If you love using your Presto Dehydro food dehydrator to make your own dehydrated fruits, veggies and jerky, then you know how important it is to keep your appliance clean. Not only does a clean dehydrator help your food taste great, but it also extends the life of your machine.
However, cleaning a Presto Dehydro food dehydrator can be a bit tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s easy enough to clean a Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator. In a few minutes, even beginners can have a sparkly clean drying machine! We’ll walk you through what you need to take to keep your Presto food dehydrator in tip-top shape.
How to Clean a Presto Dehydro Dehydrator: Quick & Easy Tips for Spotless Results!
Cleaning your Presto Dehydro food dehydrator is important for dehydrating enthusiasts using this versatile kitchen appliance to create delicious, healthy snacks. Luckily for us, the process of cleaning the Presto Dehydro food dehydrator is quite simple.
A thorough, quick cleaning can be done using just a few basic household tools like sponges, soap and warm water. Keeping your Presto dehydrator clean not only helps maintain its efficiency, but also ensures that the dried food remains safe to eat.
It may feel overwhelming at first to figure out how to clean a Presto Dehydro food dehydrator. Ultimately, taking care of your appliance will help you continue enjoy a wide range of delicious and healthy snacks. By following a few easy steps and establishing a simple routine cleaning practice, you can ensure that your Presto Dehydro food dehydrator continues to provide flavorful snacks for years to come.
Why Clean a Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator?
A Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator is a versatile kitchen appliance that is especially great for drying a variety of fruits, vegetables and lean meats. If you’re a hunter, fisherman, gardener, backpacker or simply want to eat healthier, the Presto Dehydro dehydrator is the perfect tool to create delicious snacks and meals. But just why should you clean a Presto Dehydro food dehydrator after you make a batch of jerky, dried fruits snacks or veggie chips?
Cleaning Improves Machine Efficiency (and Faster Drying Times!)
As the natural dehydrating process removes water from food, it causes sticky sugars found in jerky marinades, fruits and vegetables to concentrate. These condensed sugars can leave behind a small amount of food in the form of residue, crumbs and stained trays.
Drippings and debris can quickly clog your dehydrator’s fan which can cause your appliance to run less efficiently. A cleaned dehydrator may only take 6 hours to dehydrate jerky. A dirty dehydrator with a blocked fan may take 12 hours or longer to dry the same food!
A Regular Washing Can Help A Dehydrator Last Decades
Regularly cleaning a Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator not only guarantees its efficiency, but also prolongs its lifespan. Removing food debris and properly cleaning the dehydrator trays will ensure optimal performance and delicious dried foods every time.
Case in point, recently my mother-in-law let me borrow her food dehydrator that she bought way back in the 1980s. Even though her dehydrator was pushing 40+ years old, it was regularly cleaned and ran like a charm. I was shocked when it dehydrated my delicious apples, pears and mangos with ease. Her ’80s dehydrator even dried food in about the same time my brand new fancy dehydrator! A quick cleaning after every drying project goes a long way in saving you money in repair or replacement costs.
Prevent Bad Bacteria and Mold Growth
Cleaning the dehydrator after every batch of food will ensure that bacteria doesn’t grow on leftover food and moisture. We all know that food residue loves to cling to the nooks and crannies on dehydrator trays, sheets and bases.
Leftover drippings from jerky marinades, condensation and sugary fruit residue are the perfect ingredients for bacteria and mildew growth. Regular cleaning keeps your Presto dehydrator hygienic and your food safe to eat. The best way to avoid food poisoning or having to throw away spoiled food is to wash you dehydrator consistently!
First Step. Which Model Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator Do You Have: A Top-Mounted Fan Or Bottom-Mounted Fan?
The great thing about a Presto food dehydrator is that there have been many different models sold over the years. Each model has a slightly different price point and features but they all dehydrate food and all need cleaning. To keep it simple, Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrators come in two basic models with two slightly different cleaning procedures. Check to make sure you understand which model you have before continuing on with the cleaning instructions.
Top-Mounted Fan Dehydrators
Presto’s top-mounted fan dehydrators were designed with the power unit containing the fan, heating element and electrical cord placed at the top of the dehydrator. Below the top-mounted power unit are the stackable drying trays. At the bottom of these models of dehydrator is a simple plastic base with zero electrical components.
Top-mounted fan models include:
- 06300 Presto Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator
- 0630005 Presto Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator (retired model)
Bottom-Mounted Fan Dehydrators
Presto’s bottom-mounted fan dehydrators have been designed with the power unit containing the fan, heating element and electric cord located at the base of the dehydrator. At the top of the dehydrator is a clear plastic lid with zero electrical components. This lid fits snugly into the drying trays. Below the lid are the stackable drying trays. Underneath the drying trays you can find the power unit base or bottom. The bottom-mounted power unit contains electrical components such as the fan, heating element and wraparound electrical cord.
