How to Clean the Ninja Creami Spindle

Cleaning the spindle on your Ninja Creami is simpler than most people expect. Most of it takes care of itself. You only need to clean the inch that sticks out at the bottom. Here's what you actually need to clean and how to do it.

Does the Ninja Creami spindle need to be cleaned?

Only the very tip does. Most of the spindle is self-cleaning, and you do not need to touch it. The only part that needs to be cleaned after each use is the small metal tip at the bottom, the inch that sticks out and makes contact with your ice cream.

Understanding the Spindle

The spindle has two distinct parts and they need to be treated differently.

The long section is the part that slides up into the machine during processing. This section has a lubricant on it that helps the machine run smoothly. You do not need to clean this part and you should not try to wipe it down. When the spindle retracts back up into the machine after processing, that motion cleans it automatically. It is self cleaning. Leave it alone.

The tip is the small metal section at the bottom, roughly an inch in length, that sticks out when the machine is at rest. This is the only part you need to clean. It is what actually makes contact with your ice cream when processing, so it needs a quick wipe after each use.

How to Clean the Tip of the Spindle

Cleaning the tip takes about ten seconds. After you're done processing and you've removed the ice cream container, ice cream residue will often be left on the little metal tip that sticks out. Here's how to get it clean.

Dampen a cloth or paper towel with warm water. Wipe the metal tip to remove any ice cream residue. For most cleanups, this is all you need. A quick wipe and you're done.
Use a toothbrush or a small bottle brush for stuck-on bits. If residue has dried on or gotten into the little grooves and crevices of the tip, a soft toothbrush or a small bottle brush works great to gently scrub it away. Dip it in warm water, add a tiny bit of mild dish soap if you want, and work it into the spots a cloth can't reach. Scrub it until the spindle is clean.
Wipe away any soap with a clean damp cloth. If you used dish soap, go over the tip once more with a clean damp cloth so no soap residue is left behind to end up in your next pint.
Dry the tip with a towel. Give it a quick dry so it's clean and ready for next time.
Repeat this process. It's very important that you clean the spindle after every use. If you don't, you will end up with stuck on ice cream that can be difficult to get off...and it can start to mold or attract bugs.

Remember, you're only cleaning that little metal tip. Keep the cloth, toothbrush, and water on the tip itself and away from the long lubricated section above it.

What NOT to Do

Do not submerge the spindle or motor base in water. The spindle is part of the motor base and the motor base should never go in water or the dishwasher. Only the containers, lids, and paddle are dishwasher safe.
Do not wipe down the long section of the spindle. That section has lubricant on it intentionally. Wiping it off will remove the lubricant the machine needs to run correctly.
Do not use harsh cleaners or abrasive materials on the tip. A damp cloth is all you need. Harsh cleaners are unnecessary and could leave residue that could end up in your ice cream. Usually, just a little water and some elbow grease will do the trick.

Quick recap: The long section of the spindle is self-cleaning; leave it alone. The one-inch metal tip at the bottom that sticks out needs to be cleaned after every use.