Refreshing Aroma-Filled Trivets: Easy Tips For A Fresh Scent

Aroma-filled trivets can be refreshed in a variety of ways, depending on the material they are made of. Cast iron trivets, for example, can be cleaned with warm soapy water, scrubbed with a steel brush and steel wool, and coated with vegetable oil before being baked in an oven for an hour. This process removes any existing aroma and prepares the trivet for a new scent to be added. Brass trivets, on the other hand, require a softer approach, using warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush or sponge to avoid scratching the metal. Polishing with a specialised brass polish can then add a fresh layer of shine and protection.

Wash in warm soapy water

To refresh your aroma-filled trivets, you can wash them in warm soapy water. This method is suitable for cast iron, brass, and nickel-plated trivets. Here is a detailed guide:

Step 1: Wash in Warm Soapy Water

Use a soft toothbrush, a nylon brush, or a soft sponge to clean the trivet in warm soapy water. Gently scrub the trivet until it is free of dirt, grime, and surface dirt. If your trivet is made of cast iron, you can use Goo Gone® to remove any grease or adhesive residue. If the trivet has traces of paint, enamel, or glitter, do not proceed with further steps.

Step 2: Dry the Trivet

After washing, dry the trivet thoroughly with a cloth towel or paper towels. Ensure no water droplets are left on the surface.

Step 3: Apply Vegetable Oil or Polish (Optional)

If you wish to add a protective layer to your trivet, you can apply a thin coat of vegetable oil or a polish designed for metal. Leave the oil or polish on the trivet for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Wipe Off Excess Oil or Polish

After the resting period, use paper towels to carefully wipe off any excess oil or polish from the trivet. Ensure that you wipe the entire surface of the trivet, removing any residual oil or polish.

Step 5: Heat the Trivet in the Oven (Optional)

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the trivet on a rack in the oven and bake it for about an hour. This step helps to season the trivet and prevent rust. However, if your trivet has a glittery finish, a japanned finish, or accent paint, do not use this method as heat can damage the finish.

Step 6: Cool Down and Display

Once the trivet is baked and seasoned, remove it from the oven and let it cool down on a baking rack. After it has cooled, your refreshed aroma-filled trivet is ready to be displayed and used!

Remove rust with Bon Ami powder

To refresh your aroma-filled trivets, you'll need to clean them first. If your trivets are made of cast iron, you can use Bon Ami powder to scrub away any rust. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the trivet: Brush off any excess dirt or dust from the trivet.
• Wash the trivet: Wash the trivet in warm soapy water to remove surface dirt and grease. You can use a product like Goo Gone® for stubborn grease or adhesive residue. Then, dry the trivet thoroughly.
• Apply Bon Ami powder: Sprinkle Bon Ami powder onto the trivet, especially on rusty areas. You can also wet a sponge or cloth with water and sprinkle the powder onto it to make a paste.
• Scrub the trivet: Use a steel brush, steel wool, or Brillo Pad to scrub the trivet until it is free of rust. If the trivet has delicate surfaces or finishes, use a soft sponge or cloth instead, and rub gently. Rinse the trivet with water, and continue scrubbing until the water runs clear.
• Rinse and dry: Rinse the trivet thoroughly with water to remove any remaining powder. Dry the trivet with paper towels or a clean cloth.

Bon Ami powder is a gentle, effective cleanser that is safe to use on most non-decorative hard surfaces, including cast iron. It is made with natural ingredients and does not contain harsh chemicals, so it is safe to use and environmentally friendly. Always remember to test in an inconspicuous area first, especially if the trivet has a delicate finish. Additionally, wear protective gear like goggles and gloves when working with any cleaning products.

Dry with paper towels

To dry an aroma-filled trivet made of cast iron, you should use paper towels. This is a crucial step in the process of cleaning and maintaining your trivet, which will help to remove any excess dirt, grease, or residue.

