. Why Does My Soup Maker Smell Unpleasant?
Unpleasant smells can develop when food residue remains inside the jug, around the blades or in seals and other food-contact areas.
How to remove lingering food smells
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Empty any remaining soup.
- Clean the jug thoroughly using warm, soapy water.
- Pay particular attention to the base, blades and lid.
- Clean removable seals where your model allows.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry all components completely.
- Store the appliance in a clean, dry and ventilated location.
Avoid storing the Soup Maker with food residue or moisture trapped inside.
What if the smell is coming from the appliance rather than the food?
A lingering food smell is different from an electrical or burning-plastic smell.
If you notice:
- A strong electrical burning smell.
- Smoke from the motor housing or electrical components.
- Melting or visible heat damage.
- Sparking or unusual electrical noises.
Stop using the appliance immediately and unplug it if safe to do so.
Do not attempt another cleaning or cooking cycle to investigate an electrical fault.
Contact Customer Support.
10. How to Clean the Electrical Contacts and Outer Surfaces
Electrical connections must remain clean and dry for safe operation.
Outer surfaces
- Wipe the outside of the jug or base with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Remove visible food splashes.
- Dry the surfaces afterwards.
- Do not pour or spray water directly onto electrical components.
Electrical connections
If food residue or moisture is visible around a connector:
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow it to cool.
- Keep the connection away from further moisture.
- Do not reconnect the appliance while any electrical contact is wet.
If liquid has entered the electrical housing or connections, do not attempt to dry the appliance by switching it on or running a programme.
Contact Customer Support for advice before further use.
11. Can I Put My Soup Maker in the Dishwasher?
No. The Soup Maker models covered by this guide should not be placed in a dishwasher as complete appliances.
Many models contain electrical components in both the lid and jug assembly.
The 501020 removable vessel is also specified for hand washing.
For safe everyday care:
- Hand wash the appropriate food-contact surfaces.
- Wipe powered components with a suitable damp cloth.
- Avoid immersing electrical assemblies.
- Dry all parts thoroughly before reuse.
12. How Should I Store My Soup Maker?
Correct storage helps prevent odours, trapped moisture and accidental damage.
Before storing:
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Clean the jug, lid and blades.
- Ensure no food residue remains.
- Dry all parts thoroughly.
- Store the appliance upright on a stable surface.
- Keep it somewhere clean and dry.
- Avoid tightly wrapping the power cable around the appliance.
Where practical, leave the lid slightly loose during storage to allow ventilation and reduce trapped odours.
Keep the appliance and its sharp blades out of children's reach.
13. Common Soup Maker Cleaning Questions
| Question or problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Food is stuck to the bottom | Soak with hot, soapy water for approximately 15 minutes, then clean gently |
| Burnt marks won't come off | Repeat soaking; avoid damaging the surface with abrasive tools |
| The Clean programme leaves residue | Manually clean the jug walls, lid and blades afterwards |
| Soup Maker smells of old soup | Clean the jug, blades and any removable seals, then dry thoroughly |
| Transparent jug looks cloudy | Gradual loss of clarity can occur with use; inspect for actual damage |
| Tomato or turmeric stains remain | Clean gently; some cosmetic staining may persist |
| Water is near the electrical contacts | Do not reconnect or use the appliance while wet |
| The blades have food trapped around them | Unplug and clean carefully using a suitable utensil or soft brush |
| The removable vessel won't fit back in | Check alignment and ensure nothing is obstructing it; do not force it |
| The lid seal is damaged | Stop using the appliance and contact Customer Support |
14. When Should I Contact Morphy Richards?
Please contact Customer Support if:
- Burnt-on residue cannot be removed without risking damage.
- The cooking surface is peeling, flaking or visibly damaged.
- The jug or lid is cracked or distorted.
- The blades appear loose, bent or damaged.
- The 501020 removable vessel or lid seal no longer fits correctly.
- Liquid has entered electrical connections or the housing.
- The appliance produces an unusual electrical smell or smoke.
- The Clean programme repeatedly fails to operate correctly.
- You experience repeated burning or sticking despite correct ingredient preparation and cleaning.
Still Need Help?
Contact our Customer Support team.
Please tell us:
- Your Soup Maker model number.
- Which part of the appliance is affected.
- Whether the issue involves food residue, staining, damage, odour or the cleaning function.
- What cleaning steps you've already tried.
- Whether the appliance is otherwise operating normally.
Where appropriate, include clear photographs of the affected area once the appliance is unplugged and cool.
Our team will review the information and advise on the next steps.
Quick Summary – Cleaning Your Morphy Richards Soup Maker
- Always unplug and allow the appliance to cool before manual cleaning.
- Never immerse electrical components or the complete Soup Maker in water.
- Use warm, soapy water and a suitable sponge for routine cleaning.
- Clean the jug and blades carefully after every use.
- Soak stubborn burnt-on food for approximately 15 minutes before removing it.
- Use the Clean or Pre-Clean programme only on models that provide it.
- Models 501020, 501022, 501025 and 501050 use 800 ml of water and a small amount of washing-up liquid for their dedicated cleaning cycles.
- The cleaning programme does not replace manual cleaning of the lid and blades.
- Hand wash the 501020 removable cooking vessel and clean its lid seal when required.
- Avoid abrasive products that may scratch or damage the surface.
- Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, bicarbonate of soda or descaling chemicals in the automatic cleaning programmes.
- Ensure electrical connections are completely dry before reuse.
- Stop using the appliance if you notice electrical damage, smoke or damaged cooking surfaces.
Regular cleaning and careful storage will help keep your Soup Maker ready for your next homemade recipe.
For more help with cooking, blending, heating and troubleshooting, visit our Morphy Richards Soup Maker – All Models – Troubleshooting & Support hub.