Cleaning an Excalibur dehydrator doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With the right techniques, anyone can quickly and easily learn how to clean an Excalibur dehydrator to ensure it stays in tip-top shape for many years of use. I’m excited to share with you some of the best tips I’ve learned over the past 10 years of cleaning my own Excalibur Dehydrator.
Excalibur food dehydrators are incredibly popular among health-conscious individuals, chefs, and those who love to create their own dried snacks. These dehydrators have a range of functions and features, that make the Excalibur a favorite brand of dehydrating enthusiasts. But like any appliance, Excalibur dehydrators require proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
A clean dehydrator is a happy dehydrator! Learn how to clean an Excalibur dehydrator from someone who has used this awesome appliance for 10+ years. Using a few simple, easy to use techniques, I will have you back to dehydrating delicious and healthy snacks in no time.
Understanding Excalibur Food Dehydrators
Excalibur food dehydrators are super popular kitchen appliances that make dehydrating a variety of foods simple and easy. From delicate herbs to homemade beef jerky to raw foods, Excalibur makes some of the most consistently high quality home food dehydrators on the market.
There are so many benefits to using an Excalibur dehydrator. Consequently, understanding its features will help you make the most of this versatile kitchen tool. In this section, we’ll explore the key components and features of Excalibur dehydrators, as well as their temperature settings.
Components and Features
Excalibur dehydrators are known for their quality construction and features that make food dehydration a breeze. Some of these components and features include:
- A series of adjustable trays that can be easily removed for cleaning or storing larger food items
- An efficient rear-mounted fan and heating element system that distributes heat evenly across all trays using horizontal airflow
- A durable construction that helps maintain consistent temperature levels throughout the dehydration process
- A removable or swinging door to allow for natural ventilation
These design features work together seamlessly to provide optimal dehydration results every time you use your Excalibur dehydrator. However, each of these components must be regularly cleaned after every batch of food your dry. Without a regular cleaning, you risk bacterial growth in your Excalibur dehydrator and slower drying times of your ingredients.
1. Preparing Your Excalibur Dehydrator for Cleaning
Keeping your Excalibur food dehydrator in tip-top shape is essential for food safety and efficient drying performance. Before you begin the cleaning process, you’ll need to prepare the dehydrator for a thorough and safe cleaning. Here’s how to get your dehydrator ready:
Unplugging and Cooling Down
First and foremost, ensure that your dehydrator is unplugged from the electrical outlet. Disconnecting the power cord is a crucial safety measure, as it helps prevent accidental electrocutions and other dangers during cleaning.
Before you start working on the dehydrator, give it some time to cool down if you have recently used it. Cooling the machine to room temperature will make it easier and safer to handle.
Removing Trays and Accessories
Next, you’ll need to remove all the drying trays, liners, and accessories from your Excalibur dehydrator. This includes the plastic door, Polyscreen tray inserts, plastic or stainless steel trays, and nonstick drying sheets for fruit leathers (ex: Paraflexx, silicone, etc.).
Lay the trays and accessories out on a large surface, such as a countertop. Alternatively, stack the trays on top of one another for easy access during the cleaning process. Even though it may seem like a lot of parts to clean, it’s important to wipe down every part of the dehydrator. This will help to maintain a hygienic environment for your food.
Now that your Excalibur dehydrator is disconnected and disassembled, it’s ready for a thorough cleaning. By following these simple steps, you’re ensuring the longevity of your machine and the quality of the food you’re dehydrating. Enjoy your clean, efficient, and well-maintained dehydrator!
2. Cleaning the Excalibur Dehydrator Trays and Polyscreen Tray Inserts
It can seem like a lot of work when you are first learning how to clean the Excalibur Dehydrator trays and polyscreen tray inserts. They have lots of crevices, nooks and crannies which can trap food.
But have no fear – we’ve got you covered so you don’t have to waste tons of time cleaning your Excalibur dehydrator. Check out these tips on how to speed up cleaning your Excalibur dehydrator trays and polyscreen tray inserts!
Brushing off Debris
Before diving into a deep clean, it’s essential to brush off any debris and food particles from the Excalibur food dehydrator trays and polyscreen tray inserts. Shaking the trays and screens over the sink or trash will remove the majority of dried food.
