How Do You Store Cheese Making Tools And Equipment?

“Hi there, I’m running a small cheese-making operation from home and I’ve accumulated quite an array of tools and equipment. I’m finding it really tricky to store everything in a way that’s clean, organized, and efficient. Can you offer any advice on how to best store cheese-making tools and equipment so they stay in good condition and are easy to access when needed?” Thanks in advance, Samantha, Asheville, USA.

How Do You Store Cheese Making Tools And Equipment?

Hey there, Samantha! Storing cheese making tools and equipment efficiently can be a bit of a puzzle, but setting up a system that works for you will make your cheese-making process smoother and more enjoyable. It’s all about keeping things clean, accessible, and well-organized. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can find the perfect storage solution that fits your needs.

Keep Tools Clean and Dry

First things first, cleanliness is your best friend. After using your cheese making tools, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing. Any leftover cheese particles or moisture can lead to mold growth or corrosion. Here’s how to do it:

• Rinse Immediately: Rinse tools like curd knives, ladles, and molds immediately after use to prevent cheese residue from hardening.
• Use Mild Detergent: Wash with a mild, non-abrasive detergent that won’t leave residues, which could affect the next batch of cheese.
• Sanitize: After washing, sanitize the equipment with a food-safe sanitizer to eliminate any lingering bacteria.
• Dry Completely: Air dry your tools on a clean rack or use a clean towel. Ensure no moisture remains, especially inside molds and other nooks and crannies.

Organize and Categorize

A well-organized workspace can significantly reduce the time spent searching for tools. Categorize your equipment based on frequency of use and type:

• Daily Use Items: Keep everyday items like thermometers, pH strips, and ladles in a drawer or container that’s easy to reach.
• Less Frequent Use Items: Store larger items like molds, presses, and cheese mats in a dedicated cabinet or pantry space.
• Label Shelves and Containers: Labeling containers and shelves can save you time; you’ll know exactly where to find what you need.

Storage Solutions

Depending on your available space, there are various storage options to keep your tools tidy and accessible:

Drawer Organizers

Use drawer organizers for smaller tools and utensils. These dividers are perfect for keeping things like cheese knives, thermometers, and small molds in order.

Shelves and Racks

Shelves and racks can help store larger equipment neatly. Use wire racks for breathable storage of items like cheese mats and molds:

• Adjustable Shelving Units: These are great for maximizing vertical space and can be tailored to fit your exact needs.
• Wall-mounted Racks: These can save floor space and keep tools like ladles, curd knives, and strainers within easy reach.

Plastic Bins and Containers

Clear plastic containers help in several ways. They keep items dust-free and allow you to see what’s inside without opening the lid:

• Stackable Containers: Save space by stacking these in your pantry or storage area.
• Airtight Containers: Ideal for storing cultures, rennet, and other perishable items.

Specialized Storage

Cheese making sometimes requires specialized storage solutions for certain tools and ingredients:

• Cheese Caves and Fridges: If you’re aging cheese, a dedicated cheese cave or fridge can maintain the consistent temperature and humidity levels needed for aging.
• Culture and Rennet Storage: Some cultures and rennet need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Use labeled containers or bags to prevent contamination and keep them at the right temperature.

Maintain a Clean Environment

A clean storage environment prevents contamination and extends the life of your tools:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your storage area routinely to remove dust, debris, and any potential contaminants.
• Temperature and Humidity Control: Ensure your storage space is dry and at a stable temperature to prevent rust and mold growth.

Accessibility

Equally important as cleanliness and organization is accessibility. You should be able to get to your tools easily. Here are some tips for achieving this:

• Ergonomic Placement: Place the most frequently used items at arm’s reach to minimize bending or stretching.
• Group Similar Items: Grouping similar items together means you won’t have to search various spots for what you need. For example, keep all curd-cutting tools in one place.
• Use a Pegboard: A pegboard with hooks is excellent for hanging frequently used tools in a visible and accessible manner.

Specific Tool Storage

Let’s look at some specific tools and how best to store them:

• Cheese Molds: Stacking cheese molds inside one another can save space. Ensure they are entirely dry before storing to avoid mold growth.
• Thermometers and pH Meters: Store these sensitive tools in their protective cases to prevent damage. A drawer or a small compartment in your tool cart is ideal.
• Cheese Cloths: After washing and drying, fold cheese cloths and store them in a sealed container to keep them clean until next use.
• Presses and Boards: These larger tools can be tricky to store. Dedicating a corner of your storage area with ample ventilation works best to prevent them from becoming damp.

Safety Considerations

Storing tools safely ensures your workspace is hazard-free:

• Sharp Edges: Tools like knives and wire cutters should be stored with guards on or in a safe place to prevent accidental cuts.
• Heavy Items: Store heavier tools on lower shelves to avoid injury from lifting or dropping them.

Tips for Long-term Storage

If you have tools and equipment that you only use periodically, proper long-term storage is vital:

• Disassemble If Possible: Break down complex equipment to store it more compactly and reduce the risk of damage.
• Cover and Seal: Use dust covers or seal items in plastic to keep them free of dust and debris.
• Check Periodically: Even if tools are in long-term storage, inspect them occasionally to ensure they remain in good condition.

Organizing Ingredients

Alongside your tools, keeping your cheese making ingredients organized is equally important:

• Dried Ingredients: Keep dried ingredients such as calcium chloride and citric acid in airtight containers with clear labels.
• Liquid Ingredients: Store rennet and other liquid additives in small bottles in the refrigerator, in clearly labeled compartments.
• Cultures: Freeze-dried cultures should be stored in the freezer, labeled, and sealed to maintain their potency.

Preparing for Your Cheese Making Session

Before starting a new session, gather all necessary tools and ingredients in one place. This practice ensures you won’t have to pause your process to search for overlooked items. Here’s a strategy to streamline things:

• Create a Checklist: A checklist for each type of cheese you’re making helps ensure nothing is missed.
• Pre-measure Ingredients: Measuring everything out and placing it in small containers can save you loads of time.
• Set Up Workstations: Allocate specific areas of your workspace for different tasks, such as measuring, cutting curds, and pressing cheese.

Final Thoughts…

Samantha, thanks for reaching out with your question. Maintaining a clean, organized, and accessible storage system for your cheese-making tools and equipment is vital for efficiency and safety in your artisanal cheese endeavor. Remember to keep everything dry, use the right storage containers, and periodically reassess your setup to see what could work better. These practices will help ensure your tools stay in top condition and are always ready for your next delicious creation.