How to Clean a Microplane Grater

Microplane Graters: Ultra-Sharp, Ultra-Fine, Tricky to Clean

Microplane graters have extremely fine, razor-sharp teeth that produce fluffy zest, finely grated cheese, and ginger paste. Those same ultra-fine teeth trap food particles deeply and are particularly dangerous to scrub carelessly. Here's how to clean a microplane grater safely and effectively.

What You'll Need

• Soft brush or pastry brush
• Baking soda
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloth

The Most Important Safety Rule

Microplane teeth are surgical-sharp — far sharper than a standard grater. Never run your fingers or a sponge across the surface. Always use a brush and always brush in one direction only: from the handle end toward the tip, which is the direction the teeth face.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Microplane

1. Rinse immediately after use under warm running water — hold the microplane with the teeth facing down and let water flow through from the back
2. Apply a drop of dish soap to a soft brush (a pastry brush or dedicated cleaning brush works well)
3. Brush from handle to tip — always in the direction the teeth face, never against them
4. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water from the back side
5. Shake off excess water and dry with a cloth, touching only the handle and frame — never the teeth

Dishwasher Method

Most microplane graters are dishwasher safe — check the manufacturer's instructions. Place in the utensil basket with the teeth facing down, or lay flat on the top rack. The dishwasher is very effective for microplanes and eliminates the safety risk of hand scrubbing.

Removing Stuck Citrus Zest or Cheese

Citrus zest and soft cheese can dry and stick in the fine teeth. Soak in warm soapy water for 5–10 minutes to soften, then brush gently from handle to tip. For very stubborn residue, apply a baking soda paste with a brush, let sit 3–5 minutes, then brush and rinse.

Removing Turmeric or Beet Staining

Microplanes used for turmeric or beets can stain. Soak in warm water with a splash of white vinegar for 10 minutes, then brush and rinse. Sunlight exposure after washing helps bleach residual staining.

Final Thoughts

The dishwasher is the safest and easiest way to clean a microplane. For hand washing, always brush from handle to tip — never against the teeth — and rinse from the back. Clean immediately after use before food dries in the ultra-fine teeth.