How Kuvings Juicers Work and How to Keep Them Clean
What Kuvings juicers do and why they're different
Kuvings makes cold-press and masticating juicers — machines that crush and squeeze produce rather than spin it at high speed. The slower motion generates less heat, which means the juice retains more nutrients and enzymes, and stays fresher longer in your refrigerator. If you own a Kuvings model, you're working with a juicer designed to extract juice from leafy greens, wheatgrass, and soft fruits as well as harder vegetables like carrots and beets.
The main difference between Kuvings models is size and motor power. The Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer is their most common home model — it has a single auger (a screw-like part) that presses produce against a screen. The Kuvings Chef juicer is a two-stage model that first crushes produce, then presses it. Both work on the same principle: slow extraction means less oxidation, so your juice doesn't brown as quickly and tastes fresher when you drink it hours later.
Key Takeaways
- Kuvings juicers use a slow-press method that generates less heat than high-speed juicers, so nutrients and flavor stay intact longer.
- Clean the mesh screen immediately after juicing — pulp dries and hardens on it within minutes, making it much harder to wash later.
- Store juice in an airtight glass container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 72 hours.
- The motor housing and electrical parts never go in water; only the removable parts (auger, screen, collection cup, pusher) are meant to be washed.
Cleaning the mesh screen right after you juice
The mesh screen is the part that catches pulp and lets juice through. Pulp sticks to it immediately and hardens as it dries, so rinse it under running water within a minute of finishing your juice. Use the soft brush that came with your Kuvings — it's designed to fit the screen's holes without tearing the mesh. Brush gently in a circular motion, holding the screen up to the light so you can see which spots still have pulp trapped in them.
If you wait more than a few minutes, soak the screen in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before brushing. This softens the dried pulp and makes it easier to remove without forcing the brush and damaging the mesh. Never use a hard scrub brush, steel wool, or put the screen in the dishwasher — these will puncture or warp it, and a damaged screen lets pulp into your juice.
Once the screen is clean, stand it upright on a clean towel to air-dry completely before you reassemble the juicer. Any moisture left in the mesh can trap bacteria or mold if you store the juicer with the screen still damp.
Washing the auger, collection cup, and pusher
The auger (the spiral part that does the pressing), the collection cup, and the pusher are all removable and safe to wash by hand with warm soapy water. Wash them immediately after juicing, just like the screen. The auger has grooves where pulp can hide, so use a small brush or an old toothbrush to clean between the spirals. Pay special attention to the top of the auger where it connects to the motor — pulp often collects there.
The collection cup and pusher are straightforward — warm soapy water and a regular sponge work fine. Dry all three parts completely before reassembling, because any water left inside the juicer can cause rust or electrical problems when you plug it in next time.
What never goes in water
The motor housing, the base, and the electrical cord must never be submerged or sprayed with water. These parts contain the motor and electrical components that will short out or fail if they get wet. If juice or pulp splashes on the outside of the motor housing during juicing, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth, then dry it with a towel. Never pour water over the motor or let it sit wet.
The feeding tube (where you push produce down) can be wiped out with a damp cloth, but do not soak it or spray it with water. If pulp is stuck inside, use a dry cloth or the soft brush to remove it, or let it dry and brush it out later.
Storing your Kuvings juicer between uses
Once all removable parts are completely dry, reassemble the juicer and store it in a cool, dry place. Do not store it with the screen or auger attached if they're still damp — moisture trapped inside will cause mold or rust. If you juice daily, you can leave the juicer assembled on your counter. If you juice less often, disassemble it and store the parts in a clean, dry cabinet or drawer.
Keep the soft brush and any other small parts in a small container so they don't get lost. Store the instruction manual and warranty information nearby so you can reference them if you need to troubleshoot or order replacement parts.
How to store juice in your refrigerator
Fresh juice from a Kuvings juicer stays fresher longer than juice from a high-speed juicer, but it still oxidizes over time. Pour juice into an airtight glass container — glass is better than plastic because it doesn't absorb flavors or odors, and you can see if mold is growing inside. Fill the container all the way to the top so there's as little air as possible touching the juice, then seal it tightly.
Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back of the bottom shelf. Cold slows oxidation and bacterial growth. Juice from a Kuvings juicer will stay fresh for up to 72 hours (three days) if stored this way. After three days, the flavor and nutrient content decline noticeably, and the risk of bacterial growth increases.
If you want juice to last longer, freeze it in ice cube trays or small freezer containers. Frozen juice keeps for several months and thaws quickly when you're ready to drink it, though the texture may change slightly.
Dealing with odors in your juicer
Kuvings juicers can develop strong smells, especially after juicing leafy greens or wheatgrass. If the auger or screen smells after washing, soak them in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water for 15 to 20 minutes, then brush and rinse thoroughly. Vinegar breaks down the compounds that cause the smell without damaging the parts.
If the smell lingers in the motor housing or feeding tube, wipe those areas with a cloth dampened in vinegar, then wipe again with a dry cloth. Never let vinegar sit on the motor housing — wipe it off immediately. Store the juicer with the parts disassembled and dry so air can circulate and odors don't build up inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the screen in the dishwasher?
No. The dishwasher's high heat and pressure will warp or puncture the mesh screen. Hand wash it with a soft brush under running water immediately after juicing, and air-dry it completely before storing.
How long does juice stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Juice from a Kuvings juicer stays fresh for up to 72 hours in an airtight glass container stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator. After three days, flavor and nutrient content decline, and bacterial growth becomes more likely.
What should I do if the juicer stops working?
First, make sure the motor housing and electrical cord are completely dry and the plug is fully inserted. Check that all removable parts are assembled correctly and seated firmly. If the juicer still doesn't work, consult the instruction manual or contact Kuvings customer service — attempting to repair the motor yourself can be dangerous.
Can I juice frozen fruit in my Kuvings?
No. Frozen fruit is too hard and can jam the auger or damage the motor. Thaw fruit completely before juicing, or use only fresh produce. If the juicer jams, turn it off immediately and unplug it before trying to remove the stuck fruit.
Is it normal for juice to separate in the refrigerator?
Yes. Juice from a Kuvings juicer is not homogenized, so the liquid and pulp naturally separate over time. Shake or stir the container before drinking. This separation is actually a sign that the juice is fresh and hasn't been heavily processed.