Bottom-mounted fan models include:
- 06301 Presto Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator
- 0630001 Presto Dehdyro Electric Food Dehydrator (retired model)
- 0630102 Presto Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator (retired model)
- 0630203 Presto Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator with adjustable temperature control (retired model)
- 0630302 Presto Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator (retired model)
- 06304 Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator (retired model)
- 0630404 Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator (retired model)
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Clean Your Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator
Just how do you clean a Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator? We’ll take you through a step-by-step process to clean your Presto dehydrator effectively in just a few minutes!
It’s important to clean your Presto Dehydro food dehydrator after every batch of food you dry. This regular cleaning ensures that your appliance operates efficiently and maintains its durability for years (or even decades).
Prep: Assemble Cleaning Tools And Materials
Before starting, gather the necessary cleaning tools and materials. The essential items needed are:
- Non-abrasive soft bristle brush
- Soap or gentle detergent
- Warm water
- Clean cloth or sponge
- White Vinegar or gentle food safe cleaner such. Good cleaner options are: Powdered Brewery Wash, Bon Ami Powder Cleaner (Non Scratch) or Dawn Platinum Powerwash.
Avoid abrasive cleaners which can react negatively with the components of your dehydrator. Never use sharp utensils, metal brushes or scouring pads as they can damage your dehydrator. They could possibly create hard to clean scratches and nicks where bacteria can thrive.
Step 1: Unplug and Dismantle The Presto Dehydrator
Begin by unplugging the Presto Dehydro food dehydrator and allowing it to cool down completely. This will ensure your safety while handling and cleaning the appliance. Don’t forget to remove the batch of food from the dehydrator before cleaning!
Once the dehydrator is cool, carefully remove the top lid and set it aside. Proceed to dismantle the trays by lifting them out one by one.
Examine the base, fan, power cord and plug for any signs of wear, damage or excessive buildup of dirt. Having a clean base and cord ensures the efficient functioning of your Presto Food Dehydrator.
Step 2: Clean The Dehydrating Trays, Liners And Lid Of The Presto Dehydrator
Once the Presto Dehydro dehydrator has been disassembled, it’s time to focus on cleaning the dehydrating trays. This also includes cleaning the top lid, bottom base, nonstick mesh sheets. If you’re making fruit leathers, you must also the fruit roll liner sheets.
Don’t forget to clean any additional drying trays purchased to increase the capacity of your Presto Dehydro dehydrator. These trays, liners, lid, base and sheets may have residue from the food items that were dehydrated, which can grow bacteria. It’s essential to clean the trays properly to maintain the hygiene and performance of the dehydrator.
Top-Mounted Fan Dehydrator Models Cleaning
Set aside the power unit at the top that houses the fan, heating element and electrical cord. Make sure the power unit of your dehydrator never gets overly wet or is submerged in water.
Start by soaking the trays, sheets and plastic base in warm water and mild detergent for a few minutes. This will greatly help to loosen any stubborn residue on the surface of the trays.
After soaking, use a soft brush or non-abrasive sponge to scrub away any food particles or residue. Be gentle while scrubbing to prevent scratches on the trays or base, which could affect their performance in future uses.
Bottom-Mounted Fan Dehydrator Models Cleaning
Remove the bottom power unit and set it aside for the next step. Be careful to not splash excessive water on the electrical components at the base. Never submerge the power unit base in water or you may ruin your dehydrator.
Peel off the clear top lid and disassemble the trays. Start by soaking the trays, liners, sheets and top lid in warm water and mild detergent for a few minutes. This will help loosen up any stuck on food debris left on the trays.
Once soaking is complete, use a sponge, dish cloth or soft bristle brush to scrub away food residue and particles. Be gentle while scrubbing to prevent scratches on the trays or lid, which could affect their performance in future uses.
What Do You Do If You Don’t Have A Sink (Or Your Sink Is Too Small To Fit The Dehydrator Parts) For Cleaning Your Presto Dehydrating Trays?
If you don’t have access to a sink or the wash basin is too small, try using a clean bathtub, plastic storage tote or kiddie pool to clean your dehydrator trays, liners and lids.
Cleaning Stubborn Stains and Residue in the Presto Dehydrator
For more challenging messes, such as sticky marinade or meat juices, it can be helpful to first soak the trays in cold water before cleaning them. Cold water can help to solidify any sticky substances, making them easier to remove during the cleaning process. Alternatively, using white vinegar in a spray bottle or a gentle food safe cleaner can help dissolve stubborn reside.
