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DIY Cleaning Methods for Salt and pepper shakers

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for salt and pepper shakers. Keep your shakers fresh, hygienic, and ready to use with these simple cleaning tips.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Salt and pepper shakers

Vinegar and Baking Soda Soak

Fill a bowl with equal parts white vinegar and warm water, then add a tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the salt and pepper shakers in the solution and let them soak for 15–20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry. This method loosens residue and deodorizes for a fresh, clean finish.

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How to Soak Salt and Pepper Shakers with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Empty the shakers completely. Pour out any remaining salt or pepper. If there’s any stuck-on residue, give the shakers a gentle tap over the trash or sink to loosen it up.

Disassemble if possible. If your shakers have removable tops, unscrew or pop them off. This helps the solution reach every nook and cranny. If the holes are small, use a toothpick to clear out any clogs before soaking.

Mix your soaking solution. In a bowl or container, combine about one cup of warm water with one tablespoon of white vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda. The mixture will fizz—this is normal and helps loosen buildup inside the shakers.

Submerge the shakers. Place both the shakers and their tops (if removable) into the solution. Make sure they’re fully covered. Let them soak for 15–30 minutes. This gives the fizzing action time to work on any stuck-on residue or lingering odors.

Scrub gently if needed. After soaking, use a small bottle brush, an old toothbrush, or even a cotton swab to clean inside the shakers and around the tops. Pay special attention to the holes and threads where salt and pepper can get trapped.

Rinse thoroughly. Rinse each piece under warm running water to remove any vinegar or baking soda residue. Make sure to flush out the holes and inside the shakers completely.

Dry completely before refilling. Set the shakers and tops upside down on a clean towel or drying rack. Let them air dry fully—any leftover moisture can cause clumping or make the contents stick to the sides.

Reassemble and refill. Once everything is bone dry, put the tops back on and refill with fresh salt and pepper.

Residue Remains Inside

Vinegar and baking soda can leave behind residue inside salt and pepper shakers, making them hard to rinse completely. This leftover residue may affect the taste of seasonings and cause clumping or clogging in the shakers.

Rice and Dry Cloth Shake

Add a small amount of dry rice to the salt or pepper shaker, cover the openings, and shake vigorously. The rice helps dislodge clumps and absorb moisture, while a dry cloth can be used to wipe the exterior clean. This method keeps shakers free-flowing and fresh.

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Rice and Dry Cloth Shake for Salt and Pepper Shakers

Start by emptying out any leftover salt or pepper. This gives you a clean slate and keeps things from getting messier as you go.

Add a small handful of uncooked rice to the shaker. The rice acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to loosen up any stuck-on residue or clumps inside the shaker. Think of it as a mini scrubber that fits where your fingers can’t.

Cover the holes with your hand or a piece of paper towel, then shake the shaker vigorously. The rice will bounce around inside, knocking loose any stubborn bits. Give it a good 30 seconds or so—long enough to let the rice do its thing, but not so long that you’re just making noise for the neighbors.

Pour out the rice and any debris that comes with it. Tap the shaker gently to make sure you get everything out. If you see clumps still stuck, you can repeat the process with fresh rice.

Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the shaker. If your hand doesn’t fit inside, wrap the cloth around a chopstick or the handle of a spoon to reach the corners. This helps pick up any lingering dust or residue the rice missed.

Let the shaker air out for a few minutes before refilling. This step helps make sure there’s no leftover moisture or dust, so your salt and pepper stay fresh.

Bacteria Growth Risk

Using a dry cloth to clean salt and pepper shakers may leave behind moisture and food particles, creating an environment where bacteria can grow, increasing the risk of contamination and potential foodborne illness.

Toothpick and Compressed Air

Insert a toothpick into the shaker holes to dislodge any clumped residue. Then, use a can of compressed air to blow out remaining particles from inside and around the holes. This method quickly clears blockages and refreshes your salt and pepper shakers without water.

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Why Use Toothpicks and Compressed Air for Salt and Pepper Shakers?

