Salt and pepper shakers are one of the most overlooked items you should be cleaning regularly.
Yet they also tend to find themselves at the bottom of the cleaning to-do list.
So do we really need to clean our salt and pepper shakers?
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“Similarly, at home, regular cleaning helps ensure youre not adding anyunwanted bacteriato your food.
Jack Kazmierzewskiis the owner of Real Office Cleaning, a commercial cleaning company based in Illinois.
How Often Should You Clean Your Shakers?
However, Kazmierzewski recommends cleaning them every week if they’re in constant use or placed near a stovetop.
Cleaning the interior every few months or whenever you refill them is usually sufficient.
Trapped moisture in your salt and pepper shakers can lead to clumping and mold growth over time.
Here are some quick cleaning solutions for keeping your shakers in pristine condition.
This removes surface dust, oil, and fingerprints.
Vinegar is excellent at cutting through grease and acts as a natural disinfectant.
Method 1: Disassemble and Soak
Empty the shakers and take off any lids or removable tops.
Use asoft-bristled toothbrush, toothpick, orcotton swabfor shakers with small openings or intricate designs.
These tiny tools can clean around edges and tackle any hard-to-reach spots.
Simply empty the contents into a separate container for safekeeping and place the shaker into the dishwasher.
Avoid a mess by using a funnel to transfer salt and pepper grains back into their shakers after cleaning.
Add a few grains of rice to the bottom of your salt shaker to help prevent clumping.
The rice will absorb moisture faster than the salt, which will keep your salt dry.
This will prevent thegrowth of any moldor bacteria and keep additional clumping at bay.
Can Salt and Pepper Go Bad?
Yes, salt and pepper can go bad, but not in the way you’re probably thinking.
Additionally, any moisture trapped within the salt can lead to mold growth.
Pepper, on the other hand, does have an expiration date.
