An ancient cooking equipment, a mortar and pestle is valued for its capacity to crush, grind, and combine herbs and spices, releasing flavours that enhance any meal. Cleaning this traditional tool, however, can be difficult, particularly if you wish to preserve the materials' integrity and prevent flavour cross-contamination. In addition to keeping your mortar and pestle in good working order, routine cleaning also keeps any lingering tastes or smells from affecting your subsequent cooking attempts. Although some people might be concerned that cleaning their mortar and pestle could harm them, the truth is that you can properly maintain these instruments without sacrificing their usefulness if you use the correct methods.
Rinse Immediately After Use
Rinsing your mortar and pestle right away after use is one of the easiest yet most efficient ways to keep them clean. Herbs and spices become more difficult to get rid of the longer they are left in your mortar, leaving behind lasting smells and stains. Take a moment to rinse the mortar and pestle under warm water after you have finished grinding or combining. This makes deep cleaning much simpler later on and helps remove any leftover particles. Avoid using soap at this point since it can leak into the mortar and pestle's porous surfaces, particularly if they are made of ceramic or stone. Water alone will do instead. This fast rinse clears other flavours from prior products which impact on the current substance and clears the surface for its subsequent use.
Apply Natural Exfoliating Materials
Use natural particles like salt or rice to remove tough stains or residues that the first rinse is unable to remove. Without causing any harm to the mortar and pestle, both choices offer a mild washing action. If you decide to use rice, grind it with the pestle after adding a tiny amount to the mortar. In addition to helping to remove any obstinate food particles, the rice will absorb smells. In the same way, if you decide to use salt, add a lot to the mortar and grind it with the pestle. Apart from cleaning, salt helps to clear any residual smells from the surface. Simply rinse with warm water to get rid of any leftovers after using either approach. This method keeps your kitchenware free of undesirable flavours and odours and works especially well for heavy oils or strong spices.
Use Baking Soda Paste
A baking soda paste can be a lifesaver when your mortar and pestle have a strong smell or feel overly oily. Baking soda is a light abrasive and natural deodoriser that cleans well without leaving any scratches on surfaces. Now, to make the paste mix some baking soda with a little water until the mixture gets thick. Cover the inside surfaces of the pestle and mortar with this paste. To enable the baking soda to make its effect, it should be left to act for about ten to fifteen minutes. Next, gently scrub the surfaces with a cloth or sponge. Your mortar and pestle should be clean and fresh after the paste removes dirt and smells. To make sure all of the baking soda is gone and there is no lasting taste, rinse well with warm water afterward.
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Use Vinegar And Water Solution
An excellent option for anyone wishing to disinfect their mortar and pestle while cleaning is a vinegar and water solution. Vinegar is used as a natural cleaner since it is acidic and can kill bacteria as well. In a bowl, combine equal parts vinegar and water to make the solution. When your mixture is ready, clean your mortar and pestle's surfaces by soaking a cloth or sponge in it. Keep an eye out for any nooks or crannies where food particles might cover up themselves. Make sure your tool doesn't retain any flavours from the cleaning solution by thoroughly rinsing it with warm water after cleaning to get rid of the vinegar taste.
Drying And Storage Tips
Following a thorough cleaning, and using the right drying and storage methods is crucial to preserving the quality of your mortar and pestle. To avoid moisture buildup, which can result in mould or bacterial growth, especially if your mortar is composed of porous materials, always wipe your mortar and pestle with a fresh, dry towel. Before putting your tools away, let them air dry fully. Because humidity might shorten their lifespan, make sure they are kept in a cool, dry location. Your mortar and pestle may get chipped or scratched if you place other kitchen tools on top of it. To avoid dust buildup, think about wrapping them in a fresh cloth if you know you won't be using them for some time.