How To Clean A Wok With A Bamboo Brush

Bamboo wok brushes

I have a question for those using bamboo wok brushes. How do you maintain them and clean them? Mine usually gets a layer or oil and mold after a few weeks of using. And cleaning it by soaking in warm soapy water and dipping in a bleach solution for 30 seconds doesn't seem to get rid of the stuff. Any advice would be appreciated.

FYI. Tried soaking it in boiling water and it seems to work. Pictures below

level 1

They are like 2$ you could put them out in the sun for a while. And get a new one.

level 1

I use a brush with nylon bristles and just put them in the dishwasher.

level 1

If it's that moldy I would get rid of it. I haven't had any mold problems, just let it air dry properly.

level 1

I just use one of those generic green nylon scrubber pads. They're like three for a buck and last a while.

level 1

Grime built up in mine over a year. I asked a chinese chef who said to just get a new one every 6 months :/ I'll try to throw my next one in the dishwasher to see if it's any better.

level 1

Most cleaning solutions need to be in contact with the surface (wet or saturated not spray and wipe) for several minutes to reach stated effectiveness. If I recall with bleach solutions (depending on your concentration) you would need to soak things for at least 10-30 min to to properly sanitize.

level 2

Okay. Thanks. Will give this a try

level 1

FYI just an update. I tried soaking it in bleach solution and air dried still did not do the trick. Ended up soaking it in boiling water which seems to be working. You can see the amount of oil it removed.

oil

oil2

level 1

How are you using the brush and cleaning it (when you use it)? Are you using it with hot water and warm/hot pan? I haven't had this problem, and use the brush under hot running water to clean out the wok. I rinse the brush afterwards, shake it out, and hang it to dry. If mold is forming, I wonder if it isn't completely drying before it is stored. I don't think you want to put it in the dishwasher since water will likely get into parts in the handle that won't ever dry.

level 2

After using my wok, I boil some water in it and use the brush to clean the food particles. Then I just rinse my brush in running water, shake and leave it hanging to dry. We dont have a dishwasher. When I soaked it, I only soak it in up to the bristle.