Asanka Bowl Care Guide: How to Clean and Maintain Your Clay Grinding Bowl
Your Asanka (Apotoyewa) is a handmade clay grinding bowl designed to last for years of flavorful cooking. Follow these asanka cleaning tips to protect the ridged surface, keep flavors pure, and maintain that beautiful artisan finish.
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Daily Cleaning: The Right Way
Rinse, Don’t Soak
Immediately after use, rinse the bowl with warm water. Avoid long soaks—clay is porous and can absorb water, which weakens the body over time.
No Soap Inside
Skip detergents on the grinding surface. Soap can lodge in the grooves and affect flavor. If needed, use a drop on the outer rim only and rinse thoroughly.
Use a Soft Brush
Gently scrub along the ridges to remove tomato, chili, and oil. A soft natural-fiber brush protects the grooves while lifting residue.
Air-Dry Fully
Place upside down on a rack until bone dry before storing. Trapped moisture can cause odor or hairline cracks.
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De-Odorizing & Deep Refresh
- Salt scrub: Sprinkle coarse salt, add a few drops of warm water, and gently grind with the tapoli; rinse and dry.
- Rice paste: Make a thick paste from cooked rice; grind around the bowl to lift oils; rinse and dry.
- Lemon wipe: Rub cut lemon along the ridges, wait 5 minutes, rinse and dry in open air.
Seasoning & Long-Term Care
- First use: Rinse, air-dry, then grind a handful of cooked rice with a teaspoon of oil to seal micro-pores; rinse and dry.
- Light oiling (optional): Every few months, rub a drop of neutral or palm oil, then wipe completely dry—this keeps grinding smooth.
- Storage: Store in a dry place with airflow; avoid stacking heavy objects on top.
Do’s & Don’ts
- Do: Use wooden/silicone tools; rinse warm; dry fully; refresh with salt/rice paste.
- Don’t: Dishwasher, harsh soaps inside, metal scrapers, thermal shock (cold rinse on a hot bowl).
Troubleshooting
Hairline Crack?
Stop using with liquids. Let it dry fully for 24–48 hours. If the crack extends through the wall, retire it as a serving bowl and replace for grinding.
Lingering Odor or Stains?
Do a rice-paste refresh, then sun-dry for 1–2 hours. Repeat as needed.
Conclusion
With the right asanka cleaning tips and gentle habits, your bowl will stay strong, sanitary, and wonderfully seasoned—ready for everyday sauces, spice mashes, and stews.
Keep learning: asanka care and cleaning guide • how to clean asanka bowl (step-by-step) • ultimate guide to the Asanka • product page