A soft bristle brush or toothbrush work magic with removing tough stains and sticky marinades. Do not use metal sponges, sharp utensils or scouring pads as they can damage the surface of the trays!
Rinsing and Drying the Presto Dehydro Dehydrator Components
After cleaning the trays, fruit roll liners, nonstick mesh sheets and base (or lid, depending on model), thoroughly rinse them with warm water to remove any remaining detergent or food particles.
Then, allow the trays, sheets, liners and base/lid to air dry completely before reassembling the dehydrator. This ensures no moisture is trapped within the dehydrator, which could cause mold or mildew growth. These microorganisms can spoil your ingredients and leave a bad taste in the next batch of food.
Step 3: Clean The Power Unit Of The Presto Dehydrator
First, double check that your Presto food dehydrator is unplugged and cooled down before you start cleaning its power unit. This is important for your safety and to prevent any potential damage to the appliance. Never submerge the power unit of the machine in water or clean using excessively wet sponges.
Bottom-Mounted Fan Dehydrator Power Unit
As a reminder, for bottom-mounted fan Presto dehydrators, the power unit is located at the base of the appliance. Begin by wiping down the exterior of the dehydrator base using a damp, soapy cloth. Be gentle while cleaning to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. Once the exterior is clean, use a clean cloth dampened with water to rinse the surface, removing any soap residue.
For cleaning the interior of the base, use a soft scrubbing brush, like a toothbrush or kitchen cleaning brush, and a mild soapy water solution. Gently scrub the interior, focusing on areas where food particles or residue may have collected. Avoid using excessive water near the heating element and fan as it could cause damage. A dry soft brush or towel is usually all you need to remove debris from the fan at the base.
Once you have thoroughly cleaned the interior, use a clean cloth dampened with water to rinse the surfaces. Allow the base to air dry completely before reassembling the dehydrator.
Top-Mounted Fan Dehydrator Power Unit
As a reminder, for top-mounted fan Presto dehydrators, the power unit is located at the top of the appliance where the air vent and handle are located. Begin by wiping down the top power unit exterior using a soft cloth dampened with a warm soapy water solution. Take care not to drip water onto the electrical cord or into the fan vent at the top. Once the exterior is clean, use a clean cloth dampened with water to rinse the surface, removing any soap residue.
To clean the interior of the top power unit, use a soft scrubbing brush and a mild soapy water solution. Flip the top lid upside down and gently scrub the interior, focusing on areas where food residue may have collected. Avoid using excessive water near the heating element, vent and fan as it could cause damage. Usually a dry brush or towel will remove most of the debris collected near the fan.
Once you have thoroughly cleaned the interior, use a clean cloth dampened with water to rinse the surfaces. Allow the top power unit to air dry completely before reassembling the dehydrator.
Step 4: Wipe The Heating Element And Fan
Once the trays and the power units of the Presto food dehydrator have been cleaned, it’s important to inspect the heating element, vent and fan. These components often accumulate dust, debris, and food particles over time, affecting their functionality and efficiency.
Using a dry cloth or soft brush, gently wipe away any dust or debris from the fan intake, vents and heating element. Make sure to avoid using excessive water or any cleaning solution, as it may cause damage to the electrical components.
Center Hub Screen Cleaning (Bottom-Mounted Fan Models Only)
After each batch of food, check the screen covering the center fan hub on the base power unit to ensure it is free from food or drippings. If the screen is dirty, gently lift it off and wash in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry completely the screenbefore repositioning over the fan hub and snapping it into place. Avoid dripping water into the central hub while the fan screen is removed.
Troubleshooting: Stubborn Residue Stuck in the Fan or Heating Element
In some cases, the heating element device may have stubborn residues that require a more thorough cleaning. If this is the case, use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the surface of the heating element. Make sure that no excess moisture remains.
For the fan, using a canister of compressed air can help blow away any loose debris caught inside. Ensure that you hold the canister at a safe distance and angle to prevent damage to the fan blades. Vacuuming the fan vents may also help eliminate any lingering particles.
Maintaining the cleanliness of the heating element and fan ensures optimal performance for your Presto food dehydrator. A regular cleaning of the fan and heating after every drying project also extends its life for many more delicious drying sessions.
Step 5: Reassemble The Presto Dehydrator
Once your Presto Dehydro dehydrator is thoroughly cleaned, it’s time to reassemble it. Begin by ensuring all components are completely dry to prevent any potential damage or bacterial growth.
