This is how often you should clean an ice cube tray (oops…)

We previously highlighted a range of possibilities for all the things you can store in an ice cube tray; so handy! Always have a cube of wine on hand for the tastiest pan sauce, or a coffee cube so your cold brew doesn’t get watered down. But even if you only use it to simply make ice cubes, you may not know exactly how often you should clean that thing…

Because I’ll readily admit that I’m usually too lazy to really pay attention to this. We have two at home, one of which regularly develops a greasy layer on the bottom all by itself (does anyone know what this is?) and then I put that one in the dishwasher and the other one, um, don’t… But this would be much better:

If you only use it for water

If your ice cube tray is used only for making good old ice cubes from water, for lemonade, cocktails (rum and Coke tonight?) or in a bag against your head when you have a hangover or a bump, you should wash it at least once a month. To remove any smells that may have seeped into it in the freezer and for a thorough clean, it’s best to make a little solution of baking soda and warm water and use it to clean all the nooks and crannies thoroughly.

If you’re a little more adventurous

If you’ve taken the step toward a somewhat wider range of ice cubes, such as the aforementioned stock, wine, coffee (or tea for iced tea) and so on, it is recommended that you wash the tray thoroughly every time it becomes empty. It may sound logical, but there may be people who think, ‘Huh, alcohol disinfects, doesn’t it?’ and those are exactly the people we want to urge: don’t refill it immediately, clean it first! In the same way described above. Of course, the dishwasher is also an option, but do check whether the material can withstand the heat of the water in it. Done? Fill it up again! Because a stash of flavor boosters in the freezer really does come in handy surprisingly often.

Also read:

• 5 absurdly handy kitchen hacks, part 3
• Coffee: best served ice-cold
• How fun: Ben & Jerry’s is launching ice cream for dogs