Food Is Trapped Behind KitchenAid Mixer Planetary Assembly

When using a KitchenAid mixer, it is not uncommon to get food or dough not to mention dirt or grime behind the moving parts of the planetary assembly, also known as the orbital gear. This can seem like an impossible problem to fix, but don't worry even in the worst case scenario the problem is pretty easy to solve. iFixit has several disassembly guides for different models of KitchenAid mixers for you to follow, but the process is pretty much the same across models.

To thoroughly clean the planetary assembly, it's important to first remove the aluminum drip ring. To remove the drip ring, simply insert a spudger or another thin tool between the ring and the body of the mixer and pry the ring off.

Scrape along the planetary assembly's outside rim, also known as the orbital gear, making sure to also clean out the recesses that house the flathead screws.

If food has made its way behind the planetary assembly and surface scraping does not remove all the debris you'll need to partially disassemble your KitchenAid Mixer.

First, remove the drip ring by prying it off with a flat-edged tool like a spudger.

Next, Remove the planetary mixer pin by tapping it with a 4mm pin punch and hammer. This may require more force than you think it does.

Once, the pin is out pry the planetary gear cover down with a flat-edged tool like a spudger. Once it's loose pull it straight down.

With the planetary gear cover removed clean the areas you now have access to, both at the top of the mix and inside the gear cover.

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