Care & Usage Guide
Care & Usage Guide
Every material in your Twin Palmyra kitchen behaves differently. This guide covers what to do before first use, how to clean, and how to make each tool last for years. Five minutes of care after every use goes a long way.
Clay Cookware — Kadai, Dhal Pot, Curd Pot, Biryani Pot
Before First Use — Seasoning (Required)
Clay pots must be seasoned before cooking. Skipping this step can cause cracking.
- Rinse the pot with clean water and let it air dry completely.
- Rub the inside surface with coconut oil or sesame oil using a cloth.
- Fill the pot halfway with water and place it on a low flame.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil rapidly.
- Turn off the flame and let the pot cool completely inside the water.
- Discard the water, rinse, and dry. Your pot is now ready to cook in.
Daily Use
- Always start on a low flame. Clay heats slowly — give it 2–3 minutes before increasing to medium.
- Never place a cold clay pot on a high flame. Thermal shock causes cracking.
- Do not move directly from flame to a cold surface or cold water.
- Clay pots work on gas stoves. They are not compatible with induction cooktops.
- Use wooden or silicone utensils. Metal utensils can chip clay surfaces.
Cleaning
- Wash by hand with warm water and a soft cloth.
- Avoid strong dish soap — it absorbs into clay and affects taste. A little mild soap occasionally is fine.
- Do not soak in water for extended periods.
- Do not put in the dishwasher.
- Dry completely before storing. Storing damp clay pots causes mould.
Removing Odour
If your clay pot develops a lingering smell after cooking fish or strong spices, fill it with water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Leave overnight, rinse thoroughly, and dry in sunlight.
Clay Drinkware — Tumblers, Water Jug, Water Bottle
- Rinse with clean water before first use. No seasoning needed.
- Store water at room temperature — do not refrigerate clay drinkware.
- Clean with water and a soft cloth. Avoid soap where possible.
- Dry upside down after washing to prevent water pooling at the base.
- Light white residue inside is natural mineral deposit from water. Remove with a diluted vinegar rinse.
Stone Mortar & Pestle — Kalvam, Okhli, Ammikal
Before First Use — Curing (Required)
- Add a handful of raw white rice to the mortar and grind to a powder.
- Discard the powder — it will look grey. That is normal stone dust from manufacturing.
- Repeat with a second handful of rice.
- Rinse with clean water and dry. Your mortar is ready.
Daily Use
- Works best for spices, herbs, ginger, garlic, and pastes.
- Add a small amount of water when grinding wet ingredients for a smoother paste.
- Place on a stable cloth or mat to prevent sliding while you grind.
Cleaning
- Rinse with water after each use. A stiff brush removes residue from the rough surface.
- Avoid soap — it can absorb into the stone and affect the taste of spices.
- For stubborn turmeric stains, rub with a cut lemon and leave in sunlight for one hour.
- Dry completely before storing. Do not put in the dishwasher.
Rubbing Stones — Manjal Kal
- Rinse with clean water before first use.
- Add a few drops of water to the stone surface before grinding turmeric, sandalwood, or almonds.
- Apply gentle circular pressure — the stone does the work.
- Rinse and air dry after each use.
- Store in a dry place. Prolonged moisture causes discolouration.
Neem Wood Utensils — Spatulas, Ladles, Spoons
Before First Use
Rinse with warm water and dry. Optionally apply a thin coat of coconut oil to the surface — this extends life and prevents drying.
Daily Use
- Safe on all cookware — non-stick, cast iron, stainless steel, and clay.
- Do not leave soaking in hot liquid — prolonged soaking weakens the wood.
- Do not use directly on high open flames — wood chars.
Cleaning
- Wash by hand with mild soap and warm water.
- Dry immediately after washing. Never leave wet.
- Do not put in the dishwasher. Dishwasher heat and detergent crack and warp neem wood.
- Once a month, rub with a few drops of coconut oil and wipe clean. This keeps the wood smooth and prevents splitting.
When to Replace
Deep cracks, splintering, or a rough surface that won't smooth with oiling means it's time to replace. A well-maintained neem wood spatula lasts 2–3 years with daily use.
Pressure Cooker Gaskets
- After fitting a new gasket, do a test run with plain water before cooking food.
- Check the gasket is seated evenly in the lid groove all the way around before each use.
- After each use, remove the gasket from the lid and store it separately. Keeping it permanently pressed in the lid causes it to lose shape faster.
- Clean with mild soap and warm water. Do not scrub with abrasives.
- Check every 6 months. Replace immediately if you see hardening, cracking, or steam escaping from the lid sides.
Mixer Jars & Bullet Jars
- Do not fill beyond the max line — overfilling causes spills and motor strain.
- For hot liquids, allow to cool 5 minutes before blending. Never blend boiling liquid.
- Quick clean: fill with warm water, run for 10 seconds, rinse.
- Clean the blade base carefully — blades are sharp. Use a bottle brush.
- Hand wash only. Do not put in the dishwasher.
- Store jars without the lid pressed on to allow air circulation and prevent odour.
Cotton Kitchen Towels
- Wash before first use.
- Machine wash in cold or warm water. Avoid bleach.
- Line dry or tumble dry on low. High heat shrinks cotton.
- Replace when fabric thins or frays — a worn towel does not absorb well.
Any questions not covered here? Contact us — we’re happy to help.
