Cleaning Cheese Graters - Tip of the Day

by Max Shrem, Posted Apr 9th 2009 @ 9:00AM

Residue from sticky, soft cheeses can be a pain to remove from graters. Here's how you can easily clean them.

One method to get rid of that pesky fromage is fairly basic: Start with a bowl of hot soapy water. Let grater sit for at least a half an hour before scrubbing.

For more difficult-to-remove cheese, a recent issue of Cook's Illustrated suggests using the nub of a loaf of stale bread such as a baguette. Rub bread over the parts of your grater where cheese lingers. It will remove much of the cheesy goo. Then wash the grater with water and soap. Use the same technique with a raw potato or apple. Alternatively, prevent the cheese from sticking in the first place by spraying on nonstick cooking spray before you start grating. (Be aware, though, that strongly flavored sprays may flavor the cheese).

o matter what technique you prefer, you're going to have to wash the grater. This can be dangerous if done with the wrong tool. If you use a cloth or sponge, you may rip it or -- worse -- scratch your skin. Instead, we suggest a nylon brush dish scrubber or a toothbrush -- just, ah, don't use the latter on your teeth. But you knew that.

Filed Under: Tip of the Day, Ingredients, How To
Tags: cheese, cheese grater, CheeseGrater, cleaning, cleaning tips, CleaningTips, tip of the day, TipOfTheDay