Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Marthe48

(18,868 posts)
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:29 AM Jul 2024

I unpacked a clamp style food grinder

I'm going to clean it up and put it in my booth.

How would I go about cleaning it? It is cast iron. It is clean with no rust and I don't want to use soap and water. It's got a wooden handle, so I wouldn't be able to let it dry in the oven as I do with my kitcehn cookware. Do you think a light going over with a soft cloth and mineral oil would be ok?

Thanks for any advice

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I unpacked a clamp style food grinder (Original Post) Marthe48 Jul 2024 OP
Not mineral oil dweller Jul 2024 #1
I bought a bottle of food grade mineral oil Marthe48 Jul 2024 #4
Food grade mineral oil TommyT139 Jul 2024 #2
I have food grade mineral oil Marthe48 Jul 2024 #3
:) TommyT139 Jul 2024 #5

Marthe48

(18,868 posts)
4. I bought a bottle of food grade mineral oil
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:19 PM
Jul 2024

to clean up some wooden rolling pins, read it was good for use on wooden kitchen items. Now that I've got it, I'll even treat the wooden items in my kitchen, when I get done puttering I've got olive oil and coconut oil. I use olive oil or mayo to get old stickers off items.

Thanks for the advice. Maybe I'll just dust it off with a dry cloth and let the new owner do a cleaning.

TommyT139

(682 posts)
2. Food grade mineral oil
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 11:57 AM
Jul 2024

Especially if you are selling to collectors of vintage ironware, do as little as possible. After all, if someone is going to use it for food prep, they will clean it anyway, according to their own preferences. The oil doesn't have to fit the bill for seasoning, which is best done with other oils.

Since it has no rust, you might want to use a thin coating of food grade mineral oil, which has minimal additives classed as edible. Using another oil would likely keep the rust away, which I assume is a goal, but depending on what kind, is likely to get "tacky" and either attract dust or stain a box.

Here is a reputable-sounding article:
https://www.seriouseats.com/mineral-oil-is-good-for-cutting-boards-and-knives

Good luck!

Marthe48

(18,868 posts)
3. I have food grade mineral oil
Mon Jul 8, 2024, 12:15 PM
Jul 2024

Last edited Mon Jul 8, 2024, 08:10 PM - Edit history (1)

I unpacked some vintage wooden rolling pins and read up on how to clean them. The food grinder is really nice, complete and well marked. The wooden handle isn't removable, the whole thing might be. On looking and seeing the mess that my jumping cursor made of this post and also getting to look at the food grinder, I took off the screw holding the plate and the gear and handle all came off in one piece. I'll be able to clean it up, however I do it.

I'll do as little as possible

Thank you!

Welcome to DU!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»EBay, Collectors, Flea Market & Antiques »I unpacked a clamp style ...