You can also use a soft brush or clean toothbrush to gently remove any residue from the mesh polyscreen tray inserts. This is easiest to do when the polyscreen tray inserts are still nested in the dehydrator trays.
I also find bending the polyscreen tray inserts easily dislodges stuck on fruit and veggie bits. This first pass at cleaning will make the subsequent soaking and scrubbing processes much more manageable and effective.
Soaking Trays in Water
Once you’ve brushed off the loose debris, it’s time to soak the trays and polyscreen tray inserts. Fill a sink or a large container with enough warm, soapy water to submerge the trays and inserts completely. Allow them to soak for anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour. This will help dissolve any stubborn, dried-on food material and make it easier to scrub off.
There are a few options if you don’t have access to a sink or if your sink is too small to fit the large square dehydrator trays. Try opting for soaking your trays and inserts in a clean bathtub, plastic storage tote, kiddie pool, shower or dishwasher.*
*Dishwasher Safe Options
If you’re short on time or want an even more effortless cleaning experience, you’ll be happy to learn that some Excalibur dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe.
Only the Excalibur stainless steel trays and plastic trays are dishwasher safe. Polyscreen mesh inserts, Paraflexx sheets, nonstick silicone sheets and removable doors should not be washed in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents can warp or damage the material.
To determine if your trays can be cleaned in the dishwasher, refer to your dehydrator’s owner’s manual. Alternatively, check the online Excalibur Product Manuals Page. Always use the top rack of the dishwasher and a gentle drying cycle to minimize the risk of damage to the trays.
Scrubbing and Rinsing the Trays
After soaking, use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush to clean the trays further. Pay close attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where food might be stuck.
A clean toothbrush can also be a handy tool for those tight spaces. Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the trays, be sure to rinse them under running water to remove any remaining soap residue.
Drying the Trays
After cleaning, be sure to dry the trays and accessories thoroughly. You can either air dry them in a drying rack or use a clean cloth (or two). The mesh polyscreen inserts and plastic trays really like to hold onto water in all the crevices. Be prepared to have a couple of towels on hand to get the drying job done!
Alternatively, you can always place the trays, mesh screens and inserts back in the dehydrator for a short time to dry. Set the dehydrator to the lowest temperature and let the trays dry for about 15-20 minutes. Once dry, you’ll be ready to use your Excalibur food dehydrator for your next delicious drying project!
3. Cleaning the Inside of the Excalibur Food Dehydrator
Keeping your Excalibur Food Dehydrator clean is essential to maintain its performance. It also ensures that the food you dehydrate is safe for consumption. It’s important not to skip cleaning the inside of your dehydrator where bits of food can easily collect. In this section, we’ll talk about cleaning the interior surfaces, as well as the fan and vent areas.
Wiping Down the Interior Surfaces
First, make sure your dehydrator is switched off and unplugged before you start cleaning. Next, clean the interior food contact areas of your Excalibur Food Dehydrator. Wipe the interior surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water and mild detergent, taking care not to drip water into the electrical components.
Start by wiping down the sides to allow any food debris to fall to the bottom of the dehydrator. Next, use a soapy damp cloth or sponge to wipe away debris and drippings at the base.
After wiping all the surfaces, rinse the dehydrator by using another soft cloth or sponge dampened with clear water. Doing this regularly will help prevent the build-up of residue and keep your dehydrator in top working condition. Never submerge your dehydrator box in water or you can damage the electronics in the appliance and void the warranty.
Scrub the Drying Tray Grooves on the Sides
Excalibur dehydrators are designed with a fan at the back that provides horizontal airflow. The food drying trays are then stacked vertically, like floors in a skyscraper. The Excalibur drying trays slide in and out of the dehydrator using built in grooves or rails on the sides of the machine.
Speaking from experience, these drying tray grooves are sometimes a pain in the butt to clean. Unless you’re wearing a headlamp or are shining a bright light inside the dehydrator, you can’t always see food debris that’s built up on the tray rails.
Using a clean toothbrush has made my life so much easier in cleaning my Excalibur dehydrator drying tray rails! A toothbrush is the perfect size to scrub in between the grooves. The long handle of a toothbrush can easily reach all the way into the back of the dehydrator.
Cleaning the Fan and Vent Areas
It’s essential to keep the fan and vent areas inside the appliance clean. A clean fan means the airflow in your Excalibur dehydrator remains unrestricted. When debris accumulates, it can affect the overall performance of the dehydrator and the quality of the dehydrated food. A fan blocked with crusty food and dust can result in longer dehydrating times and more energy costs.
