Blenders have long been a "powerful assistant" in the kitchen, from making cool smoothies, making delicious nut milk, to grinding baby food. I used to be proud to think I was good at using it, but recently I discovered a bunch of cool tips that I was previously ignorant of. Thinking back on more than 30 years of struggling in life, only knowing how to blend roughly and then letting the machine get dusty, I just want to bang my head against the wall and complain: "Why didn't anyone tell me sooner!"

Below are 8 secrets of blenders that I bet many people don't know. After reading, you will regret it like me, guaranteed!

1. Crush ice before adding water

Do you often throw a large piece of ice into the blender with water and press the button right away? I used to do it all the time, thinking it would save time, but it turned out to be the fastest way to "kill" the blade and make the machine rumble like it was about to explode. The trick is to first crush the ice into small pieces – dice size is nice – grind dry for 5-10 seconds, then slowly add water. The result? The ice is as smooth as snow, the machine is light, no worries about damage. Knowing this early, I wouldn’t have had to fix the machine twice just because I wanted to be quick.

2. Use warm water to grind hard vegetables

Carrots, beets, or pumpkins are as hard as rocks, making you sweat because they can’t be ground smoothly? I used to struggle with a pile of vegetables, pouring cold water all over the blender but the machine was still “gasping”. The secret lies in warm water – about 40-50°C, no need to burn your hands. This temperature softens the ingredients just enough, helping the blade “handle” them easily, while the nutrients are still intact, no worries about evaporation like boiling. The first time I tried it, I was surprised because the smoothie was as smooth as cream, unfortunately no one taught me since I was clumsy at making porridge for my children.

3. Grind a little at a time instead of stuffing

I used to have the mindset of "pour it all in and get it done", stuffing the blender with vegetables and fruits, thinking that would save time. The result? The machine vibrated violently, grinding for half a day but still had some lumps, once I even smelled a burning smell from the motor. It turns out that grinding a little at a time - just half the blender - and stopping in between if necessary, is the smart way. It's fast, smooth, and prolongs the life of the machine. Now looking back at the pile of ingredients that used to torment the poor machine, I just want to apologize to it.

4. Making peanut butter is super easy

Did you know that a blender can be turned into a mini "butter factory"? I was clueless about this until last week. Just put roasted peanuts in the blender - about 200g is enough - dry grind at high speed for 3-5 minutes, stopping occasionally to stir. When the beans start to smooth, add a spoonful of cooking oil and a little salt, continue grinding and you will have fragrant, smooth butter that is no less than the ones sold in stores. The price of butter in the market is nearly a hundred thousand for a small jar, making it yourself is both cheap and delicious, unfortunately I didn't try it sooner to save money for years.

5. Deodorize the blender

Does your blender ever have a lingering smell of onions, garlic, or fish? I was once terrified when the blender smelled of smoothies the day before but the next day it reeked of fish sauce. The trick is to pour in a spoonful of baking soda mixed with half a cup of water, turn on the blender for 30 seconds, then rinse with warm water. Baking soda magically absorbs odors, the blender is as clean as new, no need to scrub with tired hands. If I had known this trick when I was blending fishy foods for my cat, I wouldn't have had to throw away my old blender.

6. Grind fine powder from grains

Make oatmeal, rice flour, or bean flour at home without a specialized blender? It sounds hard to believe, but a blender can do it all! Pour dry grains – such as oats or roasted rice – into the blender, turn on the highest speed for 1-2 minutes, occasionally stopping to stir evenly. The result is a smooth powder, used to cook porridge, make delicious cakes. I used to spend money on ready-made powder at the store, now thinking back I regret not taking advantage of the "superpower" of my blender sooner.

7. Cut into small pieces before blending leafy vegetables

Do greens and spinach often stick together when blending smoothies? I used to be annoyed because the mixture was all lumpy vegetable fibers, not enjoyable to drink. The secret is to cut the vegetables into small pieces first, about 2-3cm – then put them in the blender with a little water, blend at low speed for 10 seconds first, then gradually increase to high speed. This method helps the blade process more evenly, the smoothie is smooth as velvet, without any fibers to spoil the mood. Knowing this trick since I was addicted to green drinks, I didn't have to throw away those "failed" smoothies in the past.

8. Super fast cleaning with dishwashing liquid

Washing a greasy blender that is slippery and never gets clean? I used to spend all day scrubbing the blender after blending fatty foods like butter or nut milk. Now it's different, just pour warm water - about half the blender - add 2-3 drops of dishwashing liquid, turn on the blender for 20-30 seconds, then rinse with clean water. That's it! The blender is shiny, no need to touch the greasy residue. If I had known this tip earlier, I wouldn't have been so cranky every time I cleaned the kitchen over the years.