The Secret to Perfectly Clean and Odor-Free Pork Intestines

Did you know that just by using a handful of crushed banana leaves, you can make pork intestines spotless and completely free of unpleasant odors?

Pork intestines are a popular delicacy loved by many, especially when cooked into dishes like boiled intestines, grilled skewers, or mixed salads. However, cleaning intestines properly is one of the most challenging steps in the preparation process — particularly when dealing with large intestines, which tend to have a strong, lingering smell. So, how can you clean them quickly and effectively?

1. Clean with Crushed Banana Leaves

The dwarf banana plant (often called “chuối tiêu” in Vietnam) is common in many rural areas. Compared to other banana types, its leaves produce a thicker, more astringent juice, which works wonders for cleaning.

To use, crush the banana leaves thoroughly to extract the liquid, then pour it into the intestines and knead several times. The natural tannins in the leaves will remove grease and odors effectively, leaving the intestines clean and fresh.

If you live in the city and can’t easily find fresh banana leaves, ask for “chuối tiêu” leaves at the market — they’re darker and thicker than plantain leaves, and much more effective. Alternatively, you can rub the peels of green bananas to extract their juices and use that liquid in the same way.

2. Clean with Fish Sauce

Fish sauce isn’t just for seasoning — it’s also a surprisingly powerful cleaning agent. Pour a generous amount of fish sauce into the intestines, then use gloves and rub thoroughly several times. The enzymes and salt in fish sauce help neutralize the smell and remove impurities. After that, rinse well with clean water, and you’ll have spotless, odor-free intestines.

3. Other Effective Cleaning Methods

Besides banana leaves and fish sauce, you can also clean pork intestines using rice washing water, flour, baking soda, or even vinegar.

• Rice washing water helps remove mucus and softens the texture naturally.

• Flour is another great option — it absorbs grease and reduces the strong odor while keeping the intestines smooth and less fatty. Simply add flour and a little rice washing water, rub thoroughly, then rinse clean.

• Baking soda is well-known for its deodorizing ability, while vinegar or white wine can also cut through the smell effectively.

4. Be Careful When Using Alum (Phèn chua)

Some professional cooks use alum to clean and make the intestines firmer because it’s fast and inexpensive. However, alum contains aluminum compounds, and if not rinsed properly, it may leave residues that are harmful to your health. For that reason, it’s not recommended for home use.

5. Clean with Rice Wine or Alkaline Water

Rice wine (or cooking wine) can also be used to eliminate odors and kill bacteria naturally. Pour some into the intestines, rub for a few minutes, and rinse — the result is not only clean but also mildly fragrant.

If you have access to alkaline water, it’s another great option thanks to its high pH level, which helps neutralize unpleasant smells and break down grease. However, since not every household has alkaline water, the most practical methods remain banana leaves, fish sauce, vinegar, or rice water.

Another clever tip: if your household makes a lot of pickled vegetables, use a bit of the sour brine to clean the intestines. The mild acidity of the fermented liquid can also help remove odors efficiently.

Final Tip

No matter which method you choose, always rinse the intestines thoroughly under running water several times until they are clean, white, and odor-free. With just a few natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can make sure your pork intestines are perfectly clean, safe, and delicious every time you cook them.