A meat grinder can hold onto bacteria if not cleaned properly. In fact, leftover bits can start to break down in just a few hours, which can lead to unpleasant smells and even foodborne illnesses. So, let’s dive into a quick and easy way to keep your grinder clean.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Slice of bread
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft brush (toothbrush) or a plastic scraper
- Soft bristle brush or sponge
- Large basin
- Food-safe lubricant
- Towel to wipe the parts
- Toothpicks or long, thin brush (bottle brush)
How to Clean a Meat Grinder
Once you’ve got all the tools and materials you need, follow these steps below:
- Run a slice of bread through the grinder. This will help absorb any leftover meat and fat. You can also use ice cubes for this.
- Unplug the grinder.
- Take the main parts apart: the feed tube, auger (the spiral piece), blade, plate, and cover. If you’re new to this, check your manual for how these pieces come apart—each model can be a little different.
- Use a soft brush or a plastic scraper to clear out any leftover meat or fat from each part. A toothbrush works great for this, especially for those tricky corners and small holes in the grinding plate.
- Fill your sink or a large basin with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Place all the disassembled parts in the soapy water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- Use a sponge or a soft-bristle brush to scrub each part.
- If you find residue stuck in the grinding plate holes, use a toothpick or a bottle brush to push it out.
- Once everything is scrubbed, rinse each part thoroughly with warm water.
- Wipe down all the parts with a clean towel and leave them on a drying rack to air dry completely.
- If you want, you can sanitize the parts. This is optional. Soak all the parts in a mixture of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Give the parts a proper rinse afterward to ensure no bleach residue remains.
- Once everything is dry, you can reassemble the grinder.
- Rub a little bit of food-grade mineral oil on the metal parts. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil before using the grinder next time, so it doesn’t affect the taste of your food.
Summary
Keeping your meat grinder clean is super easy. Just follow the simple steps mentioned above. Looking to upgrade your kitchen tools? The MisterChef Meat Grinder makes grinding meat at home easy and efficient. Shop with us today.