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GENERAL CHEESE MAKING BOARDS (Specific Cheese Making in Boards above) => STANDARD METHODS - Forming Cheese => Topic started by: keepitlow on March 03, 2009, 01:42:40 PM

Title: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: keepitlow on March 03, 2009, 01:42:40 PM

Am new to cheese making. Once the cheesecloth has been used how is it cleaned for reuse? Lots of little curds stuck in it after rinsing it. Was wondering if there is a time efficient method of cleaning other than picking it all out by hand?

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: wharris on March 03, 2009, 01:58:08 PM

I have developed a hatred for cheesecloth.

I cleaned out my first several cheese cloths.  It took me about an hour each.  Given that they cost about 1.50/each, and I think my time is worth more than 1.50/hour,  I have decided to only use new ones.

I am also converting to SS mesh for draining and a medium to fine food grade plastic mesh for pressing.  Thereby getting rid of the need for cheese cloth.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Cartierusm on March 03, 2009, 08:20:33 PM

If it's reusable cheese cloth just warm water and you can scrub it together and it will eventually come off. If you've let it sit and dry out a little it'll never come out.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Captain Caprine on March 03, 2009, 09:06:45 PM

I'm with Wayne.
Chuck it.
CC

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Cheese Head on March 04, 2009, 12:06:40 AM

If it's cheap cheesecloth like this (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,150.0.html) then agree that chuck it, if it's more expensive cheesecloth like this one USD20 draining bag (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,729.0.html), I rinse and scrub with brush in running hot water in sink and then chuck it into cloths wash bin. As Carter said, don't let it dry. Works fine for me.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Tea on March 05, 2009, 08:03:43 PM

I with John on this one too.  Wash off the worse of the cheese, throw into the washing machine.  Then I just put it into the sterilising solution before I use again.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: wharris on March 05, 2009, 08:10:47 PM

I would love to try the better varieties.  Anyone have recommendations?

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Cheese Head on March 06, 2009, 12:26:10 AM

I got a 1 m x 1 m excellent quality cheesecloth from DairyConnection.com (http://www.dairyconnection.com/equipment.htm#cloth) here in US for USD11, bit big for my needs and I need to ask my wife nicely to hem it :-*.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: keepitlow on March 06, 2009, 01:00:07 PM

Thanks for all the input.

Where can I get food grade plastic mesh?

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: wharris on March 06, 2009, 02:05:00 PM

There was a thread about plastic mesh here (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/topic,1123.0.html):
But that discussion revolves around Draining Mats

You might also look here (http://www.mcmaster.com/#nylon-mesh/=vtxjg):
These are fine grain mesh sheets that might substitute for cheese cloth.

You will need to do some reading to determine the coarseness of your mesh and such.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Cheese Head on March 06, 2009, 11:18:29 PM

keepitlow, in addition to Wayne's links I built a Mats Info page (http://cheeseforum.org/Making/Mats.htm) and there is lot more info on mat in the Equipment > Making Board (http://cheeseforum.org/forum/index.php/board,18.0.html) :).

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: wharris on March 09, 2009, 01:48:23 PM

I took the plunge and bought some Cheesecloth replacement mesh (http://www.mcmaster.com/#9318t28).

I will post pics and let everyone know how it works out.

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: goat lady on March 09, 2009, 03:58:36 PM

Try plyban cheesecloth very easy to clean and last a long time

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Cheese Head on March 09, 2009, 11:44:07 PM

Thanks goat lady, just googled and found them in Home Dairy section of this Georgia USA based webstore (http://hoeggergoatsupply.com/xcart/home.php), have added that store to our listing of Cheese Making Supply Stores (http://cheeseforum.org/Links/Stores_Cheese_Making_Supplies.htm).

Title: Re: Cleaning Cheesecloth
Post by: Captain Caprine on March 10, 2009, 03:54:49 AM

I believe Hoegger's also carries it.
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