Top 10 Most Common Juicer Repair Questions Answered

1. Why won’t my juicer turn on?

If your juicer won’t power on at all, start with simple checks before assuming it’s broken. Make sure it’s firmly plugged into a working outlet (test with another appliance). Many juicers have safety interlocks that prevent operation unless the lid, pulp bin, or juice jug is correctly seated. Reseat all removable parts, then try again.

Check for a reset button or thermal fuse on the base—if the motor overheated, it may need several minutes to cool before resetting. If nothing happens, test a different outlet and inspect the power cord for cuts or burn marks. ⚠️ Stop using the juicer if you see sparks, burning smell, or exposed wiring; call a professional or the manufacturer instead of opening the motor housing yourself.

2. Why is my juicer making loud or unusual noises?

Juicers make some noise, but sudden grinding, rattling, or screeching usually signals a problem. First, unplug the unit and disassemble it. Check for hard objects like fruit pits, seeds, or silverware that may have fallen into the feed chute. Also inspect the blade or auger for chips or bends and verify all parts are seated correctly and locked in place.

An unbalanced load—like large, hard chunks of carrot—can cause vibration and noise. Cut produce into smaller, even pieces and feed gradually. If the noise persists, the bearings or motor may be failing.

If you smell burning or see smoke, stop immediately and contact a qualified repair service.

3. Why is my juicer not extracting enough juice?

If you’re getting very little juice and lots of wet pulp, there are several likely causes. Over time, the filter basket or mesh screen can clog with microscopic pulp and mineral buildup, reducing efficiency. Soak it in warm water with mild detergent, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Avoid metal brushes that can damage the mesh.

Cut produce into smaller pieces and alternate soft items (like oranges) with harder ones (like carrots) to keep the screen clear. Feeding too fast can overwhelm the juicer, so slow down and let it process each batch fully. Different machines also handle certain produce better, so check your manual for recommended items.

If performance doesn’t improve after a thorough cleaning and better technique, the blade/auger may be dull or worn. At that point, replacing the part or consulting a professional is usually more effective than continued DIY fixes.

4. Why does my juicer keep clogging or jamming?

Frequent clogs are usually linked to how and what you’re juicing. Stringy produce like celery, kale stems, or pineapple cores can wrap around the blade or auger. To reduce jams, cut fibrous items into shorter pieces and feed them slowly, alternating with watery produce (cucumber, apple) to flush the screen. 🥒🍎

Always clean the filter basket, chute, and auger thoroughly after each use; leftover pulp dries and hardens, causing the next session to jam quickly. If your juicer has a reverse function, use it when you feel resistance to back out stuck material instead of forcing it.

If your juicer frequently trips its safety shut-off even with good technique, the motor might be weakening. That’s a sign to call a professional or consider a replacement.

5. Why is my juicer leaking juice or dripping everywhere?

Leaks can come from several spots: spout, lid, or base. First, confirm you’ve assembled the juicer correctly, with all seals and gaskets in place. Many machines have silicone rings around the filter or spout that prevent leaks; if these are missing, cracked, or warped, liquid can escape.

Overfilling the pulp container or juice jug also causes overflow, especially with juicy fruits. Empty the pulp bin frequently and don’t exceed the max-fill line. Make sure you’re not using an incorrect or mismatched container under the spout.

If you see juice seeping from the motor base, stop using the juicer. Liquid inside the motor is a shock and fire hazard and requires professional service or replacement.

6. Why does my juicer smell like burning or get very hot?

A slight warm motor is normal, but strong burning smells or excessive heat are warning signs. Turn the juicer off, unplug it, and let it cool. Overloading the machine with too much hard produce at once forces the motor to work overtime. Cut items smaller, feed slowly, and respect the recommended duty cycle (for example, 2 minutes on, 1 minute off).

Dust and dried pulp around the vents can block airflow, causing overheating. Gently vacuum or wipe the exterior vents (never spray water into the motor). If the burning smell continues after reducing load and cleaning vents, the motor windings or internal wiring could be failing.

⚠️ Do not continue to run a juicer that smells of burning plastic or emits smoke. Disconnect it immediately and contact the manufacturer or a certified repair center; internal electrical work is not safe as a DIY project.

