How to Clean a Box Grater

Box Graters: Four Sides, Four Cleaning Challenges

A box grater has four different grating surfaces — coarse, medium, fine, and slicing — each with different hole sizes and shapes that trap food differently. Cleaning all four sides thoroughly requires the right tools and approach. Here's how to do it efficiently.

What You'll Need

• Stiff brush or bottle brush
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloth

Dishwasher Method (Easiest)

The Spring Chef box grater and most stainless steel box graters are dishwasher safe. Place upside down on the top rack so water can flush through all the holes. This is the most thorough cleaning method and requires no scrubbing.

Hand Washing Method

1. Rinse immediately after use under warm running water, rotating to flush all four sides
2. Apply dish soap to a stiff brush
3. Scrub each side in the direction of the holes — always brush downward, away from the cutting edges
4. Use a bottle brush inside the box to clean the interior walls where grated food collects
5. Rinse thoroughly, rotating to flush all sides
6. Dry with a cloth or air dry upside down

Cleaning the Interior

The inside of a box grater collects grated food that falls through the holes. Use a bottle brush or a folded paper towel to wipe the interior walls. Rinse thoroughly.

Removing Hardened Food

For hardened cheese or vegetable residue, soak the grater in warm soapy water for 15 minutes. The residue softens and releases much more easily. For stubborn spots, apply a baking soda paste with a brush, let sit 5 minutes, scrub, and rinse.

Drying to Prevent Rust

Dry the grater completely after washing — stainless steel box graters can develop rust spots if left wet. Shake off excess water and dry with a cloth, or place upside down on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area.

Final Thoughts

The dishwasher is the easiest and most thorough way to clean a box grater. For hand washing, a stiff brush and a bottle brush for the interior handle all four sides effectively. Clean immediately after use and dry completely to prevent rust.