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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
Kitt1 · 22/04/2026 08:07

Invest in a good quality food processor as they do so many useful tasks and seem to last forever. Mine’s a Magimix and I’ve had it over 20 years. All the bits fit in a dishwasher so it’s easy to clean.

I had to buy a replacement bowl over 10 yrs ago as DH managed to crack it (!!) but otherwise, it just goes on and on.

Kenwood is another good and less pricey brand.

DoloresDelEriba · 22/04/2026 08:00

agatamum · 21/04/2026 22:58

Could you not just buy a block of cheese and grate it?

This

Original poster
SENcatsandfish · 22/04/2026 08:00

KTMeetsTheRsUptown · 22/04/2026 00:17

What about great idea 💡Thanks for this OP ❤️
I hate grating cheese too (painful aching wrist) and don’t like the starch on the cheese. I'm going to start washing my cheese too 😀

Show quote history

Ive got a converter 🥳, welcome to the cheese washer club, we will have grate fun, and washing cheese is a brie-ze 😁

OP posts:
ForeverDelayedEpiphany · 22/04/2026 08:00

Is this a hangover from Covid when people washed their food? 😖😳

I agree that the starchy stuff isn't that nice, and i sometimes can't be bothered to grate lots of cheese, but it's a bit much going to wash cheese for the sake of a few starchy bits...

Wouldn't it make it more slimy after too, even after drying?

SwatTheTwit · 22/04/2026 07:54

Do you also rinse your cooked pasta?

DeanElderberry · 22/04/2026 07:54

Dollymylove · 22/04/2026 07:31

I thought this was a euphemism 🤣
I never buy ready grated cheese its full of crap to stop it sticking together

It isn't 'full' of 'crap'.

It has a very light dusting of potato starch, a highly regulated food substance.

Potato starch is worth having in the cupboard or fridge anyway, it is very good for thickening soups of sauces - better texture than cornflour and as easy to use.

Again, it isn't crap.

babasaclover · 22/04/2026 07:51

@SENcatsandfishi have the electric grater - honestly game changer. I dithered as so expensive then my husband bought me and now we laugh that after 25 years he’s finally bought me an appliance 😂 wrist nerve problems mean I can’t grate either

FlatErica · 22/04/2026 07:51

Buy block cheese and grate it, you lazy mare!

Sorry, just read your next post. Ahem!

RomeoOscarXrayXray · 22/04/2026 07:51

Never, ever heard of anyone washing cheese. That gives me the boak. 🤢.

I bought an electric grater from the middle of Lidl (because I am lazy) and I love it. All you have to do is press down on the cheese (or whatever you are grating) and press down on the button. No significant strength required.

FrangipaniBlue · 22/04/2026 07:48

This thread has brightened my morning!

It has simultaneously made be feel sad for the OP and other posters who for reasons can’t grate their own cheese, it’s made me laugh out loud at some of the witty replies, I’ve been educated about potato starch and listeria and I fear my bank account is about to become lighter because I never knew that I needed an electric cheese grater in my life!

so thank you @SENcatsandfish😆

ThisJadeBear · 22/04/2026 07:47

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 🤣

I am in a similar position but after looking at what grated cheese is coated in, I stopped using it.
The thing is, the crap it is coated is actually causes inflammation in the body so it’s not helping you if you eat it, even if it’s easier to access.
Have a look at some disability cooking and kitchen aids to help you.
And by the way I’m not fanatical about this stuff, I’m not the UFP police!

NormasArse · 22/04/2026 07:37

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 🤣

I have a contraption that you put the cheese into, then turn the handle- I’ll bet there’s an electric one out there somewhere…

RampantIvy · 22/04/2026 07:33

Please can posters read the OP's updates before posting. She can't grate cheese.

Dollymylove · 22/04/2026 07:31

I thought this was a euphemism 🤣
I never buy ready grated cheese its full of crap to stop it sticking together

Jane143 · 22/04/2026 07:30

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

Me too!

Northermcharn · 22/04/2026 07:28

Shitmonger · 21/04/2026 23:32

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

Show quote history

😂

wakeboarder · 22/04/2026 07:27

Is it possible you have a relative or friend who would grate a quantity at a time for you, it would then last a good while.

IneedAniffler · 22/04/2026 07:24

KimuraTan · 22/04/2026 07:18

The coating is potatoe starch to stop the grated cheese from sticking together. You’re a massive weirdo and I mean that kindly - stop washing that cheese 😂😂

Buy a block and grate it yourself.

No that's really rude- read the full thread before you insult OP

RampantIvy · 22/04/2026 07:20

KimuraTan · 22/04/2026 07:18

The coating is potatoe starch to stop the grated cheese from sticking together. You’re a massive weirdo and I mean that kindly - stop washing that cheese 😂😂

Buy a block and grate it yourself.

Please read the OP's updates before posting. She has a very good reason to find grating it herself difficult.

KimuraTan · 22/04/2026 07:18

The coating is potatoe starch to stop the grated cheese from sticking together. You’re a massive weirdo and I mean that kindly - stop washing that cheese 😂😂

Buy a block and grate it yourself.

rockinrobins · 22/04/2026 07:11

I really don't think you're even getting that coating off by washing and patting it dry, OP.

Cheese is pretty sticky especially when wet! You are probably just less able to see it when it's wet. You're basically just wetting and drying your cheese.

What do you think that starch is going to do to you if you eat it? It's nothing.

ManyATrueWord · 22/04/2026 07:05

At first read I thought you were crackers, but reading more I see your point. I'd definitely be looking into electric graters or food processors.

RampantIvy · 22/04/2026 07:05

And now I want to buy one of those electric graters. I have a food processor but it is heavy and a faff to wash.

Which one to you have @CissOff

CissOff · 22/04/2026 07:04

Another one who has an electric cheese grater and loves it. Like others, it can slice things really thinly (like potatoes for dauphinois) or shred stuff for coleslaw etc.

It’s the one kitchen gadget that actually gets used several times a week.

RampantIvy · 22/04/2026 07:03

MyDeftDuck · 22/04/2026 06:51

Why not buy a block and grate it as and when you need it? It ain’t rocket science…….cheese graters can be found on the household goods aisle at most leading supermarkets nationwide.

It isn't rocket science to select See All and read the OP's updates either 🤔

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