How to Clean Pestles

Pestles are rounded, club-shaped tools used to crush foods, spices or medicines in a bowl called a mortar. Pestles are made from a number of different materials, such as wood, stone, iron or ceramic, depending on their purpose. Wood pestles are suitable for crushing dry foods and spices because they can absorb flavors and aromas. Nonporous ceramic pestles are suitable for crushing any type of food or medicine. Hand-wash your pestle and mortar after each use for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge or nylon scrub brush
• Dish soap
• Towel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Rinse the pestle with warm water to remove any residue.

   • 2

     Dampen a sponge with warm water and two or three drops of dish soap. If you have a porous stoneware pestle, use a nylon brush instead.

   • 3

     Wash the pestle thoroughly with the soapy sponge or nylon brush.

   • 4

     Rinse the pestle with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.