Finally know how to clean a stone mortar so it's shiny and odor-free, you only need 2 kitchen ingredients

foto: TikTok/@astiniratnaa

Many people still use sponges and soap to wash the mortar, even though this method can make the mortar smell of soap.

Brilio.net - Nowadays, kitchen equipment is getting more sophisticated. One of them is a blender, which is very practical for grinding spices ranging from yellow spices, balado, to coriander chicken. It is no wonder that blenders are a mainstay because they make the cooking process faster.

But it turns out, there are still many people who faithfully use stone mortars to grind spices. Not only about tradition, stone mortars are believed to make the taste of spices more solid and authentic. Moreover, stone mortars are very durable, they can be used for years, you know!

Well, the mortar also needs to be cleaned properly after use. Many people still use sponges and soap to wash the mortar, even though this method can make the mortar smell of soap.

As explained by TikTok user @astiniratnaa, washing soap can remove the aroma that gets stuck in the pores of the mortar. If you use it again to grind spices, the aroma of the soap can stick to the food.

"Who still likes washing mortar and mortar with soap? That can leave behind a soapy smell which is really annoying when mixing spices. If the rinse is not clean, the soap foam can get stuck in the pores of the mortar," wrote the owner of the TikTok video @astiniratnaa, quoted by BrilioFood.

photo: TikTok/@astiniratnaa

To keep your mortar clean and odor-free, just use two kitchen ingredients.

1. Rice : Take a handful of rice, then grind it directly in a mortar until it is crushed and spread over the entire surface. After that, rinse with running water.

photo: TikTok/@astiniratnaa

2. Cooking oil: After washing with rice, apply a little cooking oil to the surface of the mortar. Finally, rinse again with clean water and drain until dry.

photo: TikTok/@astiniratnaa

With these two ingredients, your mortar will be clean, shiny, and no longer smell of soap.

The original stone mortar has a different quality from the fake one. Here are some ways to tell the difference:

1. Material: Genuine mortars are made of natural stone such as granite or lava rock. Fake ones usually use synthetic materials.

2. Texture & Color: Genuine mortars are usually rough in texture and vary in color. Fake mortars tend to be too smooth and uniform in color.

3. Weight: The original mortar is heavier because the material is dense.

4. Sound: When tapped with metal, a genuine mortar will make a loud sound. The fake one will have a dead sound.

5. Natural Details: Genuine mortars have small natural scratches, while fake ones look too perfect.

6. Sensation When Used: The friction feels more solid when grinding food ingredients.

7. Price: Original mortars are usually more expensive because of their quality.

1. Can a stone mortar be soaked in water for too long?
It is best not to soak it for too long because it can make the mortar and pestle stay damp and risk mold.

2. Can a stone mortar be dried in direct sunlight?
Yes, it is even recommended to dry the mortar after washing so that it dries quickly and doesn't smell musty.

3. How often does a stone mortar need to be cleaned with rice or salt?
Just after each use, especially after grinding oily or spicy ingredients.

4. Can cooking oil be replaced with other ingredients?
Yes! You can use coconut oil for the same clean and odor-free results.

5. What are the signs that a stone mortar needs to be replaced?
If the mortar starts to crack, the shards fall off easily, or the pores are too deep to clean, it's best to replace it with a new one.

(brl/tin)