I made a batch of sugarshack's icing the other day...and my mixer is covered in powdered sugar and icing (even where the springs are, where the paddle attaches) - how can I clean all of this without hurting the mixer? do you use soap/water, or cleaner, etc?

I usually clean mine with a damp sponge (dampened with sanitizing solution).

Yeah, that thing is made to be used and abused. If they don't want you messing with something (motor), they cover it up so you can't get at it.

I use a handheld steam cleaner for most of my kitchen equipment. It's super hot and gets in those grooves and crevices that you just can't reach otherwise, plus, there's no chemicals.

I bought mine for about $40 at Walmart. Here's one on Amazon, just to give you an idea...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00114LAP8/?tag=cakecentral-20