Cove Home Brass Mill Care & Assembly Guide

Quick Assembly Guide: 

Each handle is safely stored inside your mill for safe transit. Simply lift each lid and you will see them in there. You can find our full assembly guide here.

Your mills have arrived beautifully bright and shiny - just as they should! Over time, their brass will naturally develop a rich, lived-in patina that adds to their charm and character.

If you love the gleaming finish, we’ve shared a few simple cleaning tips below to help you keep them looking polished. Or, if you’re drawn to the antique look, you can even speed up the patina process - either way, they’re yours to make uniquely your own.

 

Assembly Steps  

  • Unscrew the top cap and gently remove the lid.
  • Retrieve the handle inside.
  • The 8" mill is designed for salt, and the 9" mill is designed for pepper - it's important not to mix them up
  • Please do not overfill the mills - They should not be filled to the very top
  • Place the handle on top of the lid.
  • Screw the cap back on - and you're ready to grind!

For best performance, grind a small amount first and discard it. This "warm-up" ensures a smooth start and optimal flavor release.

Care Tips to Keep Them Glowing

General Care

  • Keep your mills dry and clean.
  • Never submerge them in water or place them in the dishwasher
  • The brass will naturally develop a patina over time - but if you prefer the original shine:

To Polish our Brass Mills 

  • For a quick polish and protect, use our Cove Home Organic Brass & Wood Balm to reduce oxidation and restore the warm glow.
  • If your mills need something stronger, use a soft cloth with a gentle metal polish like Brasso - See a helpful video here.
  • Avoid harsh abrasives to preserve the smooth finish.

To Polish our Chrome Mills 

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove fingerprints or smudges, dry toughly 
  • Avoid harsh abrasives to preserve the smooth finish.

To Protect

  • Apply our Cove Home Organic Brass & Wood Balm to reduce oxidation and restore the warm glow.
  • Prefer the natural patina? Add a touch of camellia oil for light protection and a subtle sheen.

Interior Cleaning

For both Mills:

  • Disassemble gently 
  • Use a soft brush or dry cloth to clean internal components.

For the Salt Mills:

  • Internal parts can be rinsed with water - just be sure they are completely dry before reassembling.

 

Designed to Last - Built with Purpose

Your salt mill includes a food-safe, corrosion-resistant mechanism made from ~40% glass-infused plastic with a stainless steel shaft - designed to resist the natural moisture in salt.

Your pepper mill features a 100% metal grinding mechanism - ideal for dry spices and delivering that satisfying, classic grind.

 

Why the Lid May Feel a Little Loose

Don't worry if the lid or handle doesn't sit tightly - this is intentional. A gentle fit allows the mill to "breathe," helps prevent trapped moisture, and makes refilling easier.

Each mill is handmade, so slight variations add character and uniqueness.

 

Top Nut a little loose? 

The top nut should rarely need tightening. If you find it loosening, please check that you are turning the handle (crank) in a clockwise direction – this helps keep the nut secure during use.

 

Spice Tips & Grinding Adjustments

Pepper Mills:

  • Use standard, dry peppercorns.- Avoid oversized or soft spices that could jam the mechanism.
  • Never use salt - it may corrode the metal interior.
  • If the handle spins freely or is very tight, please adjust the bottom screw under the Mill accordingly.

Salt Mills: 

  •  Use only dry sea salt or rock salt.
  • Avoid wet or flaky salts to prevent clogging

Adjusting the Grind:

  • Top Cap: Turn clockwise for a finer grind, or loosen for a coarser result.
  • Bottom Screw: Can also adjust grind size - simply turn to your desired coarseness.