Mountain Secrets: Ancient Utensil Cleaning Methods Still Shine Without Detergent

• Wood ash, mixed with rice husk, effectively cleans iron woks and removes blackening due to its abrasive and alkaline properties.
• Large mountain lemons (chuk) and coarse salt are used to restore the golden shine of brass utensils by removing oxidation.
• Sour buttermilk or tamarind is applied to copper vessels to remove blackening, giving them a pinkish glow due to lactic acid.
• A mixture of fine river sand and ash is traditionally used in Kumaon and Garhwal to clean silver and aluminum, removing stains and adding whiteness.
• Natural lathers from Bhimmal tree bark, walnut shells as scrubbers, and Chullu oil for rust prevention are also common practices.

Why It Matters: Traditional mountain communities use natural ingredients like ash, lemon, and buttermilk for effective, eco-friendly utensil cleaning.