Buzz
Pastry brushes are indispensable in the kitchen, even for those who aren’t regular bakers. Beyond applying egg or mayo washes to your bread and pastries, they can help spread a glossy layer of mustard on a leg of lamb (to enhance the seasoning's adherence), baste a roast, or even coat a chicken with mayonnaise. That said, they can become quite messy.
Although silicone brushes are far easier to clean compared to their bristle counterparts, I still prefer bristled brushes. Silicone doesn’t grip fat or liquids as well, and while it’s fine for slathering sauces on large cuts of meat, it struggles with delicate pastries, often leaving noticeable brush marks.
The main perk of silicone brushes over traditional pastry brushes is that they’re dishwasher-safe. Wooden handled brushes, however, are affordable and fairly easy to clean. You just need to wash them by hand and ensure they dry thoroughly afterward.
How to Clean Your Pastry Brush Effectively
Begin by using a paper towel to wipe away any hardened fat or residue. Fat is the enemy of plumbing, so get rid of as much as you can and dispose of the used towels in the compost or trash.
Next, grab a small bowl or coffee mug, squirt in some dish soap, and add water. Swirl the bristles around in the mixture, then rinse and repeat until the bristles no longer feel sticky.
Give the handle and the area where the bristles meet the handle a good scrub, then rinse once more. As you rinse, run your fingers through the bristles to ensure no soap is left behind at the base.
Now, it’s time to dry the brush. Leaving it damp could lead to discoloration, warping in the wood, and possibly mold in the bristles or handle. Gently blot the bristles with a clean towel and place the brush on a dish rack to air-dry. The Kitchn suggests leaving your brush in salt overnight to absorb excess moisture (salt naturally draws moisture), but I prefer using a hair dryer for a quicker method.
If you find your brush shedding bristles, developing an odd smell, or—despite your best cleaning attempts—beginning to grow mold, it’s time to replace it. (They’re usually only about three bucks at the restaurant supply store.)