Firstly, it is important to identify the type of metal your trivet is made of. This is because different metals require different care. To identify cast iron, you can use a magnet, as it will stick to cast iron but not to other metals like brass, bronze, aluminium, copper, or nickel.

Once you have confirmed that your trivet is made of cast iron, you can begin the cleaning process. Start by brushing off any excess dirt or dust. Then, wash the trivet in warm soapy water to remove surface dirt and grease. You can use a product like Goo Gone® to effectively remove grease or adhesive tag residue. Rinse the trivet thoroughly to ensure all soap residue is removed.

After washing, the next step is to dry the trivet with paper towels. This step is important to ensure that the trivet is completely dry before proceeding to the next steps of polishing or seasoning. Remove as much moisture as possible with the paper towels, ensuring that the trivet is no longer dripping wet.

If you simply want to clean and polish your cast iron trivet without seasoning, you can apply a polish designed for cast iron, such as Glorifying Antique Furniture Polish, directly after drying with paper towels. This polish is a citrus and beeswax formula designed for wood but also works well for polishing and protecting decorative cast iron. Apply it lightly to the clean and dry trivet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it off and buff it to a beautiful shine.

However, if you want to season your cast iron trivet to prevent rust, there are additional steps to follow after drying with paper towels. Seasoning involves baking a thin layer of oil onto the iron to protect it from rust. After drying, coat the trivet with vegetable oil or another type of cooking oil, solid shortening, or mineral oil. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then carefully wipe off the oil with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, place the trivet on a rack, and bake it for about an hour. During this process, you may notice a slight odour, so it is recommended to open a window for ventilation. Once the baking is complete, allow the trivet to cool on a baking rack.

By following these steps, including drying with paper towels, you can effectively clean, maintain, and refresh your aroma-filled cast iron trivets.

Coat with vegetable oil

To refresh your aroma-filled trivets, you can coat them with vegetable oil. This is a great way to refresh and season your cast iron trivets, and it will help to prevent rust. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wash the trivet well in warm soapy water. If your trivet is plated or has traces of paint, enamel, or glitter, stop here.
• Scrub the trivet with a steel brush, steel wool, or a Brillo Pad until it is free of rust.
• Dry the trivet thoroughly with paper towels or a cloth.
• Coat the trivet generously with vegetable oil. You can also use liquid cooking oil, solid shortening, or mineral oil.
• Let the trivet sit for about 15 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• After 15 minutes, use paper towels to carefully wipe off the excess oil from the trivet.
• Place the trivet on a rack in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Open a window during this process as there may be a slight odour.
• Once the time is up, remove the trivet from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a baking rack.

Your aroma-filled trivets should now be refreshed and ready to use!

Bake in the oven

To refresh your aroma-filled trivets, you can try the oven-baking method. This is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to refresh your cast iron trivets by baking them in the oven.

Firstly, verify that your trivet is made of cast iron. A simple way to do this is to use a magnet, which will stick to cast iron but not to other metals like brass, bronze, aluminium, copper or nickel.

If your trivet is made of cast iron, begin by giving it a good wash in warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush or sponge to remove any dirt or grime. If your trivet has traces of paint, enamel or glitter, do not proceed with any further steps as these finishes can be damaged by heat.

Next, scrub away any surface rust using a steel brush, steel wool or a Brillo Pad. If your trivet has a lot of rust, you may want to use a rust removal product like Bon Ami Powder, which is effective yet gentle. Once you are satisfied with the condition of your trivet, dry it thoroughly with paper towels.

The next step is to preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While you are waiting, coat the trivet with liquid cooking oil, solid shortening, or mineral oil. After 15 minutes, use paper towels to carefully wipe away the oil.

Place the trivet on a rack in the oven, ensuring it is not overlapping with other trivets or cookware. Bake for one hour. You may notice an odour during this process, so it is recommended to open a window.

Finally, remove the trivet from the oven and allow it to cool on a baking rack. Your trivet is now refreshed and ready to be used or displayed!

Frequently asked questions