Wrap Power Cord Around Power Unit
To avoid tripping over dangling power cords, wrap the electrical cord in the groove around the Presto Dehydro power unit.
Reattach the Trays to the Base
Start the reassembly process by attaching the trays to the dehydrator base. First, place the bottom tray with handles onto the base of the dehydrator, aligning it with the grooves indicated in the user manual. Next, place a tray without handles on top, repeating the pattern for the stacks of remaining trays. Ensure that each tray is properly aligned and secured onto the one before it.
For compact storage, you can stack the trays onto the base to optimize space. Place all of the trays with handles are upside down and trays with handles are smooth side up.
Quick Storage of Accessories Inside Dehydrator
For easy storage, return any accessories, such as the fruit roll-up tray or nonstick mesh sheets, to the dehydrator trays.
Replace the Cover of the Dehydrator
Finally, place the lid or top cover onto the dehydrator, making sure it fits snugly and securely. Your Presto Food Dehydrator should now be ready for use once again! Regular cleaning ensure that you can continue dehydrating your favorite fruits, vegetables or meats.
Are Presto Dehydrator Trays Dishwasher Safe?
Some Presto dehydrator plastic drying trays are dishwasher safe which makes for quick and easy cleanup! Please double check your Presto Dehydrator manual and model before putting your trays in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, some drying trays are made from softer plastic and can easily melt in the dishwasher.
Don’t Melt Your Drying Trays in the Dishwasher!
For dishwasher safe plastic drying trays, make sure to remove the dehydrator trays before the dishwasher drying cycle starts. The high heat of the drying cycle will warp the trays. The Presto Dehydrator manuals recommend setting the dishwasher cycle to the low heat or no heat dry settings.
To extend the life of your drying trays, place the trays in the top rack of the dishwasher. The top rack of most dehydrators usually has a gentler washing cycle.
Are The Presto Fruit Roll Sheets and Nonstick Mesh Screens Dishwasher Safe?
Unfortunately, the fruit rollup sheets and nonstick mesh screens are NOT dishwasher safe and will melt or warp in the dishwasher. You’ll also likely void the Presto food dehydrator warranty. Hand wash the fruit roll sheets and nonstick mesh screens to avoid having to purchase new dehydrator accessories!
Top-Mounted Fan Presto Dehydrators Dishwasher Safe Components
Unfortunately, none of the components on the Presto top-mounted fan dehydrators are safe to put in the dishwasher. The plastic is perfectly safe for the low temperatures of dehydrator but cannot withstand the high temperatures of the dishwasher and cleaning action of the detergents.
Handwash the trays, either dipping them or soaking them first in soapy water to make it easier to remove stuck on food. Do not submerge the power unit at the top containing the fan and heating element in water or you will ruin the electronics and void the warranty.
Bottom-Mounted Fan Presto Dehydrators Dishwasher Safe Components
The dehydrator trays and see-through cover lid of the Presto bottom-mounted fan dehydrator models ARE dishwasher safe but you MUST remove them before the heating cycle starts. Do not place the power unit at the bottom containing the fan and heating element in the dishwasher or you’ll likely ruin the electrical components and void the warranty.
Presto’s Recommendation for Using the Dishwasher to Clean Your Dehydrator
Even if your Presto dehydrator model’s trays are dishwasher safe, the Presto dehydrator owner’s manual instructions actually recommend handwashing the trays and lids to get the longest life out of the trays! However, if you’re a busy person like myself, you may just want to opt for the dishwasher when possible to save yourself time cleaning your Presto Dehydro dehydrator.
You can find more information on cleaning your specific model of Presto Food Dehydrator in the Presto Dehydrators Product Manuals page.
Is a Presto Dehydrator Dishwasher Safe?
ONLY certain parts on certain models of the Presto dehydrator are dishwasher safe. The dishwasher makes for quick and easy cleanup of your Presto dehydrator, especially with stubborn sticky reside from jerky recipes or drying sugary fruits like apricots or grapes. However, you must remove any dishwasher safe component before the drying cycle of your dishwasher or they will warp or melt, causing your dehydrator to not work.
Instead, Presto recommends setting the dishwasher cycle to the low heat or no heat dry settings before washing the dishwasher safe dehydrator parts. To extend the life of your drying trays, place the trays in the top rack of the dishwasher for a gentler washing cycle. When in doubt, hand wash your dehydrator components if you are unsure of how to clean your Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator.
