There are several methods for cleaning the bamboo steamer. The most common choice is to rinse it or soak it in the sink. In some cases, it is possible to use the dishwasher, while the use of steel wool or other cleaning tools is absolutely not recommended. Consult the instruction manual of your steamer to determine which is the most appropriate method for cleaning it among those proposed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Rinse and Soak the Bamboo Steamer
Step 1. Rinse the steamer
It is best to use hot or boiling water. Turn it over in your hands, under running hot water from the sink, to thoroughly clean the entire surface.
Put the steamer to dry in the dish drainer
Step 2. Leave the steamer to soak in boiling water
Select a pot large enough to hold the bamboo steamer and fill it with boiling water. Put the steamer in the pot and let it soak until the next day (or at least 8 hours). Once clean, put it to dry in the dish drainer.
Not all bamboo steamers can be left to soak in boiling water. Consult the instruction manual to find out if you can clean it this way or if it is better to use another method
Step 3. Wash the steamer with soapy water
Put a large saucepan in the sink and fill it with hot water. Add a small amount of liquid soap, then stir until foam forms. Wash the steamer in the soapy water, then rinse it and put it to dry.
Consult the instruction manual to find out if your steamer is suitable for washing with this method. Bamboo is an extremely porous wood, so it may absorb soap or dish soap and release it during subsequent uses
Method 2 of 3: Remove Dirt and Stubborn Odors
Step 1. Remove food residues with a dish brush
If the steamer is still not perfectly clean after washing it with soap and water, gently scrub the stains with a dish brush.
Do not use the steel wool or any other abrasive tool, in order not to risk damaging the bamboo
Step 2. Use the properties of black tea to clean the steamer and keep it in good condition
The tannins contained in black tea clean and regenerate the bamboo. Make yourself a cup of tea, then rub the bag over the entire surface of the steamer. Be gentle so as not to break the bag and not to disperse the tea leaves in the steamer.
Step 3. Rub the bamboo with the lemon
If you used the steamer to cook fish, you can easily get rid of bad smells by using a lemon. Cut it into quarters and rub a wedge on the outside and inside of the steamer.
Step 4. Use the dishwasher, but with caution
Some steamers have a too fragile structure that would not withstand the pressure of the water in the dishwasher. Others, on the other hand, may benefit from a high-intensity wash.
Consult the instruction manual of your steamer to find out if you can put it in the dishwasher. You may need to avoid adding detergent or having to use a specific detergent
Method 3 of 3: Keep the Bamboo Steamer in Good Condition
Step 1. Treat the steamer with oil every time you wash it
To prevent the bamboo from drying out after washing it, dip a sheet of kitchen paper in the oil and pass it inside and outside the steamer.
You can use any cooking oil, such as olive or seed oil
Step 2. Leave the steamer to soak in the water before using it
Soak it for about 20 minutes before each use to prevent the bamboo from burning.
Not all bamboo steamers can be soaked in water, so consult the instruction manual
Step 3. Do not put the food in direct contact with the bamboo
Cut out a piece of parchment paper giving it the shape of the steamer and use it as a base for the ingredients to be cooked. This way you won't have to clean the bamboo thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use a heat-resistant plate.