7. Why is my juicer vibrating or walking across the counter?

Excessive vibration or “walking” is usually a balance issue. An uneven load—like a large piece of beet on one side of the filter—can throw the spinning basket off balance. Always cut produce into uniform pieces and feed them gradually. Check that the juicer is on a flat, stable surface and that all four feet are touching the counter; worn or missing rubber feet can worsen vibration.

Disassemble and inspect the filter basket and blade. If they’re dented, warped, or not seated flat on the motor shaft, the rotation will be uneven. Also clear any dried pulp stuck to the basket, which can create weight imbalances.

If the machine still vibrates heavily after cleaning and proper assembly, the motor shaft or internal bearings may be damaged. At that point, further use could cause more serious failure, so consult a repair professional or the manufacturer’s service department.

8. Why won’t my juicer start even though the light is on?

If the power light is on but the motor won’t run, the safety interlock system is usually the culprit. Many juicers require that the lid, feed chute, pulp container, and locking arm are all perfectly aligned before the motor engages. Remove and reinstall each piece carefully until you hear or feel it click into place.

Some models also have speed or mode selectors that must be firmly set before the motor activates. Try switching speeds or turning the dial back to “off,” then back to your chosen setting. Occasionally, a stuck start switch or button can cause issues; unplug the unit and press the button repeatedly to free any debris around it.

If none of these help, the interlock switch itself may be faulty. Because this involves electrical safety components, it’s best to contact a professional repair shop or the manufacturer instead of bypassing the switch yourself, which can be dangerous.

9. Why is the pulp from my juicer too wet or too dry?

Pulp tells you a lot about how your juicer is performing. Very wet pulp usually means insufficient extraction. Clean the filter basket or screen thoroughly, and try juicing more slowly with smaller pieces. For masticating juicers, check the pulp outlet cap or pressure setting—increasing pressure can squeeze out more juice.

Extremely dry pulp isn’t always bad; some high-end machines are designed for maximum extraction. However, if the pulp is so dry that the juicer is struggling, stalling, or overheating, you may be over-pressurizing the system (common on adjustable masticating models).

If extraction remains poor after cleaning and adjustments, the blade or auger may be worn and need replacement.

10. Why are parts of my juicer cracking, staining, or turning cloudy?

Plastic components can stain, crack, or become cloudy over time, especially when exposed to strong pigments and acids from carrots, beets, turmeric, and citrus. Clouding often comes from microscopic scratches caused by abrasive cleaners or scrub pads. Switch to soft sponges and non-abrasive cleaners to avoid further damage.

Cracking or crazing (fine lines in plastic) may be due to age, repeated dishwasher cycles, or harsh detergents. Many manufacturers recommend hand-washing only, especially for lids, chutes, and jugs. Staining can be reduced by rinsing immediately after use and occasionally soaking parts in a solution of water and baking soda or diluted vinegar.

If you notice structural cracks near locking arms, handles, or stress points, stop using those parts; they can break under pressure and cause injury. Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. If critical components are no longer available, it may be safer and more cost-effective to invest in a new juicer.

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Juicer Running Smoothly

1. Clean immediately after each use
   Rinse and wash key parts (filter basket, auger, chute, lid) right away so pulp doesn’t dry and harden. This prevents clogs and keeps extraction efficient.

2. Use proper cutting and feeding techniques
   Cut hard or fibrous produce into small, even pieces and feed them gradually. Alternate soft and hard ingredients to keep the screen clear.

3. Perform a weekly deep clean
   Soak the filter basket and removable parts in warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush on the mesh screen and check for buildup around seals and gaskets.

4. Inspect for wear and tear regularly
   Every few weeks, check blades, augers, seals, and power cords for damage. Replace worn parts early to avoid bigger failures.

5. Avoid overworking the motor
   Follow the manufacturer’s recommended run/rest cycles. If the body feels very hot or you smell overheating, stop and let it cool completely.

6. Store assembled but dry
   Make sure all parts are fully dry before reassembling and storing. This prevents mold, odors, and corrosion, helping your juicer stay fresh and reliable for years.