Dough Stuck In Pasta Machine – What To Do?

Is your fresh dough sticking to the rollers of your pasta maker, or is there dry old dough stuck in the machine? How do you fix it? You've come to the right place for help! We researched the best ways to correct this issue with a simple step-by-step guide to help you get back to pasta making.

If the pasta dough stuck in the machine is still wet, follow these steps:

  1. Add more flour to your dough. 
  2. Clean with dry cotton cloth or brush.
  3. Run the dough through your machine. 

If the pasta dough in the machine is dry, follow these steps:

  1. Make a small batch of pasta dough.
  2. Run the fresh dough through the maker.
  3. Use a dry cotton cloth or brush.
  4. Take the machine apart.

Always be very careful when using a cloth to clean your pasta maker, as the blade is very sharp. You should be back to pasta-making in no time at all.  Keep reading for detailed instructions on each step to get your machine back in perfect condition.

A person preparing noodles with pasta maker machine, Dough Stuck In Pasta Machine - What To Do?

How To Get Wet Dough Out of Your Pasta Maker:

Step 1: Add More Flour to Your Dough

Most of the time, if your dough sticks to your pasta maker, it is because the dough is too wet. Your dough should not be able to stick to your hands. If your dough is too wet, add more flour to it one teaspoon at a time until you are satisfied with the consistency. Don't forget to let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before putting it in the machine, as this makes it more pliable.

Step 2: Clean with a Dry Cloth or Brush

If you give the dough stuck in the pasta maker time to dry, it will be easier to remove. If you don't have time to wait around, then you need to remove as much of the sticky pasta dough from the machine as possible. Use a clean, dry cotton cloth or a dry brush with firm bristles to get the excess dough out of the machine. If there are still small pieces of dough stuck in the machine, or if there is anything you cannot reach, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Run the Dough Through the Machine

Once your dough is at the correct consistency and rested, run a small test batch through the pasta maker. Any of the pasta dough still stuck in the machine should stick to this fresh sheet of dough and pull it out. You can run this small-batch of dough through the machine as many times as you need to. Now that you have gotten out all the dough that was stuck in the machine throw away the small-batch you used and get back to cooking.

How To Get Dry Dough Out of Your Pasta Maker

Step 1: Make a Small Batch of Pasta Dough

Make sure your dough is not too wet or too dry; remember that it shouldn't be sticky. The dough needs at least 30 minutes to rest before using it or could be too sticky and leave you with a bigger mess. If you rest your dough in the fridge, it will require at least 6 hours to rest properly, and you will need to give it time to reach room temperature before you can start working with the dough again. Once the dough is ready, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Run the Fresh Dough Through Your Pasta Maker

When you run the fresh dough through your pasta maker, the dry pieces that are stuck in the machine should stick to it and come out. You can continue to run this small batch of dough through the maker until you re satisfied. When you are done, toss the dough in the trash and make a fresh batch for dinner.

Step 3: Use a Dry Cotton Cloth or Brush

To remove any remaining pieces of dried dough out of the machine, use a dry cotton cloth or a stiffly bristled brush to clean away the pieces gently. Use caution when cleaning the machine, as the blade in the pasta maker is very sharp. If the dough is stuck inside the machine where the cloth or brush won't reach, you may need to disassemble the pasta maker to get it out.

This pack of cleaning brushes will work great.

Click here to view them on Amazon.

Step 4: Take the Machine Apart

Never attempt to take apart an electric pasta maker. Hand crank models are relatively easy to disassemble, but before you begin taking your pasta maker apart, you should check to see if you take the risk of voiding the warranty. For detailed instructions on disassembling hand-crank models, watch the following YouTube video. Once you have the maker opened up, use the cloth or brush to remove any dough, never use water on our pasta maker.

 

Can Pasta Dough be Overworked?

No, pasta dough can not be overworked, but it is essential to rest pasta dough properly after you work it, so it becomes more pliable. If your pasta dough feels too soft, you may need to rest it longer or add more flour.  Click here for a great pasta dough recipe.

Why is My Pasta Dough Not Coming Together?

It can be a little tricky to get your pasta dough to the perfect consistency. For dough that is too sticky, add more flour. If your dough is too dry, add more egg. Water should generally be avoided; even small amounts of water can make the dough too wet to work with. Eggs are much easier to work with.

What To Do If My Pasta Dough Is Too Hard?

If your pasta dough seems too hard, the first thing you should do is allow it time to acclimate. Rest your dough in the fridge. It will need to come to room temperature before it can be worked, just as when using cold eggs. If the dough is at room temperature and it's still too hard, try adding more egg. Another method is to roll the dough out, mist with water, knead, and repeat until the dough is workable.

How to Clean My KitchenAid Pasta Maker?

  1. Make sure pasta dough is dry.
  2. Use dry cloth or brush.
  3. Use a toothpick for small crevices.
  4. Lubricate before storing it.

Before cleaning your KitchenAid pasta maker attachment, give any dough stuck inside of it time to dry. Dry pasta dough is much easier to clean than wet pasta dough. When you're sure the dough is dry, use a dry cotton cloth or a firm brush to wipe off the dough, it should come up pretty easy.

Use a toothpick to get the dough out of hard to reach areas like between the gears. Never use metal for this; it can scratch up your rollers and dull the blade. Wipe the unit off with your cloth one last time and apply 2-3 drops of mineral oil to the gears before you store it. 

Click here to view KitchenAid pasta making attachments on Amazon.

How To Clean Imperia Pasta Maker?

  1. Make sure pasta dough is dry.
  2. Dust the machine and attachments off.
  3. Wipe with a dry cloth.
  4. Lubricate before storing it.

To clean your Imperia pasta maker, make sure the pasta dough is dry. Remove any flour or dough left on the maker and its attachments with a dry cloth or brush. Wipe the machine off once more with a fresh cloth, then if it's necessary, apply 2-3 drops of mineral oil to the gears before storing it.

Click here to view the Imperia pasta maker on Amazon.

Can I Put My Pasta Maker In The Dishwasher?

You should check the instruction manual for your specific model before you begin cleaning your pasta maker. While there are several models available that are dishwasher safe, the majority of pasta makers should never be exposed to water. Exposure to water can cause rust on the machine's rollers, blades, and gears, ruining the machine completely. For more information on cleaning your pasta maker, read our blog, "Can You Put a Pasta Maker in the Dishwasher?".

Now that you know the correct method for removing stuck pasta dough from your maker, and how to clean it, all that's left is to make a fantastic dinner. Remember to check your instruction manual or contact the manufacturer if you have additional questions about proper maintenance. Have fun cooking, and enjoy that homemade pasta!

You may also be interested in our blog, "Is Making Past Cheaper Than Buying?"

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