Remember the last time you took a good look at your can opener and thought of cleaning it? It’s like I’ve got you in deep thinking, right? Though a can opener is a mostly-used tool in the kitchen, you just keep it back in the drawer without thinking twice.
However, what if I warned you that each can opener is a source of germs and easily becomes rusty or greasy? On top of that, it’s prone to bacteria like salmonella, yeast, even mold. So, what’s the best way to clean and disinfect a manual can opener?
Cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and lubricating a manual can opener is the best approach to ensure the physical well-being of you and your family. I’m going to cover all these processes along with other methods to clean effortlessly. Let’s find out the steps.
What Is the Best Way to Clean and Disinfect Manual Can Opener?
The steps I’m going to discuss below are truly easy to do. Keep your mind in one place and follow the steps clearly.
- Using Wax Paper
If you don’t clean the can opener frequently, you’ll be surprised at how much grime remains on the paper.
Fold a sheet of wax paper three times, grip the paper’s edges with the manual can opener, and then begin turning the knob like opening the canister. Continue spinning until the cleansed paper emerges from beneath the blades.
If the can opener hasn’t been cleaned in a long time – or at all – you should clean it with a folded paper towel three times. Since its surface isn’t smooth, it will trap dirt better.
- Using Hydrogen Peroxide
This step is basically about disinfecting. Here the hydrogen peroxide should be sprayed over the can opener (including all components: mechanism, handles, and knob).
By pouring the hydrogen peroxide into a spray container, you can utilize it properly.
After you’ve used all of the hydrogen peroxide of the trigger bottle, unscrew its trigger mechanism. Next, refill it as many times as necessary.
(Tips: Store hydrogen peroxide inside an obscure container; because if you exposed it to the light, it would disintegrate.)
- Drying the Can Opener
To dry your kitchen can opener, wipe it with a paper towel. After thoroughly drying it, place the can opener on the silicone-coated parchment paper.
According to what I’ve researched, some individuals suggest lubricating the can opener’s sharp blades with olive oil or other vegetable oil. But you should not attempt it!
The oil might oxidize, and the opener will begin to smell. Bacteria will grow on this and pose a health risk.
How to Clean the Can Opener with Vinegar?
Soak the can opener inside a jar (filled with white and undiluted vinegar) for a couple of minutes before using it.
Place each can opener over the sink and scrub aside any remaining mud or rust with an unused or old toothbrush. Clean this toothbrush by dipping this into vinegar.
Scrub again using a toothbrush after rinsing it with dishwashing detergent.
Gently dry it with a paper cloth or cleaned towel, taking care not to damage the gears.
How to Clean Electric Can Opener?
Ensuring the electrical can opener is disconnected is among the most critical aspects of cleaning it. Don’t dare to touch electricity with water, be careful!
However, it’s a good idea to make it a habit to clean this type of opener after each usage. That will aid in the reduction of build-up. For that, soap and water will go a long way in this situation.
Unscrew the wheels and blades and immerse them in vinegar, preferably soapy water. Before reassembling the parts, make sure they’re scorched.
To avoid rust, the final stage, drying, is critical. Because the dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling instructions for your particular can opener could vary, it’s a good idea to use the handbook that came with it and follow those exact steps.
When Should You Clean the Can Opener?
This is, of course, fully dependent on personal preference and usage. The following are some general guidelines for remembering:
- Whenever the opener becomes dirty, clean it. This usually occurs after a can has been opened as well as the contents have been poured.
- Monthly is an excellent opportunity to check through everything and clean the openers or other appliances.
- It’s mainly determined by how frequently you use the can opener. This may require less cleaning because it’s not handled often, but other openers being used daily may require cleaning weekly rather than monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What will happen if the can opener is not cleaned properly?
If the rusty or greasy can opener comes into contact with food while opening a can (cutting and serrated wheels), and if the instrument isn’t thoroughly cleaned after specific use, it might spread diseases inside the family. Can openers hold bacteria, and rust particles can fall into foods when they’re used.
2. When should the can opener be replaced?
If you’re using the can opener many times per week, it’ll most likely last one and two years before becoming too dull to function correctly. On the other hand, a classic can opener can last for many years before needing to be replaced. Furthermore, safety can openers are generally twice as expensive as ordinary devices.
Conclusion
Simply opening a can and putting this in a drawer isn’t a big deal. But, if you leave it without cleaning, the bacterial build-ups and molds can cause serious health problems. So, learning the best way to clean and disinfect manual can opener from above can protect you from severe issues.
Thus, I demonstrated the most straightforward method for cleaning and disinfecting your device. And don’t worry, the whole cleaning process will take only 1-2 minutes.
Enjoy!