How to Keep a Kitchen Sifter From Rusting

Flour sifters eliminate lumps and fluff the flour with air.

The kitchen sifter was once a common tool in every kitchen used for sifting flour. Since baking was a necessary part of daily food preparation, people usually bought flour in bulk. As flour sits, the powder compacts, forming lumps. Using a sifter fluffed the flour with air, increasing its volume to match the standard measurements in recipes. The sifter didn’t need heavy cleaning and usually a simple rinse under water was sufficient. However, metal sifters tend to rust when any amount of moisture remains on their surface.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Soft brush
• Cotton dish towel
• Mineral oil
• Soft rag

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the metal sifter in hot soapy water. Use a soft brush to remove any areas where flour might have stuck to the sifter over time.

2. Rinse the sifter under the hottest water possible. Dry with a dry cotton dishtowel.

3. Rub a small amount of mineral oil on the surface of the outside of the sifter and buff to a soft shine, using a soft rag. If you no longer use the sifter for cooking, apply a small amount of the oil to the interior surface as well.

4. Hang the sifter in a dry, air-conditioned room or in a cupboard away from the humidity of a well-used kitchen.

5. Check the sifter periodically during the year to make sure no new rust has formed.

References

• Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers: Preventing Rust on Your Applicance Finish
• OhioKids.org: TellzAll's subject for October is the Flour Sifter
• AWCCologne.org: Cooking Tips