Toothpicks are handy for poking out stubborn salt or pepper clumps that get wedged in the shaker holes. Their slim, pointed shape lets you target each hole without scratching up the surface.

Compressed air (the kind you use for keyboards) can help blow out fine particles and dust that collect inside the shaker or around the holes. It’s especially useful for those tiny, hard-to-reach spots where a brush or cloth just can’t get.

How to Clean with Toothpicks and Compressed Air

Empty the shakers first. Pour out any remaining salt or pepper so you’re not just pushing debris around.

Use a toothpick to gently poke through each hole. This helps break up any clogs or crusty buildup. If you see a chunk that won’t budge, try working it from both sides (inside and out) for better results.

Grab your can of compressed air. Hold the shaker upside down and give a few short bursts through the holes. This can dislodge fine particles and dust that the toothpick missed. Make sure to do this over a sink or trash can, since you might send some debris flying.

Wipe down the outside. Use a damp cloth to remove any residue or dust that’s settled on the exterior. If your shakers are made of metal, glass, or ceramic, a quick wipe is usually all you need.

Let everything dry completely before refilling. Moisture can cause clumping, so make sure the shakers are bone dry before you add salt or pepper back in.

Extra Tips for a Smoother Clean

Be gentle with toothpicks. Pressing too hard can widen the holes or scratch the finish, especially on plastic or soft metal shakers.

Use short bursts of air. Long blasts can create a mess or even damage delicate shakers. A few quick puffs usually do the trick.

Check for moisture. If you see any dampness inside, leave the shakers open to air dry before refilling. This helps prevent future clogs.

Hidden Odor Issues

Odors trapped inside shakers may not be removed by simply using a toothpick and compressed air, leaving behind hidden smells that can affect the taste and freshness of salt and pepper.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl and add hot water. Pour the mixture into the salt and pepper shakers, shake gently, and let sit for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and let air dry. This natural rinse helps dissolve residue and deodorizes the shakers.

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Why Use Lemon Juice and Hot Water for Salt and Pepper Shakers?

Simple Ingredients: Lemon juice and hot water are easy to find in most kitchens, and you don’t need to buy anything special for this method.

Helps with Odors: Lemon juice is known for its fresh scent, which can help with lingering smells inside your shakers.

Loosens Residue: The acidity in lemon juice can help loosen up salt or pepper that’s caked onto the inside of the shakers, especially if there’s moisture buildup.

Gentle on Most Materials: This method is generally gentle on glass and ceramic shakers. Just be cautious with metal tops, as lemon juice can sometimes react with certain metals.

How to Do a Lemon Juice and Hot Water Rinse

Empty the Shakers: Pour out any remaining salt or pepper. If the holes are clogged, tap gently or use a toothpick to clear them.

Mix Your Solution: Squeeze about a tablespoon of lemon juice into a cup of hot (not boiling) water. Stir to combine.

Soak the Shakers: Pour the lemon-water mixture into the shakers, or submerge them in a bowl with the solution. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps loosen any stuck-on bits and freshens up the inside.

Shake and Swirl: Cover the holes with your hand or a small piece of plastic wrap, then gently shake and swirl the solution inside. This helps reach all the nooks and crannies.

Rinse Thoroughly: Dump out the lemon-water and rinse the shakers several times with clean, warm water to remove any lemon residue.

Dry Completely: Let the shakers air dry upside down on a clean towel, or use a clean cloth to dry them. Make sure they’re fully dry before refilling to avoid clumping.

Extra Tips for Salt and Pepper Shaker Cleaning

Check for Metal Parts: If your shakers have metal lids, avoid soaking them for too long, as lemon juice can cause discoloration or pitting.

Use a Small Brush: For stubborn residue, a small bottle brush or even a cotton swab can help reach inside corners.

Don’t Forget the Lids: Clean the lids separately, especially around the holes where buildup can occur.

Material Corrosion Risk

Lemon juice is acidic and can corrode metal lids or parts of salt and pepper shakers, especially if not rinsed thoroughly. This may cause rust, discoloration, or damage, reducing the lifespan and safety of the shakers.

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