I have just purchased a vintage Dansk teak salt mill/pepper grinder. It is coated very heavily with grime and needs to be cleaned and re-oiled. what is the best way to do this without interfering with the grinder mechanism and keeping it safe to use with food?

thanks-
sadiejane@folly.org

If it's just the outside that's dirty, I'd try Murphy's Oil Soap and some 0000 steel wool (rubbing with the grain!), occasionally wiping down with a clean cloth and ending with a good wipe down with a clean cloth dampened with Murphy's. Once you get it good and clean, use an appropriate food safe oil (I think mineral oil is what chefs use to keep cutting boards oiled) and apply per directions.