The trick to getting rid of the earthy smell of a new mortar, just use oil and salt

illustration photo: Gemini AI

Brilio.net – A clay mortar is often the choice for grinding spices because of its light weight and beautiful appearance when used as a serving container. However, the main problem with newly purchased clay mortars is that the earthy smell is very sharp and cannot be removed with just dish soap.

Using soap on a new mortar actually risks leaving a residue of soap aroma which is absorbed into the pores of the clay. To overcome this, there is a practical trick using cooking oil and salt as shared by the YouTube channel Frety Nita.

Steps to Clean the Earthy Smell on a New Cobek

The following are the steps you can take so that the clay mortar is ready for use without a strong odor:

1. Oil Applying: Spread cooking oil evenly over the entire surface of the new mortar.

photo: YouTube/Frety Nita

2. Roasting Process: Place the mortar on the stove on the lowest heat for approximately one hour. This duration can be reduced if the mortar is small or thin. This process will make the mortar color a deeper brown and look shiny.

photo: YouTube/Frety Nita

photo: YouTube/Frety Nita

3. Use of Salt: After the mortar has cooled, add a teaspoon of salt, then grind until smooth. Salt that changes color to brown indicates that the dirt in the mortar’s pores has been removed.

photo: YouTube/Frety Nita

“If the salt changes color like this, it’s a sign that all the dirt in the mortar has been removed,” said Frety Nita in her video, quoted BrilioFoodFriday (30/1).

photo: YouTube/Frety Nita

4. Final Wash: Discard the remaining salt, then wash the mortar until clean. It is recommended to brush it with wire soap so that any remaining residue is completely removed before drying.

As an additional note, avoid placing very hot food on the mortar so that the clay doesn’t crack or break easily.

FAQ Cleaning Clay Mortars

1. Why can’t clay mortars be washed with soap the first time?

Clay pores that are still wide open will absorb the aroma of soap and leave it in the pores, so that the aroma of food will be mixed with the smell of soap.

2. What is the function of baking a mortar that has been smeared with oil?

Heating helps the oil penetrate into the pores of the clay to coat the inner surface to make it stronger, does not smell earthy, and provides a shiny effect.

3. Can cooking oil be replaced with other types of oil?

Coconut or palm cooking oil is the most recommended because it is more economical and effective for coating clay surfaces.

4. Why does salt that is ground into a new mortar change color?

Salt is a mild abrasive that helps attract dust from burning and dirt that is trapped in the rough texture of the mortar’s surface.

5. How do you store clay mortars so they don’t get moldy?

After washing, make sure the mortar is completely dry naturally or dried in the sun for a while before storing it in a dry place with good air circulation.

(brl/tin)