To clean these areas, carefully remove any visible debris with a dry soft brush or dry cloth. Dry is the key word here! The Excalibur’s owner manuals specifically say NOT to use soapy water to wipe down any of the electrical components. Be gentle in this process, as you don’t want to damage the fan or other components of your dehydrator.
Optional: Compressed Air Can to Clean the Fan
Some dehydrating enthusiasts recommend using a canister of compressed air to blow out any stubborn food stuck on the fan. If you angle the canister slightly through the rear of the dehydrator, you can easily dislodge and remove food pieces stuck on the fan housing. Instead of getting stuck against the wall, these food pieces fall to the bottom of the appliance.
Be careful here as using a compressed air can to clean your dehydrator fan is likely toeing the line on voiding your Excalibur warranty. Specifically the part of the Excalibur dehydrator warranty referring to “…exposure to abnormal or extreme conditions.” Tread lightly here my dehydrating friends! With routine cleaning habits, usually you only need a dry soft brush to clean the fan.
Optional: Vacuuming the Interior
It’s inevitable during the drying cycle that tiny pieces of food will fall to the bottom of your Excalibur dehydrator. Before I wipe down the inside of my dehydrator, I pull out my small handheld vacuum.
The vacuum allows me to suck up the fallen bits of leftover debris from my batch of dehydrated food. I find that using a small handheld vacuum in the interior can quickly remove the majority of debris at the bottom in about 10-15 seconds.
Be careful not to damage the interior of your dehydrator with the vacuum as it may void the warranty. However, the benefits of quickly and carefully removing lots of fallen food bits with a vacuum are a true timesaver!
4. Gently Spot Clean the Exterior of the Dehydrator
To clean the exterior of your Excalibur dehydrator, use a dish cloth or sponge dampened in soapy warm water to spot clean any food residue. Usually the exterior of the Excalibur dehydrator remains pretty clean during a drying project. However, messy marinades or sticky fruit sugars can accidentally spread to the exterior while you’re rotating trays or testing ingredients for dryness.
Wipe Down the Temperature Dial (and Timer)
Don’t forget to use a damp cloth or soft toothbrush to wipe around the temperature dial and timer (if your model has this feature). This high use area tends to collect sticky sugars or residues that need to be cleaned to maintain good hygiene and food safety.
Cleaning the Dehydrator Door
I always seem to forget to clean the dehydrator door so I am specifically calling out a section here so you don’t repeat my mistakes! There are slightly different dehydrator door cleaning protocols depending on the model of your Excalibur appliance. Luckily, both are very straightforward.
Removable Door Dehydrators
Remove the door from the dehydrator, gently dumping any food collected in the bottom notch in the trash or sink. Using a soapy soft cloth or sponge, clean the interior and exterior of the dehydrator door. Rinse under the sink and let air dry or towel dry.
Take extra care with cleaning the clear dehydrator door as the plastic is very soft and scratches easily. Many times you can get away with using a microfiber cloth to gently brush away food particles on the clear plastic dehydrator door.
Swinging Doors Dehydrator
Open the dehydrator doors and use a soft cloth or sponge with soapy warm water to wash down the inside and outside panels. Rinse off the soap with a damp cloth and towel dry the doors to prevent streaking.
Sometimes all the dehydrator doors may need is a simple wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Be careful not to wipe the door down too hard or you could scratch the clear material.
5. Dry All Components and Reassemble Your Dehydrator
After cleaning the Excalibur dehydrator drying trays, the interior and exterior of your appliance, it’s time to dry all of the components. Air drying or towel drying is the easiest way to dry the majority of cleaned Excalibur dehydrator.
Alternatively, you can place the damp drying trays, polyscreen mesh inserts and Paraflexx nonstick sheets in the dehydrator to dry. Turn the temperature dial to the lowest setting to dry for about 15-20 minutes.
Once all of the dehydrator components are dry, store the drying trays, mesh inserts and Paraflexx nonstick liner sheets inside the dehydrator. Especially with the larger dehydrator models, storing your dehydrator components inside your dehydrator will help you keep everything in one place.
