Whether you're an experienced herb grinder user or just starting out, your grinder will get dirty over time and needs a thorough cleaning. With the right care, your grinder will stay in top shape and grinding your herb will always be smooth. In this blog post I will show you how to properly clean grinders made of metal with a ceramic coating, acrylic plastic and wood.
Clean metal grinder with ceramic coating
Metal grinders with a ceramic coating are popular with many users because they are robust and easy to turn. The ceramic coating ensures that less residue sticks. However, they still need to be cleaned regularly.
1. Disassemble: Disassemble your grinder into its individual parts. Pay particular attention to the sieve, which is often very fragile.
2. Remove coarse residue: You can remove the coarse residue with a toothbrush or a small brush. A toothpick helps reach stubborn spots.
3. Cleaning with Isopropyl Alcohol: Place the parts in a bowl with isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol dissolves the resins and kills bacteria. Let the pieces soak for about 30 minutes.
4. Cleaning: After soaking, brush the parts again to remove any residue.
5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the parts thoroughly with water and allow them to dry completely before reassembling the grinder.
Clean acrylic plastic grinder
Acrylic and plastic grinders are inexpensive and widely available. However, they are more sensitive than metal grinders and therefore require careful cleaning.
1. Disassembling: Carefully disassemble the grinder into its individual parts.
2. Remove coarse residue: Remove the coarse residue with a toothbrush or brush.
3. Warm soapy water: Prepare a bowl of warm water and a little dishwashing detergent. Place the items inside and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
4. Gently scrub: Gently clean the parts with a toothbrush. You should not use isopropyl alcohol on acrylic grinders as it can damage the material.
5. Rinse and dry: Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry completely before putting them back together.
Cleaning the wood grinder
Wooden grinders look stylish and feel comfortable, but require a lot of care. The natural material is sensitive to moisture and harsh cleaning agents.
1. Disassembling: Disassemble the wood grinder into its individual parts.
2. Remove coarse residue: Carefully remove the coarse residue with a toothbrush or brush. A toothpick can help clean up the corners.
3. No soaking: Wood should not be soaked as it may warp. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the grinder.
4. Gentle cleaning: If you have heavier dirt, you can dip the toothbrush in warm water and use it to clean the grinder. However, avoid over-wetting the wood.
5. Allow to dry: Immediately after cleaning, wipe the grinder with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry completely before reassembling it.
Conclusion
How to properly clean your grinder depends on the material it is made of. Metal grinders with a ceramic coating are robust and can be easily cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. Acrylic and plastic grinders require gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water. Wood grinders require special care to avoid damaging the material.
Regular care will keep your grinder working longer and ensure that you always get the best results when grinding your herb. Take the time to keep your grinder clean and you will notice the difference!