Best expert tips on how to clean a wok

Woks are a joy to cook with – versatile, sturdy, and perfect for whipping up quick meals. But in order to know how to clean a wok, proper attention is essential. Different types of woks require different methods, so Wecasa’s domestic experts have created this easy guide to cover the basics, plus a few pro tips. From carbon steel to cast iron, you’ll learn how to clean, season, and restore your wok to keep it cooking beautifully for years to come.

How to clean a wok: Basic cleaning steps

Let’s start with the basics. Everyday cleaning keeps your wok in prime condition, and these simple steps will help you do just that. No harsh chemicals needed – just water, heat, and a bit of love.

Use hot water

Hot water is all you need for a quick clean, as long as you’ve maintained your wok well.

• Make sure the wok is hot: Before you start scrubbing, heat up your wok slightly. A warm wok loosens food residue, making it easier to clean without heavy scrubbing.
• Rinse with hot water: Once it’s warm, rinse the wok with hot water. Use a soft sponge or a bamboo brush to gently scrub away any food bits. Try to avoid using soap, especially on carbon steel or cast iron – soap can strip away the seasoning layer that keeps food from sticking.

Dry Thoroughly

Drying your wok immediately is essential. Leaving moisture can lead to rust, which can ruin its surface over time. Here’s how to do it:

• Use medium heat to dry: Place the rinsed wok back on the hob over medium heat. This dries it thoroughly and keeps it rust-free. After a few minutes, you’ll notice all the moisture has evaporated, leaving a smooth, dry surface ready for storage.

Pro Tip: Before storing, wipe the inside of the wok with a tiny bit of cooking oil using a paper towel. This thin layer of oil acts as an additional guard against moisture.

How to season your wok

Seasoning carbon steel Woks

Carbon steel woks are much-loved by chefs for their versatility and ability to season over time, which gives them a natural non-stick layer. But they need some extra care to stay in peak condition.

• Use oil for seasoning: After drying your wok, add a small amount of oil – vegetable, sunflower, or flaxseed oil works well. Pour a teaspoon in and spread it with a paper towel, coating the whole interior surface.
• Heat the wok for seasoning: Place the oiled wok on medium heat. You’ll know it’s working when you see a little smoke rising. Once it starts smoking, turn off the heat and let the wok cool naturally. This process bonds the oil to the metal, creating that sought-after non-stick layer.

Pro Tip: Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point. Oils with a higher smoke point work best for seasoning because they bond more effectively with the wok’s surface.

Seasoning Stainless Steel Woks

While stainless steel woks don’t need the same level of seasoning as carbon steel, a bit of oil can still improve their cooking performance by preventing food from sticking. Here’s how to do a simple seasoning:

1. Use oil for seasoning: Pour a small amount of oil, just enough to coat the surface, and use a paper towel to spread it around evenly.
2. Heat the wok for seasoning: Set the wok on medium heat until it just starts to smoke, then turn off the heat and let it cool. This quick step adds a layer that makes cooking smoother and cleanup easier.

How to care for cast iron woks

Cast iron woks are heavy-duty, built to last, and excellent for high-heat cooking. However, they require special care, especially when cooling and cleaning.

Cooling down the wok

After cooking, it’s tempting to rinse your cast iron wok straight away, but sudden changes in temperature can damage it. Here’s the best way to cool down and clean cast iron.

• Let it cool naturally: Once you’re done cooking, remove the wok from the heat and let it cool gradually for a few minutes. Rushing this process with cold water can cause the metal to warp or even crack.
• Avoid abrasive tools: When cleaning cast iron, stick to gentle sponges or a bamboo brush. Steel wool and abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface and ruin the seasoning.

Once dry, give your cast iron wok a quick rub with oil before storing it – this helps prevent rust and keeps it ready for your next cooking session.

How to Maintain a Wok

Caring for your wok doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy practices, you can keep it cooking flawlessly. Here are the essentials:

• Re-season regularly: For carbon steel and cast iron woks, make seasoning a routine part of care. Every few uses, add a thin layer of oil and heat it up to keep the protective layer intact.
• Use gentle cleaning methods: Skip the dish soap and metal scrubbers; they strip away seasoning and can damage your wok. Stick with hot water and a soft sponge or bamboo brush.
• Store with care: Never store a wet wok. Make sure it’s completely dry and even add a light coat of oil before putting it away. If your wok comes with a lid, store it slightly ajar to allow air circulation.

Pro Tip: If you store your wok in a cupboard, add a paper towel between the wok and its lid to prevent trapped moisture.

How to Restore a Damaged Wok

Even the most loved woks can get a bit banged up – from rust spots to burnt-on food, it happens. But don’t worry, restoring a wok is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Scrub off the rust or burnt bits: If there’s rust or burnt residue, use a paste of salt and a bit of water to scrub it away. Rub the paste over the surface with a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse thoroughly with hot water.
2. Re-season the wok: After cleaning off rust or residue, dry the wok on medium heat and apply a layer of oil. Heat it up until it smokes lightly, then turn off the heat. This restores the non-stick layer, making your wok good as new.
3. Apply a protective layer: Once cool, add a thin layer of oil and store it in a dry place. This ensures that moisture won’t find its way back, and your wok will be ready for action next time.

How to clean a wok: Quick care checklist

For a handy reminder, here’s a quick checklist to keep your wok in perfect condition:

• ✅ Hot rinse after each use – Skip the soap.
• ✅ Thorough drying on the hob – Prevents rust.
• ✅ Regular seasoning with oil – Builds non-stick power.
• ✅ Gentle sponges only – Protects the seasoning.
• ✅ Light oil coat before storage – Keeps moisture away.

With these tips, your wok will be a reliable partner in the kitchen, ready to help you whip up delicious meals. Whether you’re searing, sautéing, or stir-frying, a well-cared-for wok can handle it all. At Wecasa, we love making everyday life easier – so you can spend more time enjoying your meals and less time worrying about cleanup. Happy cooking!