After a month of that insanity, I Googled about washing sushi mat (I’m not sure why I didn’t think they could…) and discovered that they CAN! It takes about 2 minutes and your sushi mat will look brand new!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be putting a lot of use into your sushi mat, which can quickly become a dingy and filthy equipment!
When I initially started making sushi, I used the “rice on the outside” method, therefore I used saran wrap to wrap the bamboo sushi mat. Because I no longer needed saran wrap (the protector!) when I moved to the “rice on the inside” approach, my mat became dirty! And for some reason, I didn’t clean it (I know, it’s strange, isn’t it?). I’d let the mat dry and pick off any leftover rice that had become lodged between the crevices… but that was all!
Washing Sushi Mat Instructions
Sushi mats are an important component of the sushi-rolling process, so you’ll want to know how to maintain them clean.
What’s the best way of washing sushi mat? There are four main ways, or four steps, to execute it. The first step is to wipe it down after each usage to prevent muck from accumulating. After you’ve finished creating sushi, rinse it under running water or soak it in warm water for a few minutes. After that, you scrub it with soap, rinse it, and let it air dry.
There are a few things to keep in mind when handling sushi mats, including the danger of rot, bad odors, and mildew. These won’t be a problem if you have the appropriate information.
- Washing Sushi Mat Step 1: Run some warm/hot water
The water should be as warm as possible… Just don’t get too hot! Hot water kills bacteria, loosens particles, cuts through oils, and cools the mat more quickly than cold water.
- Washing Sushi Mat Step 2: Scrub your mat with a dish cloth (soap optional)
Run hot water over your sushi mat until it’s completely saturated! After that, take your dish rag and scrub for about a minute. Fold the mat in half and rub it back and forth (as if you were about to start a fire with two sicks)! Make certain that all of the sticky rice pieces have been removed.
- Washing Sushi Mat STEP 3: Stand or hang your sushi mat to dry
Place the sushi mat between two objects and set it aside overnight to solidify and dry. Mine is sandwiched between two blenders! This might also be hung from a rod of some type.
One of the most crucial aspects of creating delicious sushi is keeping your sushi mat clean. Consider it in the same way that you would a serving plate. It will come into direct contact with the meal, changing the way it tastes. More importantly, it will have an impact on how safe the food is to consume.
Always remember that sushi is served hot. After it has been rolled, it will not be cooked any more. As a result, whatever you do with it at that time is likely to contaminate the meal. It could potentially be harmful to one’s health.
You’ll need to learn how to clean a sushi mat if you want to prevent all of that. However, you should be aware that there are various types of sushi mats available on the market. Furthermore, there may be mats that appear to be sushi mats but are actually used for other reasons.
As you can see, cleaning a sushi mat isn’t as simple as you may think. As a result, it’s usually a good idea to think over your alternatives thoroughly before deciding on which type to acquire. Let’s have a look at your possibilities in this regard.

Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.