Cleaning a nutmeg grater

[lynbrown]

I am finding it difficult to properly clean my nutmeg grater. The bits of nutmeg are stuck in the tiny holes and the surface is too sharp and jaggy to clean. Any tips?

[ethandron]

i use a knife to dig out the compacted bits out and bang it on the floor outside. i agree, they are a pain to clean.

[MarzipanQ]

I don't clean mine - keep it in a plastic bag till next time & give it a hefty tap before using it again. I reason that not getting rid of the bits is the same as having a spice jar of ground nutmeg in the store cupboard - hardly likely to be toxic or gone off.

[Ed Strong]

I clean mine with an old (but clean) nailbrush. Works for me.

[funnygirl]

I have been know to use a pin!

Them holes get very clogged up!

[thugulike]

You could try a mushroom brush. I got fed up with leaving bits of my fingers in the grater so I bought a nutmeg mill on e-bay. Works a treat and no more pain.

[ethandron]

for me, it's not the toxicity of the stuck on bits, it just makes the grater less efficient and you have to work twice as hard to get a decent amount of grated nutmeg.

[mccfluff]

soak it in fizzy water, the bubbles 'push' the bits of nutmeg out - well its works on my garlic crusher wouldn't hurt to try!

[DaisyMae]

A 'hard' toothbrush (new and unused) works very well. I keep mine in the cupboard (in a zip-top bag with the grater). I use a slighly softer toothbrush for the garlic crusher, also stored in a bag with the crusher.

[lynbrown]

Thanks all - i will try these ideas.

[Jugglering]

I go with Daisy's answer - use an old (but clean !) toothbrush.

[londongirl7]

put it in the dishwasher