Salt Mill Care: Seasoning and Cleaning Guide
By Cutipol: The Shape of Tomorrow’s Cuisine | Official Store | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to season a new salt mill, adjust grind size, and clean it properly so it stays reliable for years. Includes Peugeot-specific tips.
Quick answer
Season a new salt mill by running a small amount of coarse salt through it, then adjust the grind to your preference and clean it only when needed, using a dry brush or cloth.
Why seasoning matters
A new salt mill may contain fine metal or wood dust from manufacturing. Running a small amount of coarse salt through it clears these particles and coats the mechanism, which reduces friction and helps the mill operate smoothly from the start.
Seasoning also lets you test the grind adjustment before you commit to a full batch. It is a quick step that protects the mechanism and improves the taste of your first few grinds.
Clean only when necessary
Salt itself is a mild abrasive, so a salt mill rarely needs deep cleaning. Frequent washing can damage the wood finish or corrode the metal mechanism. Instead, wipe the exterior with a dry cloth and brush out the grinding area if salt builds up.
If you do need to clean the inside, empty the mill completely and use a dry brush. Avoid water and soap; they can cause the wood to swell and the mechanism to rust.
Adjusting grind size
Most salt mills have a knob or screw at the top that adjusts the distance between the grinding burrs. Turning it one way makes the grind finer; the other way makes it coarser. Test on a small amount of salt and adjust until you get the texture you want.
On Peugeot mills, the U'Select system offers six distinct settings, so you can fine-tune from a fine powder to a coarse crystal. Always adjust while the mill is empty or with only a little salt inside, to avoid jamming.
Step-by-step seasoning and maintenance
- Season the mill: Fill the mill with coarse salt (like sea salt or rock salt) and grind a small amount (about a tablespoon) into a bowl. Discard this salt. This clears manufacturing dust and coats the mechanism. If the grind feels rough or the mill is hard to turn, repeat the process once more before using it for cooking.
- Adjust the grind size: Turn the adjustment knob or screw at the top. For Peugeot U'Select mills, rotate to one of the six settings. Test by grinding a little salt and check the texture. Adjust until it matches your preference. Always adjust while the mill is empty or nearly empty to avoid clogging the mechanism.
- Clean the exterior and mechanism: Wipe the outside with a dry cloth. If salt residue builds up around the grinding area, use a dry brush to remove it. Do not use water or soap, as they can damage wood and corrode metal. Only deep-clean if the mill is visibly clogged; otherwise, a quick wipe is enough.
Recommended product
- PEUGEOT Paris - Salt mill chocolate U'Select S: The PEUGEOT Paris salt mill features the U'Select patented grinding adjustment system with 6 different modes. This gives you precise control over grind size, from fine to coarse, so you can match the salt texture to your dish.
PEUGEOT Paris - Salt mill chocolate U'Select S
