how to clean kitchenaid pasta attachment

Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide on how to clean KitchenAid pasta attachments (rollers, cutters, and the gourmet pasta press) safely and effectively, plus what most people miss.

Before you start

• Turn the stand mixer off and unplug it every time before removing or cleaning attachments.

• Never immerse the roller/cutter body in water and never put them in the dishwasher unless the manual explicitly says a specific part is dishwasher‑safe.

• Let any stuck dough dry completely; dried dough is much easier and safer to remove than soft, sticky dough.

Cleaning the pasta roller & cutters

These are the classic metal roller and fettuccine/spaghetti cutter set.

Quick routine after each use

1. Remove from mixer
   • Detach the roller or cutter from the mixer hub and set it on a dry towel.

2. Let dough dry
   • Allow the attachment to air‑dry for at least an hour so that any remaining dough hardens.

3. Brush off dried dough
   • Use the included cleaning brush to scrub along the rollers and in between cutter slots to remove dry dough.

 * If some bits are stubborn, gently tap the attachment with your hand to loosen them, or use a wooden toothpick for tight spots.

4. Polish the exterior
   • Wipe and polish the exterior with a soft, dry cloth to remove flour dust and fingerprints, then store in a dry place.

What you should never do

• Do not run water over the roller or cutters, do not soak, and do not put them in the dishwasher; water can cause rust and damage internal gears.

• Do not use knives, skewers, or metal tools inside the rollers or cutters, as they can scratch or bend parts.

Deep‑clean idea from home cooks

• Some experienced users wipe the visible inner roller surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth or a cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, advancing the roller by hand and then letting it dry completely, to remove oily residue.

• Another trick is to run a small “sacrificial” batch of firm, floured dough through a new or dusty roller and discard the first few sheets or strands, which can pull out any hidden residue.

Cleaning the gourmet pasta press

This is the attachment that extrudes shapes like macaroni, bucatini, fusilli, etc.

Step‑by‑step cleaning

1. Power off and disassemble
   • Turn the mixer off, unplug it, remove the pasta press from the hub, and disassemble all parts: housing, auger, pasta ring, cutter, plates, and combo tool.

2. Let dough dry in the plates
   • Allow any excess dough in the pasta plates and interior to dry completely before scraping.

3. Remove dried dough
   • Use the provided plastic cleaning tool to push and scrape dried dough out of the plates and internal channels.

 * Do not use metal objects other than the supplied tool to avoid scratching or deforming the plates.

4. Wash the correct pieces by hand
   • Clean the pasta press body, cutter, and plates by hand ONLY using a soft, damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.

 * Do not immerse the housing in water and do not put it in the dishwasher.

5. Parts that may go in the dishwasher
   • The pasta ring, auger, and combo tool can usually be hand‑washed in warm, soapy water or placed in the top rack of the dishwasher if your manual specifies this.

6. Dry and store
   • Make sure every part is completely dry, then reassemble or store in the storage case to keep dust and moisture away.

When you suspect buildup inside

Over time, fine flour and tiny dough bits can accumulate inside the pasta attachments and cause rattling or uneven rolling.

• Some instructors show how to partially dismantle the roller to shake out hidden debris, but this involves removing screws and internal parts and can be tricky to reassemble.

• If you choose to go that route, follow a detailed, trusted guide for your exact model and understand that this is more of an advanced, at‑your‑own‑risk method; the safer option is to stick to the official brush‑and‑dry routine plus sacrificial dough passes.

Safety and hygiene tips

• Always let attachments dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mold and corrosion.

• Occasionally run a fresh, firm dough through an older attachment and discard the first pieces to grab any fine residues and give you a visual cleanliness check.

• If you ever see rust, pitting, or black residue that won’t polish off, or if the attachment grinds or catches badly, contact KitchenAid support for repair or replacement guidance.

TL;DR: Let dough dry, brush everything out, wipe with a soft dry (or barely damp) cloth, and never soak or dishwash the roller/cutter bodies or press housing; use the supplied tools and only wash the parts your manual lists as water‑ or dishwasher‑safe.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.