How to Properly Clean A Wok

Once you've taken the time to properly season your steel carbon or iron wok there's no sense in ruining that patina trying to clean it.

Cleaning a wok can be simple and quick, if done properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One dirty wok
• Bamboo wok brush
• Non-metallic scrubber (Brillo pad)

1. Begin by pouring hot water into the wok. It's best to leave the wok on the stove during cleaning.

2. 
   Bamboo Wok Brush

   Next, turn the heat on the stove to medium-low. Allow the water to continue to heat, keeping the water below boiling. Use your bamboo wok brush or Brillo pad to gently remove any stuck on food particles, always being careful to avoid gouging to removing the woks' seasoning. Using the wok brush bring the water up past the water-level to clean the top portion of the wok.

3. Once the water has clouded dump out the dirty water.
   
   Rinse the wok and repeat step 2 until all food particles are removed.

4. 
   Clean, Seasoned Wok

   To dry your wok turn the heat on the stove back on to high until you see a small amount of smoke coming from the bottom of the wok. Then remove your wok from heat. To keep your wok in prime condition coat the interior with cooking oil after each cleaning, making sure the wok is cool before you do so.

Tips & Warnings

• Bamboo brushes are inexpensive, easy to use, and the most effective tool for cleaning your wok. Invest in one!
• Newly seasoned woks have very thin patinas so they should be treated with special care.
• NEVER use soap or cleaners on your wok as this will remove the seasoning you've built up
• ALWAYS remember to let the wok cool completely before storing it
• NEVER allow your wok to air dry as this could lead to a rusting

[williamfjordan]

on 11/7/2009 nice article on cleaning a wok 5*

[kchan]

on 4/17/2009 Thank you so much for this article. It came just in time when I had to clean the wok for the first time. Of course, I did screw up a little bit when I scroll down the page after I left the wok to air-dry. Good thing I used a towel to dry it before-hand.

[hdubs]

on 2/11/2009 Great article & nice photos--definitely came in handy for cleaning my wok tonight!

[Thims]

on 9/16/2008 Great article. I've always wondered about how to do this the right way. Thanks for sharing!

[wmcveigh]

on 9/11/2008 Thanks pappy537 and texaspeach63! Glad you liked it