Everyone Forgets To Clean This One Dish—But It’s Easier Than You Think
Washing and sanitizing your dishes is key to keeping your kitchen clean and safe, but it's easy for commonly-used items to get overlooked.
Salt and pepper shakers are one dish that most people forget to give a thorough clean. They sit on the table every day, yet they rarely get the attention they deserve. Over time they collect fingerprints, grease, and stuck-on seasoning.
Here's how to get them back to looking shiny and new.
Why you should clean them regularly
Salt and pepper shakers get touched constantly during cooking and mealtimes, which means that bacteria builds up quickly. Steam from the stove can also cause salt to clump and pepper to grow stale.
Even if they look clean, residue collects in tiny places. Regular care prevents these issues and keeps your seasonings tasting the way they should.
The best way to clean them
Empty the shakers completely, then wash the containers in warm, soapy water. Be sure to keep the tops and bottoms paired together as you clean so they don't get mixed up.
For the inside, It's best to use a small brush such as a bottle brush to get the hard-to-reach corners. Then, wipe the exterior with the soapy water, paying attention to lids and holes where grease collects. For metal tops, a quick soak will remove stubborn buildup.
Let them fully dry
Rinse well and let them dry fully before you refill them. Too much moisture can damage the texture of the salt and pepper. Moisture can also cause rusting to metal shaker lids.
When the inside and outside of the shakers feel smooth and clean again, they will look refreshed and ready for daily use.
A noticeable difference
Cleaning salt and pepper shakers doesn't take long at all, yet it makes a noticeable difference. A simple routine keeps them sanitary, easy to use, and prevents unwanted bacteria.
When you give these small tools proper care, they do their job better and help your kitchen run smoothly.