Dishwasher Safe Presto Dehydrator Components
The following parts are dishwasher safe per the Presto Dehdyrator manuals:
- Plastic dehydrator trays (Only on Bottom-mounted fan models)
- Clear top lid (Only on Bottom-mounted fan models)
- Add-on Nesting Dehydrator Trays (Only on Bottom-mounted fan models)
Hand Wash Only Presto Dehydrator Components
These parts are NOT dishwasher safe per the Presto Dehydrator manuals and should be washed by hand with warm soapy water and a sponge or soft bristle brush:
- Nonstick mesh screens (any model)
- Fruit roll sheets (any model)
- Power units containing the fan and heating element (any model)
- Top-mounted fan models Plastic Dehydrator Trays
- Top-mounted fan models Plastic Base
- Top-mounted fan models Add-on Nesting Dehydrator Trays
Even if your Presto dehydrator model components are dishwasher safe, the manufacturer actually recommend hand washing the trays and lids to get the longest life out of your dehydrator. You can find more information on cleaning your specific model of Presto Food Dehydrator in the Presto Dehydrators Product Manuals page.
How Often Should You Clean a Presto Food Dehydrator?
First Time Use Cleaning
Before you first use your Presto Dehydro food dehydrator, make sure you give it a good cleaning. Like any new kitchen product you purchase, you should always wash it down to remove any dust from storage, debris from transportation and residual chemicals from the manufacturing process.
Presto makes it very clear in their dehydrator manuals to wash your dehydrator before you use it for the first time. This will help you become familiar with your new dehydrator and ensure that no plastic flavors or smells leftover from the factory contaminate your food.
Regular Cleaning After Every Drying Project
It is recommended to clean your Presto Dehydro food dehydrator and dehydrator trays after each use to prevent the buildup of bad bacteria and prolong the life of the appliance. Just like how you wash your dishes after every meal (I hope!), you need to wash your dehydrating trays and dehydrator after every drying project.
Pieces of residual food on your drying trays can grow bacteria or mold and contaminate your food, spoiling the whole batch and potentially cause food poisoning. Similarly, bacteria or mildew growing on pieces of food caught near the fan or on the base of the dehydrator can be blown up into the trays, contaminating the whole batch. Avoid this risk by cleaning your Presto dehydrator trays, base/lid and dehydrator power unit after every time you use them for drying food.
Deep Cleaning Your Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator
Personally, I like to deep clean my dehydrator after every 5 to 10 batches of food. I’ll do a thorough scrub down, spending extra time getting into the nooks and crannies and making sure it is spotless. There is no hard and fast rule for deep cleaning.
I’ll also deep clean my dehydrator to remove dust or any debris that has collected if I haven’t used it in several monthsto ensure hygienic conditions and good food safety practices before drying my food.
How to Keep Food From Sticking to the Presto Food Dehydrator Trays?
There are several ways to prevent food from sticking to the Presto food dehydrator trays. Some work better than others and some should be avoided at all costs to avoid electrical fires and help prolong the shelf life of your dried food.
Best Methods to Keep Food From Sticking to Presto Dehydrator Trays
One of the best methods to prevent food from sticking to dehydrator trays is to use Presto’s nonstick plastic mesh screens, which can be easily bent to remove any stuck on food and washed more easily than the trays.
Alternatively, nonstick silicone liners or fruit roll sheets easily prevent food from sticking and are very easy to clean.
Parchment paper is a great affordable alternative to be used as a nonstick barrier between the food and the tray.
Another good method to prevent food from sticking to the dehydrator trays is by gently lifting food off the trays with a spatula after one hour of drying. Set the food back down before closing the dehydrator back up. This is super easy to do – just don’t forget to set a timer for one hour!
Okay Methods to Keep Food From Sticking to Presto Dehydrator Trays
Another way to keep food from sticking to the Presto dehydrator trays is to lightly spray the trays with non-flavored cooking oil or to apply a small amount of oil using a paper towel. Be aware that oil will drastically shorten the shelf life of your dried food. Oils become rancid over several weeks to months, leading to bacteria growth and off flavors. Even a tiny amount of oil can transfer from batch to batch of food which can contaminate future batches of dried food.
Unless you’re going to eat your dried food within the next couple of weeks, it is probably best to avoid using oil spray on your dehydrator trays.
Bad Methods to Keep Food From Sticking to Presto Dehydrator Trays
Avoid using aluminum foil to line your trays which can react with acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus or foods pretreated with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), causing small pieces of foil to flake off into your food slices.
Plastic wrap and saran wrap should also be avoided as they trap moisture as the food heats up during the dehydration process and causes spoilage. The plastic or saran wrap brand would need to be labeled as oven safe to avoid chemicals from leaching into your food.
Wax paper should also not be used as the temperatures in your dehydrator can start to melt the wax, causing the paper to deteriorate onto the trays and your food.