A traditional brush used in everyday Japanese kitchens.
Cast iron has no coating, so you can scrub it firmly — but choosing the right tool still matters.
Metal scrubbers can scratch the surface.
Sponges struggle with oil residue and burnt-on food, and using one on a hot pan can leave an unpleasant smell.
That’s where a brush like this makes a real difference.
What is a Karukaya brush?
A karukaya brush is made from the roots of karukaya, a grass plant native to Japan.
The fibers are thick, stiff, and springy — firm enough to tackle stubborn residue that a sponge simply can’t handle, while still being gentle enough not to strip the seasoning from cast iron.
Because the fibers don’t absorb oil, the brush is well-suited for washing greasy pans and cookware. It also drains and dries quickly after use, which helps prevent mold and keeps it hygienic over time.
And perhaps its most practical feature is its shape.
The slim, stick-like form means you can wash the pan while it’s still hot — something you’d never want to do with a sponge. It also keeps your hands at a safe distance from the heat, which makes the whole process feel much more comfortable.
Size and Design
Two sizes are available, so you can choose based on your pan size, shape, or hand size.
I use mine on a 26cm frying pan and a tamagoyaki pan.
For the tamagoyaki pan in particular, the smaller size works much better for reaching into the corners and along the sides.
There’s a loop in the middle of the brush, so after use I hang it on a hook to dry.
As the tips wear down over time, you can remove the wire binding and trim the fibers slightly to keep using it.
A few notes on using it
For cast iron, I mostly wash with just water and the brush.
When there’s heavier oil residue, I’ll use a small amount of dish soap — it cleans both the pan and the brush at the same time, which is satisfying.
When skipping soap, I’ll occasionally pour boiling water over it to sanitize, though I don’t do this every time.
At first, some fibers may come loose, but this settles down with use.
Where to Buy
Available on Amazon US. → karukaya brush on Amazon
Related Articles
→ How to Care for a Cast Iron Pan
→ River Light Iron Frying Pan Review — A Japanese Pan I Keep Using
→ Why Food Sticks to Cast Iron Pan — And How to Prevent It
Closing
If you cook with cast iron, having a brush like this makes daily cleaning much easier.
This is the one I use in my own kitchen.
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