Once disassembled, you find many internal components, such as a grinding disc and turning screw. These pieces are responsible for mincing food. The best way to avoid rust on your cast-iron grinder is through proper cleaning. Once the rust forms, a little elbow grease will strip it off.
Things You Will Need
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Take the grinder apart. The method will depend on the style grinder. Look for butterfly nuts or screws that will free the plate and release the components.
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Soak all parts in a sink full of hot, soapy water. Use a mild detergent, such as dish soap. Leave the parts in the sink for 30 minutes. This will remove some of the surface rust.
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Remove the grinder parts from the sink and hand-dry them with a clean, old towel. There will still be rust on the metal that will stain the towel. Use something you don’t mind ruining to dry the pieces.
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Scrub the surface of the metal with a wire brush. If you have a wire attachment for your drill, it will work as well. Set the tool at a low speed to avoid scratching and damaging the surface. Run the wire from the brush or tool over each component until all remaining rust comes off.
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Clean the components with a mesh or steel wood pad under running water. Poke holes in the grinder disc with a stirrer or pipe cleanser to loosen embedded dirt and rust.
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Wash the components in soapy water and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
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Apply a thin coat of spray-on oil to each piece before reassembling the grinder. This will protect the metal surfaces from future rusting.
The Drip Cap
- Cast iron is malleable metal and part of a group known as ferrous alloys.
- The best way to avoid rust on your cast-iron grinder is through proper cleaning.
- Look for butterfly nuts or screws that will free the plate and release the components.
- This will remove some of the surface rust.
- Run the wire from the brush or tool over each component until all remaining rust comes off.
- Clean the components with a mesh or steel wood pad under running water.