how do i clean the rubber ring seal on the blade of my breville blender? it smells funky.

Diagnosis

The "funky" smell emanating from your Breville the Fresh and Furious BBL620SIL is caused by organic matter, fats, and proteins becoming trapped in the microscopic gap between the black silicone gasket and the plastic housing of the blade assembly. Because this seal is designed to be watertight, it creates a vacuum-like environment where moisture and food particles are pressed together, leading to the growth of anaerobic bacteria and mildew. Even if you run the blender with soapy water or use a dishwasher, the pressure of the seal prevents cleaning agents from reaching the underside of the ring. Over time, this creates a biofilm—a thin, slimy layer of bacteria—that survives standard rinse cycles. You can confirm this is the issue by removing the blade assembly and running a finger along the inner rim of the gasket; if you see a greyish or brownish slime or smell a pungent, sour odor, the seal has been compromised by food buildup.

How to Fix It

To fully sanitize the BBL620SIL blade assembly and remove the odor, follow these precise steps:

1. Place the blender jug upside down on a stable, non-slip surface. Ensure the jug is empty and dry.
2. Grip the base of the blade assembly firmly. Rotate the assembly counter-clockwise (to the left) until it fully unscrews from the jug threads.
3. Locate the black silicone O-ring seated in the groove of the blade assembly. Using a blunt-tipped tool—such as a plastic butter knife or a wooden toothpick—carefully pry the ring upward and out of its track. Avoid using metal screwdrivers or sharp knives, as a nick in the silicone will cause the blender to leak.
4. Submerge the silicone ring in a mixture of warm water and white distilled vinegar (1:1 ratio) for 30 minutes. This breaks down the organic biofilm and neutralizes the smell.
5. Scrub the ring using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any remaining debris from the inner circumference.
6. Clean the plastic groove in the blade assembly using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to ensure no residue remains where the ring sits.
7. Rinse all components with clean water and allow them to air dry completely before reassembling.
8. Press the ring firmly back into the groove, ensuring it is seated flush all the way around. Screw the assembly back into the jug clockwise until tight.

If That Didn't Work

• Deep Soak with Baking Soda: If the smell persists, create a paste of baking soda and water. Coat the silicone ring in the paste and let it sit for two hours. Baking soda is a powerful deodorizer that pulls deep-seated odors out of porous silicone.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization: For visible mold (black spots), soak the ring in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for 15 minutes. This kills fungal spores that vinegar may miss. Rinse thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
• Replacement Gasket: If the silicone has become pitted, cracked, or permanently stained, the odor is likely embedded in the material itself. You will need to replace the seal. Look for the BBL620 compatible gasket set to ensure a proper watertight fit.
• Boiling Water Flash: Carefully drop the silicone ring into boiling water for exactly 60 seconds. This "thermal shock" can loosen stubborn proteins, but do not overboil or the silicone may warp and lose its sealing properties.

Heads Up

• Avoid Abrasives: Never use steel wool or scouring pads on the silicone ring; scratches create new hiding spots for bacteria and will lead to faster odor buildup.
• Dry Before Storage: Never store the blender with the blade assembly screwed onto the jug if it is still damp. This traps moisture and accelerates mold growth under the seal.
• Check the Threads: While the seal is out, check the plastic threads on the jug. If food is trapped there, it can contaminate the seal even after a deep clean.
• Weekly Maintenance: To prevent the smell from returning, make it a habit to pop the ring out and rinse it once a week, even if you use the blender daily.