Make sure no moisture is left in your dehydrator components before closing the door. Store your cleaned Excalibur dehydrator in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
How to Clean Excalibur Dehydrator Sheets
It is simple and easy to clean Excalibur dehydrator sheets such as the Paraflexx premium nonstick drying sheets and the Paraflexx ultra silicone nonstick drying sheets. These drying sheets are useful for drying fruit leathers, making dried sauces or for sticky foods like fruit or jerky.
Simply use a sponge or dish cloth with soapy water to scrub away any food particles or stains. Rinse off both sides of the drying sheet and let air dry or towel dry.
The nonstick properties of the Excalibur dehydrator sheets make for a quick cleanup. Excalibur recommends to not let their drying sheets soak as this can start to affect the nonstick material. The Excalibur dehydrator sheets are also not dishwasher safe so make sure you always hand wash these to avoid having to buy replacements.
How to Keep Food from Sticking to Excalibur Dehydrator Trays
Luckily Excalibur designed their dehydrator trays with a solution to keep food from sticking to them. The Excalibur dehydrator trays are some of the best nonstick drying trays we’ve used out of any brand.
Good Methods to Keep Food from Sticking to Excalibur Drying Trays
Using Excalibur’s nonstick polyscreen mesh inserts or Paraflexx nonstick drying sheets (aka fruit roll sheets) are some of the easiest ways to prevent food from sticking to the Excalibur dehydrator trays. These inserts and drying sheets are naturally nonstick and flexible, allowing for easy removal of food with a simple bending motion.
If you don’t have the nonstick drying sheets, parchment paper is a great alternative that is also affordable for the cost conscious individual.
Bad Methods to Avoid Using on Excalibur Drying Trays
In my experience, you should avoid spraying or wiping your Excalibur drying trays with oil altogether.
Some drying enthusiasts recommend spraying or wiping a neutral flavored oil on your drying trays to prevent food from sticking to dehydrator trays. This could work, but only if you’re planning to eat your dehydrated food in the next couple weeks. Oils quickly turn rancid over time which is why you avoid dehydrating fatty or oily foods. Plus, oils mixed with dried food can harbor dangerous bacteria such as botulism.
Unfortunately, spraying oil on the mesh polyscreen inserts isn’t just going to affect one batch of food. With all the crevices and tiny holes in the inserts, it is almost certain that oil will transfer to your next batches of food, shortening the shelf life of your future drying projects.
Avoid using aluminum foil to line your Excalibur drying trays which can react with acidic foods or ingredients pretreated with citrus juice, citric acid or Vitamin C powder (ascorbic acid).
Plastic wrap should also be avoided as it can easily trap moisture as the food heats up during the drying process. This trapped moisture is hard to get rid of with plastic wrap lined trays and can cause your food to spoil in long term storage.
Finally, keep the wax paper far away from your dehydrating projects. The wax on the wax paper can start to melt or leach into your food at higher temperatures. It’s best to use parchment paper or one of the nonstick liners offered by Excalibur to prevent food from sticking to your dehydrator trays.
How Often Should You Clean Your Excalibur Dehydrator?
Just like how you wash your dishes after every meal (we hope!), you should clean your Excalibur dehydrator after every drying project. Leftover food residue and jerky drippings can quickly become a breeding ground for bad bacteria and mold. To keep your dehydrator hygienic, your food safe and prevent food poisoning, ensure you maintain a regular cleaning routine like the steps mentioned above.
I like to deep clean my dehydrator after every 5 to 10 drying projects, if it has been in storage a long time or if I’ve dried a particularly sticky or strong smelling food. I take extra care to get into all the crevices inside the dehydrator and maybe even wash my drying trays twice.
You should always clean your Excalibur dehydrator the first time you use it to wash away any residue leftover from the manufacturing process. This will ensure you don’t get any plastic or metal flavors in your food and make sure your food stays chemical free.
Is the Excalibur Dehydrator Dishwasher Safe?
If you’re wondering what parts of your Excalibur dehydrator are dishwasher safe, always refer to your Excalibur owner’s manual for your specific model. Some components are made of materials that would melt or warp in the harsh detergents and high heat of the dishwasher. Other parts are perfectly dishwasher safe which makes for no-hassle cleanup!
