When you purchase a new wok, you might be keen to get cooking in it right away. However, it is essential that you fully understand how to care for and clean your wok before you get started, otherwise you could do some damage that means it won’t last as long as it should.

A guide on how to clean a carbon steel wok

A new wok comes with a thin coating on its surface, which should be carefully removed before you first cook in it. The best way to do this is to gently wash the wok both on the inside and outside with a stainless-steel scrubber. Making sure that you use the appropriate type of scrubber as otherwise, you may risk scratching your new pan.

Fill your sink full of hot soapy water and place the wok into it, then gently scrub the entire surface with your wok scrubber, taking time to ensure you have covered all areas. Once you have finished, you can remove it from the water, rinse with clean, hot tap water, and then place it on your stove.

Use a gentle heat to dry your wok before you start to season it.

Your clean wok is now ready to be seasoned, and this is another vital step in wok care. If you miss this step, you may find that food sticks to your wok pan surface, making it much more difficult to cook as you’d like, and more challenging to subsequently clean. Unseasoned woks are also more prone to rust.

Seasoning a wok takes a little time and effort. But done correctly in the first instance will mean that you have set up your wok for years of usage and can enjoy cooking a variety of mouthwatering meals for you and your family without the worry of degradation or damage. [Read our informative and detailed blog on how to season your wok here

While it can be tempting to soak your wok, it is actually best to gently clean any food debris that’s stuck on during the cooking process as soon as you can after using it. The easiest way to clean your wok is to use warm water on warm wok.  If it's a carbon steel wok, you don't have to be too gentle with it, it can be scrub with a metal scrubber for those stubborn stains.

You can also use a little bit of soap. The key here is to dry it properly after washing it. This way you are essentially seasoning your wok every time you use it.

Instead of drying your pan with a dishcloth, which could leave a residue, the best way to do so is to simply place it back on the stove and allow it to dry thoroughly over low heat. This will ensure that the protective layers created during the seasoning process remain intact.

Cleaning Your Wok: What Not To Do

• Don’t put your wok in the dishwasher.
• Never use an abrasive soap cleaner.
• If you see rust spots appearing, gently remove the rust and repeat the seasoning process.

Cleaning your carbon steel wok properly will make sure that it lasts longer, however much you use it. By paying attention to a careful cleaning process, you can ensure your wok will remain in excellent condition and will be ready and waiting to use next time you feel the urge to cook in it!

Take a look at our full range of carbon steel woks here.

Enjoy A Cooking Class with School of Wok

If you want to make the most out of your wok, why not book a fantastic cooking class to perfect your skills? At School of Wok, we offer a fantastic range of lessons that will teach you excellent skills that are sure to impress family and friends alike. Take a look at our upcoming classes here!

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If you are looking for a great gift or want to invest in a top-quality wok, you can find lots of great products in our ranges. If you need some help choosing or have any questions about our cooking classes, get in touch with our friendly team who’d be delighted to help you!