How to Clean a Bamboo Steamer in 4 Steps

A bamboo steamer needs to be cleaned after each use to remove any stuck-on bits of food. Follow these steps to clean:

1. 1. Soak: Soak the bamboo steamers in hot soapy water, using a mild cleaning agent such as dish soap.
2. 2. Scrub: Using a soft nylon brush, scrub the surface of your bamboo steamer basket and lid, removing any stuck-on bits of food.
3. 3. Rinse: Run the bamboo steamer basket and lid under hot water.
4. 4. Dry: Put it on a drying rack and let it air dry. Let it dry completely before storing it away to prevent mold and mildew.

Bamboo is a porous material, so it will soak up the smells of the food it is steaming. Cleaning helps prevent the bamboo steamer from collecting unpleasant odors, such as the leftover fishy smell from steaming fish fillets. When cleaning a bamboo steamer, keep these tips in mind:

1. 1. Wash a new bamboo steamer before use. Clean a new bamboo steamer to eliminate any dust and make the steamer more pliable for steaming later. Clean the steamer with warm water and dish soap, then put the bamboo steamer basket and lid on a pot or wok of simmering water. Steam clean the bamboo steamer for about thirty minutes and air dry.
2. 2. Use a black tea bag. You can also clean a bamboo steamer using a black tea bag. Soak the black tea bag in hot water, then scrub the teabag against the surface of your bamboo steamer, removing any stuck-on food bits. Tannins in the tea bag can help remove any food bits and bacteria. Rinse the bamboo steamer and air dry as usual.
3. 3. Line your bamboo steamer. To prevent food from sticking on the bamboo steamer, use liners. Line the bottom of the bamboo steamer basket with parchment paper, cheesecloth, lettuce leaves, or cabbage leaves. Place food on top of the liner to save you time and effort later cleaning it.
4. 4. Remove odor with white vinegar. There are many ways to get rid of unpleasant odors from the bamboo steamer. Mix a one-to-two ratio of white vinegar and water, and let the bamboo steamer soak in the mixture. Rinse the steamer clean under hot water. Alternatively, you can use baking soda. Sprinkle the bamboo steamer with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse the bamboo steamer in hot water and let it air dry.
5. 5. Scrub off any mold. If your bamboo steamer gets moldy, soak the steamer in a one-to-two ratio mix of white vinegar and water. Scrub the moldy parts with a brush until the mold is gone, then rinse the steamer in hot water and let air dry.

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