Fruit press help please
- Thread starter CatonRW
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adiochiro3
Well-Known Member
Awesome press!
That looks like cast iron. If so, treat it like a cast iron skillet. Never use soap. Salt works great as an abrasive, if it is needed. cleaning is best when the cast iron is hot. I use water & paper towels on hot cast iron and wipe using a pair of tongs to hold the paper towels (keeps finger from burning). Always clean immediately after use.
That looks like cast iron. If so, treat it like a cast iron skillet. Never use soap. Salt works great as an abrasive, if it is needed. cleaning is best when the cast iron is hot. I use water & paper towels on hot cast iron and wipe using a pair of tongs to hold the paper towels (keeps finger from burning). Always clean immediately after use.
that works for the rust? I'll have to try the heat and salt. I was actually thinking of sandblasting it a little bit ago I'm kinda in a hurry to get it done since I want to use it within the next week to press some apples for a cider.
http://curtcorwin.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-clean-cast-iron-cookware-with.html?m=1
Steel or cast iron this works great and no elbow grease.
Steel or cast iron this works great and no elbow grease.
adiochiro3
Well-Known Member
I've used power grinders with wire wheels, but you have to season the bare metal again. I do that with flaxseed oil and heat (oven or campfire). Quality lard works as well. Didn't know if you wanted to go that far with it or had the room for such a large item. After you clean it to put it away for the season, lightly oil it with a paper towel to protect it until the next use. Check out the seasoning link below:
http://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/01/a-science-based-technique-for-seasoning-cast-iron/
BTW, the basket does not look like cast iron; I would just give that a great scrubbing with soap and hot water. I use a mesh bag (like for hops or grains) to help filter the juice when pressing fruit. You will be blown away by how great the juice is!
Here is a pic of mine -- which also triples as a sausage press and lard press.
adiochiro3
Well-Known Member
Good post.
Just remember it produces hydrogen gas, do it in an open area and don't smoke around it or big boom. I restore cast iron pots and pans to sell on flea bay and that's how I clean them. I have a blast cabinet and this does better. If its heavily pitted it won't fix that but it will remove the rust without damaging any good metal under it.
