How to Clean a Pizza Stone (To Preserve Its Lifespan)
If you do love making Pizza at home or wish to be making one at home, this how to clean a Pizza stone guideline will really come in handy for you. As you read through, I will be showing you how you can clean your Pizza stone after use.
How to Clean a Pizza Stone
If you enjoy making homemade pizzas with all your favorite toppings, a pizza stone is a simple way to elevate your gourmet pies to the next level.
These flat ceramic or stone slabs are meant to preheat to high temperatures before evenly baking a pizza crust, sucking any water into their porous surface. The end result is a crispy pizza that cooks rapidly, making the pizza stone one of your favorite cooking gadgets.
While a pizza will normally slide off a pizza stone easily, this does not imply that it is clean. Two professionals explain why it’s vital to clean your pizza stone regularly, how to do it properly, and what to do if burnt residue remains.
Why You Need to Clean a Pizza Stone
While your pizza stone may appear to be clean, this does not necessarily mean it is. A pizza stone’s porous stone or ceramic texture allows all of the delectable elements, from tomato sauce and oil to cheese and pesto, to seep into the surface.
If the slabs are not properly cleaned, they might turn rancid, which can affect the flavor of your future pizzas or pose a health risk.
A pizza stone should be cleaned after each usage to remove any debris left behind after baking your pizza. At the very least, it should be washed down, but cleaning it properly once it has cooled is preferable.
What to Know Before You Get Started
Cleaning your pizza stone is primarily waterless. Because of its porous structure, the stone can easily absorb water; soaking it in water will compromise its integrity and ability to produce a crispy crust.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following things on hand:
1. Silicone pan scraper
2. Dishcloths
3. Nylon brush
4. Baking soda
5. Drying rack
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Pizza Stone
To clean a Pizza stone, you should follow these steps:
1. Wait for It to Cool
Allow it to cool for two to three hours to ensure that it is not only safe to handle but also does not crack when the temperature changes.
2. Scrub the Stone With a Brush
First, scrape the pizza stone with a nylon brush to remove all food particles and remaining residue.
3. Scrape It Off
Using a spatula or nylon brush, carefully remove any cooked-on cheese and other debris. You may want to run your hand over it to feel for any obstinate debris that you cannot see, especially if your pizza stone is black or dark.
4. Wipe Away Residue
Wipe down the pizza stone with a moist towel to remove any remaining residue.
5. Air Dry the Pizza Stone
Your pizza stone should dry quickly because you aren’t soaking it in water—it’s only slightly moist. Regardless, let it air dry on a drying rack before wiping it down with a dish towel or microfiber cloth to eliminate any crumbs or moisture.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
Avoid the following mistakes when cleaning a pizza stone:
1. Cleaning it While it is Hot
Trying to wipe the pizza stone while it is still hot is a common mistake. If you clean your hot stone with cold water, you risk cracking or fracturing it.
2. Putting the Stone in the Dishwasher
Always manually wash your pizza stone. Never let it near a dishwasher.
3. Using the Wrong Cleaning Materials or Tools
In addition, when gathering your cleaning products, ensure that any instruments are made of nylon, silicone, or a similar softer substance. Avoid using anything metal on the stone that may scratch the surface.
4. Using Soap or an Oven Cleaning Cycle
Stanfield advises against using soap since it may ruin the stone’s structure. Also, avoid using your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, as this can expose it to dangerously high temperatures. A pizza stone is intended for high heat—but not too high.
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