Dishwasher Safe Excalibur Dehydrator Parts
The following parts of the Excalibur dehydrator are dishwasher safe per the manufacturer:
- Plastic drying trays
- Stainless steel drying trays
Make sure to place the plastic drying trays in the top rack of the dishwasher if possible for a gentler wash cycle. As best practice, make sure the dishwasher drying cycle is set to low or off to extend the life of your dehydrator parts. Plastics can warp in the high heat of the dishwasher drying cycle so make sure you take extra care if you have plastic drying trays.
Handwash Only Excalibur Dehydrator Parts
The following parts of the Excalibur dehydrator are hand wash only per the manufacturer:
- Paraflexx premium non stick drying sheets (for fruit leathers)
- Paraflexx ultra silicone drying sheets (for fruit leathers)
- Polyscreen tray inserts
- Clear or black plastic doors
Keep in mind that the drying sheets should not be left to soak in a sink per the Excalibur instruction manuals. Soaking can ruin the material of the Paraflexx drying sheets. Simple wash them with warm, soapy water followed by a rinse and then air dry.
Can You Put Plastic Dehydrator Trays in the Dishwasher?
Yes, you can put plastic dehydrator trays manufactured by Excalibur in the dishwasher! It’s a great way to save time and effort in the cleaning process of your Excalibur dehydrator.
Remove the polyscreen inserts and fruit roll sheets (ex: Paraflexx nonstick or silicone sheets) before placing the plastic dehydrator trays in the dishwasher. To extend the life of your Excalibur plastic dehydrator trays, wash and dry your trays on the lowest heat dishwasher cycle. Placing the plastic dehydrator trays on the top rack of the dishwasher for a gentler washing cycle can also help prolong their life.
However, not all brands of dehydrators have dishwasher safe plastic dehydrator trays. Even though Excalibur plastic dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe per the manufacturer’s instruction manuals, a different brand may not be. Check out your user manual before accidentally warping or melting your dehydrator trays permanently.
Are Excalibur Dehydrator Trays Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, Excalibur dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe! However, only the black plastic or stainless steel parts of the Excalibur dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe.
Paraflexx drying sheets for fruit leathers, polyscreen tray inserts and dehydrator doors are not dishwasher safe. Make sure to hand wash these parts of your dehydrator! These components can melt, warp or bend permanently in the high heat of the dishwasher.
Place your dehydrator trays in the dishwasher with the lowest setting drying cycle to extend the life of your trays. If you can, fit your drying trays in the top rack of your dishwasher. The top rack of most dishwashers usually has a gentler washing cycle.
Maintaining Your Dehydrator
Keeping your Excalibur food dehydrator in good shape is essential for ensuring optimal performance and prolonging its lifespan. In this section, we will discuss some valuable tips on using liners, proper storage, and more!
Using Liners to Prevent Sticking
One effective method to keep your dehydrator clean and easy to maintain is by using liners on the trays. Liners, such as Polyscreen tray inserts or fruit roll leather sheets (ex: Paraflexx nonstick drying sheets, silicone drying sheets) can prevent food from sticking to the surfaces, making the cleaning process much simpler. They also protect your trays from direct contact with food, reducing the chances of stains and residue buildup.
Simply place these liners on your dehydrator trays before adding the food, and you will notice a significant difference in the ease of cleanup. Don’t forget to clean the liners themselves with warm soapy water after your dehydrating project.
Excalibur polyscreen tray inserts, Paraflexx nonstick drying sheets and most silicone coated drying sheets are too fragile to go in the dishwasher. Hand wash these puppies!
Proper Storage Tips of Your Dehydrator
Properly storing your Excalibur dehydrator when it’s not in use is crucial in maintaining its longevity and cleanliness. Follow these simple storage tips to keep your dehydrator in top condition:
- Keep it in a cool, dry place: Store your dehydrator in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. This helps protect against damage caused by moisture or high heat conditions. If you have a clear door made from plastic, make sure to keep this away from sunlight. The clear soft plastic can change to a yellowish color from UV rays.
- Store with clean trays: Ensure that your trays have been washed and rinsed thoroughly and are dry before placing them back into your dehydrator for storage. This will help prevent mold, residue, and other unwanted materials from building up inside the unit.
- Protect against dust: If possible, store your dehydrator in its original box or cover it with a clean cloth to prevent dust buildup on the machine and trays.
By following these simple tips, your Excalibur dehydrator will be well-maintained and ready for its next dehydrating project!