I have always wanted a zester like this and I was trying a new recipe that required the zest of 4 lemons. I was able to zest the lemons and wash up the tool in less than 5 minutes. I felt much safer while using it because it is long and I could place the rubber foot down on a plate while I zested. The zested product came off as very thin ribbons and there was no pith. When I washed the zester by hand, I was very careful to wash with the grain so that I would not get cut. I washed it immediately so I did not need the brush that comes with it. It also comes with a cover that snaps on and off with ease. Great purchase!