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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to wash my cheese?

289 replies

SENcatsandfish · 21/04/2026 22:57

I buy pre grated cheese, but it always has that starch coating on and when it melts it goes a bit funny, and the texture and what it looks like put me off. So I chuck it in a sieve, rinse it, pat it dry and then use it as I normally would.

Someone looked at me as if id grown 2 heads when I was doing this so is it not a done thing? Am I the only person washing my cheese?

So, unreasonable = what on earth are you doing?
You are being reasonable = melted starchy cheese is gross

  • [Note from MNHQ: Please read OP's subsequent posts before responding, especially the very next post in which she explains that she has a condition that affects her joints, including her wrists, which can easily be dislocated by grating cheese...]
OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
SerendipityCat · 21/04/2026 23:40

Am I the only one who thought the thread title was a euphemism for a personal hygiene issue?

user1473878824 · 21/04/2026 23:39

Woodfiresareamazing · 21/04/2026 23:33

Rushed to read this thread as, from the title, I thought I was going to learn about some new sexual practice, or some new and improved way to wash my lady parts.

But it turned out to really be about - washing cheese.

I'm 67, and have never known anyone to do this. 🤯
Every day's a school day ...

Edited

If cheese makes you think of your bits I think you need a GP and not mumsnet!!!!

Piccante · 21/04/2026 23:37

I bought grated cheese the other day that actually wasn’t covered in potato starch. Can’t Romberg what brand it was - might have been Morrisons.

Okiedokie123 · 21/04/2026 23:37

A food processor does an excellent job of grating cheese. Much nicer results than the nasty shop bought stuff.

bythefire6 · 21/04/2026 23:36

Villanousvillans · 21/04/2026 23:34

I have an electric cheese grater, it’s fab!

Have you got a link?
I’ve grated my thumb twice now and ended up on antibiotics as it went down to the bone Blush
I bought a rotary one but it’s shit

Villanousvillans · 21/04/2026 23:34

I have an electric cheese grater, it’s fab!

Woodfiresareamazing · 21/04/2026 23:33

Rushed to read this thread as, from the title, I thought I was going to learn about some new sexual practice, or some new and improved way to wash my lady parts.

But it turned out to really be about - washing cheese.

I'm 67, and have never known anyone to do this. 🤯
Every day's a school day ...

ErrolTheDragon · 21/04/2026 23:33

You’re the only person washing your cheese, but because of your joints problem you do have some reason for it.
I’ve never noticed starch on grated cheese tbh, we don’t use it much and when we have done so it’s been reduced fat - maybe that doesn’t need it?

Shitmonger · 21/04/2026 23:32

Northermcharn · 21/04/2026 23:25

Is cheese happier washed or unwashed, that is the question..

Show quote history

I feel that cheese would have a distinct desire to remain unwashed.

user1473878824 · 21/04/2026 23:30

I mean you’re not being madly unreasonable because it doesn’t mely properly because of the starch but you can grate cheese in a food processor or one of the turning ones above which would result in much less wet cheese I’ve given myself the ick

Northermcharn · 21/04/2026 23:25

ExitPursuedByABare · 21/04/2026 23:23

I think maybe cheese isn’t really for you OP.

(Feels a bit sad on behalf of cheese)

Is cheese happier washed or unwashed, that is the question..

ExitPursuedByABare · 21/04/2026 23:23

I think maybe cheese isn’t really for you OP.

(Feels a bit sad on behalf of cheese)

Firefly1987 · 21/04/2026 23:21

I get you on what a pain grating cheese is. I just buy one pack of pre-grated which is super convenient but I get you about the taste. I would never wash cheese though sorry it's not got to that point yet 😆how would washing it even get the coating off? And how do you pat gratings dry? Confused

Shitmonger · 21/04/2026 23:20

I fear that you are indeed batshit, OP. Grin

How about a cheese grater like this? Easier on the joints I’d think.

AIBU to wash my cheese?
PoppinjayPolly · 21/04/2026 23:20

EstrellaPolar · 21/04/2026 22:59

I’m confused. Who washes their cheese!?

I was thinking was in a Covid heavy time warp! 😆
the threads on “how many times are you washing your shopping?”

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Dance GIF by IFC
steff13 · 21/04/2026 23:17

My KitchenAid mixer has an attachment the shreds cheese. Would that work? Washing cheese is crazy pants.

Theraininspainishere · 21/04/2026 23:13

Food processor with grater attachment???

Northermcharn · 21/04/2026 23:13

😂thanks op, that made me laugh

Go ahead and cheese wash. why not.

likelysuspect · 21/04/2026 23:12

SENcatsandfish · 21/04/2026 23:09

I should have added, I have a condition that effects my joints, and for me, especially the wrists, I could easily dislocate my wrist from grating cheese 🤣. Ive done similar for stupid reasons. Im a walking disaster, except when I fell down the stairs then I was a falling disaster. Apologies for the drip feed.

I cant seem to find an alternative that works. If I makes a difference I obviously use very cold water, be a right mess if I rinsed it with hot water 🤣

Totally understand that, I also buy pre prepped stuff due to fine motor control issues, dexterity and neuropathy.

However I dont wash the cheese!!

Food processor?

Spiral grater thing which migh be easier to use?

Snooks1971 · 21/04/2026 23:11

likelysuspect · 21/04/2026 23:06

Well I get where youre coming from in theory, I understand the intent, but its potato starch that covers pre grated cheese and guess what potato starch does when wet.....

Grate your own cheese and freeze it in portions, then just use like you would the grated stuff in the bag, no waste and no washing.

I love this sensible suggestion

Original poster
SENcatsandfish · 21/04/2026 23:11

Goldenboysmum · 21/04/2026 23:01

I've never heard of anyone washing cheese 😅

You have now 🤣🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
SENcatsandfish · 21/04/2026 23:09

I should have added, I have a condition that effects my joints, and for me, especially the wrists, I could easily dislocate my wrist from grating cheese 🤣. Ive done similar for stupid reasons. Im a walking disaster, except when I fell down the stairs then I was a falling disaster. Apologies for the drip feed.

I cant seem to find an alternative that works. If I makes a difference I obviously use very cold water, be a right mess if I rinsed it with hot water 🤣

OP posts:
tofumad · 21/04/2026 23:08

I gave up buying grated cheese because of the the anti clumping stuff they use and just grate my own now. Can't imagine washing it!

likelysuspect · 21/04/2026 23:06

Well I get where youre coming from in theory, I understand the intent, but its potato starch that covers pre grated cheese and guess what potato starch does when wet.....

Grate your own cheese and freeze it in portions, then just use like you would the grated stuff in the bag, no waste and no washing.

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