Stand mixers are versatile when it comes to kitchen appliances. They are expensive, though, so make sure you take care to protect your investment. Follow these simple steps to make sure your mixer shines like new for batches of cookies and years of birthday cakes to come.

Start with the undercarriage of your stand mixer, where the beaters attach to the mixer. Wipe thoroughly with a damp sponge to prevent food from gumming up the undercarriage.

Clean the bottom of your stand mixer where the bowl locks into the mixer. This is a prime area for drips. Cleaning your mixer after each use will prevent dried-on food from sticking and stains.

Wipe the top of the mixer. During use, food often flies out of the bowl and lands on top of the mixer. For tough stains, use a bit of soapy water in your sponge. Household cleaners and solvents can damage your mixer.

Check your owner's manual to see if your attachments are dishwasher safe. If they are, you can put them right in your dishwasher, though some people prefer to wash their attachments in the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent damage to the attachments. If your attachments are not dishwasher safe, simply hand wash them in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry them completely.

Finish cleaning your stand mixer, then store it away from the stove, where grease splatters can reach it, or your sink, where it can get water in it, which may cause rust.