I want to take it apart to clean it. How do I

You remove the top and back end. (you will need to put the silver handle down to do this) You then need the crescent tool to unhook the blade. After the blade comes out, the strainer and top level will come off with no further problem.
If for some reason you do not have the crescent tool, if there is someone to hold the strainer still, you can use two screwdrivers in the holes of the blade and press down and turn with those instead. I JUST had to do this when I realized mine came without the stinking tool!