Author: Umi Fatimah
Mom, as a housewife, you are certainly familiar with various kitchen equipment, right? Nah, one of them is a stone mortar.
Stone mortar is one of the traditional kitchen tools that is often used to grind herbs and spices. However, sometimes stone mortar can smell or become dirty after use. Even the remains of spices or food ingredients are often still left in the pores of the stone mortar, so cleaning it can be a difficult task.
In this article, ResepKoki will provide tips for cleaning stone mortars effectively and precisely. Yuk, Check out the following tips!
1. Soak with Hot Water
Before starting the cleaning process, soak the stone mortar in hot water for 15–30 minutes. This soaking process in hot water will help loosen food and oil residue that is stuck to the surface of the mortar.
Read Also: 12 Delicious Sambals for Dipping Fried Chicken, So Spicy They’re Addictive
2. Grind coarse salt in a stone mortar
After soaking the stone mortar, use coarse salt as a scrub natural. Grind coarse salt on the surface of the stone mortar in a circular motion to remove stubborn stains and crust on the surface of the mortar.
In addition to using coarse salt, you can also use baking soda to clean the stone cobe. The method is easy, kok!
Moms only need to mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste, then rub the baking soda paste on the surface of the mortar using a soft brush.
3. Rinse with warm water
After scrubbing with coarse salt, rinse the stone mortar with warm water. Be sure to clean the stone mortar thoroughly to remove any remaining coarse salt that may still be stuck to it.
4. Use lemon juice to remove odor
If the smell of the stone mortar is very strong, you can soak the stone mortar in a mixture of lemon water and plain water for 15–30 minutes before scrubbing it with salt. Then immediately rinse the stone mortar with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.
The citric acid in lemons has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help neutralize odors and kill odor-causing bacteria.
5. Use a Special Brush or Brush
To clean more difficult-to-reach dirt or grime, such as spice residue trapped in the pores of the stone mortar, use a toothbrush or a special brush with soft bristles. These brushes can help clean deeply without damaging the stone surface.
6. Dry with a Clean Wipe
After washing thoroughly, dry the stone mortar using a clean cloth. Make sure the stone mortar is completely dry before storing to prevent unwanted odors from developing due to moisture.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid using harsh and strong dishwashing soap because it can damage the surface of the stone mortar.
- To be more effective in removing dirt, use a special brush to clean the stone mortar which has many corners and curves.
- Clean the stone mortar immediately after use to prevent dirt and odors from sticking.
- Take care of your stone mortar properly and regularly so that it lasts a long time.
By following the tips above, the stone mortar at home will be clean again and ready to be used to grind spices and add flavor to your cooking. Good luck!
Read Also: Various Basic Ingredients for Mortar and Pestle
Atsarina Luthfiyyah (Senior Editor)
Having educational experience in Culinary Arts and Journalism. Hobbies are writing, traveling and cooking. Master of Communication Science, Gadjah Mada University
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