Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most popular food choices all across the globe. It is a perfect food for any occasion and is loved by people of all ages. Since pizza is such an essential part of our lives, it is essential to maintain the tools used to make it, specifically the pizza steel.
Pizza steel is a crucial tool for making great pizzas. It is responsible for the crispy crust and better heat retention, which is crucial for achieving the perfect pizza. Cleaning a pizza steel is essential to ensure that it lasts long and works as it should. In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the best techniques for how to clean a pizza steel.
Can You Clean a Pizza Steel?
Pizza steel is gaining popularity as a preferred choice for baking pizzas due to its ability to distribute heat evenly and create a crispy crust. But the question remains: can you clean a pizza steel? The answer is yes! Although it may seem intimidating, cleaning a pizza steel is relatively simple. Start by allowing it to cool completely before getting started.
Wipe away any excess oil or grease using a rag or paper towel. Then, use a non-abrasive scrubber and warm water to gently scrub the surface clean.
Avoid using soap or any harsh chemicals, as this can damage the surface. Once cleaned, allow the pizza steel to dry completely before storing it away. With proper care and maintenance, your pizza steel can last for years to come.
Why Should You Clean a Pizza Steel?
If you love baking pizzas, you would know the importance of owning a good pizza steel. It’s a metal plate that helps you achieve a crispy crust whenever you bake a pizza. However, it’s equally important to keep it clean after every use.
Not only does it prevent the buildup of rust and dirt, but it also ensures that your pizza steel lasts for a long time. A dirty pizza steel can ruin the taste of your pizza and even lead to health hazards. So, make it a habit to clean your pizza steel after each use and ensure that your homemade pizzas continue to taste delicious.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Pizza Steel
1. Cleaning the Pizza Steel
The first step in cleaning a pizza steel is to cool it down completely. The quickest way to do this is to remove the pizza from the oven and wait for the steel to cool down on its own.
Never try to clean a hot pizza steel, as it can be dangerous and cause burns. Once the steel has cooled down, remove any excess food debris with a plastic scraper or spatula, taking extra care not to scratch the surface.
2. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most effective ways to clean a pizza steel is by using baking soda and vinegar. First, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the pizza steel, covering every inch of the surface. After that, add a few drops of white vinegar over the baking soda slowly.
This will create a fizzing reaction that will loosen any burnt-on food debris. Leave the mixture to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the surface with a soft-bristled brush.
3. Cleaning it with Salt
Another effective way of cleaning a pizza steel is by using salt. Salt is an abrasive and can help scrub any debris off the surface of the steel.
Start by spreading a thin layer of salt over the steel, then add a sprinkle of water to create a paste. Gently rub the surface with a sponge in a circular motion, adding more water if necessary. Once clean, wash the steel with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
4. Using Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is also an effective cleaning agent that can help you clean a pizza steel. Begin by squeezing a few lemons and pouring the juice on the steel. The citrus acid will naturally break down any debris on the surface.
Let the juice sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Once clean, rinse the steel with warm, soapy water.
Lemon juice can also help to remove any lingering odors from the steel.
5. Using Cast Iron Cleaner
Try using a cast iron cleaner if your pizza steel has stubborn, burnt-on food debris that won’t come off with regular cleaning methods. These cleaners are specifically designed for heavy-duty cleaning of metal surfaces and can easily remove tough stains and build-up on your pizza steel.
Simply follow the instructions on the cleaner, and be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry the steel after use.
6. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals
When cleaning your pizza steel, avoiding harsh chemicals such as bleach or oven cleaners is important. These can damage the surface of the steel and may leave behind harmful residues that can affect the taste of your pizzas. Stick to using natural cleaning agents, such as those mentioned above, to ensure the safety and longevity of your pizza steel.
7. Proper Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage and maintenance are key to keeping your pizza steel clean for years to come. After each use, wash and dry the steel thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place.
Avoid stacking other heavy items on top of the steel, as this can cause scratches and damage. Regularly check for any signs of rust or corrosion; if necessary, use a fine-grit sandpaper to gently remove it. With proper care and maintenance, your pizza steel will continue to provide perfectly crispy and delicious pizzas for many years.
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Clean a Pizza Steel
1. Temperature
Before you start cleaning your pizza steel, it is important to make sure that it has cooled down completely. If the steel is still hot, it can be dangerous to handle and could cause burns if you touch it. Additionally, using cold water on hot pizza steel can cause the steel to crack or warp due to thermal shock. Therefore, it is best to wait until the pizza steel has cooled down before attempting to clean it.
2. Cleaning Supplies
When cleaning your pizza steel, it is important to use the right supplies to avoid damaging the surface of the steel. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the surface of the pizza steel and make it more difficult for food particles and grease to be removed. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive cleaner such as baking soda or vinegar mixed with warm water.
3. Scraping
Once you have applied your cleaning solution to your pizza steel, you must scrape any remaining grease or food particles from its surface. This can be done with a plastic scraper or spatula; however, be sure not to scratch the surface of your pizza steel as this can damage its non-stick coating and make future cleanings more difficult.
4. Wiping
After scraping off any remaining grease or food particles from the surface of your pizza steel, you will need to wipe down its entire surface with a damp cloth to remove any excess dirt or debris that may have been left behind during the scraping process. Be sure not to use too much pressure when wiping down your pizza steel, as this could damage its non-stick coating over time.
5. Drying
Finally, after wiping down your pizza steel’s entire surface with a damp cloth, you will need to dry it off thoroughly to prevent rust from forming on its surface over time. This can easily be done by wiping down your pizza steel with a dry cloth or paper towel until all moisture has been removed from its surface
Benefits of Cleaning a Pizza Steel
Pizza is one of the most loved foods all over the world. From traditional pepperoni to gourmet toppings, every bite of a slice brings joy to our taste buds. But to make the perfect pizza, one important element that often gets overlooked is the pizza steel. Not only does it evenly distribute heat, but it also enhances the crust’s crispiness and texture. However, to maintain the pizza steel in top-notch condition, regular cleaning is crucial.
Cleaning your pizza steel after each use will increase its longevity and prevent the transfer of unwanted flavors to your next pizza. Moreover, a clean steel surface elevates the taste and makes the pizza cooking experience all the more worthwhile.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Clean a Pizza Steel
Cleaning a pizza steel is not always as easy as it seems. Many people make common mistakes when attempting to remove the burnt-on sauce and cheese. One mistake is using too much water. While it may seem like a good idea to get the steel wet in order to loosen the debris, it can actually cause rust. Another mistake is using soap to clean the steel.
This can leave a residue, which can affect the taste of future pizzas. Finally, some people use abrasive tools such as scouring pads or brushes. This can scratch the steel and lead to even more difficult cleaning in the future. Use a damp cloth or sponge and a mild cleaning agent to properly clean a pizza steel. Be sure to dry the steel thoroughly before storing it to prevent rust.
Conclusion
Cleaning a pizza steel might seem daunting, but it is an essential part of maintaining the tool needed for making delicious pizza. Using these cleaning techniques, you can keep your pizza steel in good condition and ensure it stays functional for a long time.
So, what are you waiting for? Start cleaning your pizza steel today and enjoy the perfect crispy pizza crust every time. Thanks for reading our post about how to clean a pizza steel.
