Hi, it's Daphne here. Despite my extensive experience with woks, I want to share a more personal tale—the story of my very first wok. Like many others, I faced the same initial challenges when I started using a carbon steel wok.

A Legacy Handed Down

The journey began when I moved out on my own. My mother, finding herself with an empty nest, passed down her beloved wok to me—a well-oiled companion in her kitchen for over a decade. It was a generous size, perfect for the family meals she used to cook, but now too large for her needs.

Excited but nervous, I dove into cooking with my new wok. However, my lack of experience quickly led to a sticky situation - quite literally. Despite its seasoned surface, my attempts at stir-frying resulted in food clinging stubbornly to the wok, leaving me frustrated and disheartened.

Recovering the Stickiness

Determined to restore my wok, I turned to the wisdom of seasoned cooks. I learned that to remove the stickiness, I needed to scrub the wok with detergent, using a sturdy brush to work away the residue. After a thorough cleaning, I re-seasoned the wok by heating it and applying a thin layer of oil, creating a new non-stick surface.

This experience taught me valuable lessons in wok maintenance and cooking. Here are some tips I'd like to share to help you maintain your wok in prime condition:

1. Regular Cleaning: After each use, wash the wok with hot water and a soft sponge or brush. Avoid harsh detergents, as they can strip away the seasoning.

2. Thorough Drying: Always ensure your wok is completely dry before storing it. Water left on the surface can lead to rusting.

3. Proper Seasoning: Periodically re-season your wok to maintain its non-stick properties. Heat the wok, apply a thin layer of oil, and heat until it smokes, then let it cool before wiping away any excess oil.

4. Use and Care with Love: Treat the wok with care and respect, and it has rewarded me with delicious meals for years. 

Rusty Reawakening

Another chapter unfolded when I returned from a few months away to find my wok stored away and covered in rust. It was a disheartening sight, but I was determined to revive it.

Banishing the Rust

To tackle the rust, I armed myself with steel wool and elbow grease. I scrubbed diligently, removing every spot of rust, then rinsed and dried the wok thoroughly on a warm stove. Once clean, I re-seasoned it over medium-high heat with a high-smoke-point oil, ensuring a thin, even coating that smoked and darkened, signalling a rebirth of the non-stick surface.

Embracing the Journey

Through these trials, I embraced the journey of not just cooking, but caring for my wok. It became clear that a wok is more than a cooking tool—it’s a companion that grows with me, reflecting the care and love I put into the meals.

I hope my story resonates with those of you embarking on your own wok adventures. Remember, every mistake is a stepping stone to mastery, and every meal is a chance to create something beautiful.