Your pizza steel is an investment. It’s designed to last for decades, but only if you treat it right. The most common cause of failure in our customer survey? Neglecting to clean the pizza steel after use. So today we’re going to take a look at how to properly clean your pizza steel and extend its life.
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The first rule of cleaning your pizza steel is this: don't let anything stick to it. If you do, you run the risk of rusting or staining your steel, which can be difficult to remove. Here are some tips on how to avoid that:
Use a pizza peel. A pizza peel is designed to slide under your pizza with ease, so there's no need to use force when sliding it onto the steel. This reduces the chance of sticking and makes cleaning easier in the long run.
Don't overload your pizza. If you put too much cheese or sauce on your pizza, it will stick to the steel when you slide it off. This can be tough to remove if it does happen, so keep an eye on portion sizes!
Use parchment paper. If you're worried about sticking, use parchment paper between your pizza and the steel. It's a quick and easy solution that will prevent sticking every time.
Preheat your oven. Preheating your oven helps ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and quickly, which reduces the chance of sticking and makes cleaning easier in the long run.
Use a pizza stone brush or pumice brick to clean off any remaining bits after cooking. These tools are designed specifically for this purpose and will help you remove anything that sticks without scratching your steel.
Store your pizza steel properly. When you're done using your pizza steel, store it in a cool, dry place. Don't leave it out in the open where it can collect dust or moisture, which can cause rusting over time.
Cleaning Your Pizza Steel:
If something does stick to your pizza steel, don’t panic. It’s not the end of the world, but you’ll want to act quickly to prevent any damage from occurring. Here are some tips on how to clean your pizza steel if it gets dirty:
Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe off any remaining bits. Be sure to use a non-abrasive material that won't scratch your steel!
Use hot water and dish soap to wash your pizza steel. Hot water helps break down any residue left behind by sticking ingredients, while dish soap helps remove grease and grime from the surface of your steel.
Don’t use steel wool or abrasive cleaners on your pizza steel! These can scratch the surface and cause damage over time.
Dry your pizza steel completely before storing it away. Water left behind on the surface of your steel can cause rusting, so be sure to dry it thoroughly before putting it away.
If you’re still having trouble removing stuck-on bits, try using a pumice brick or pizza stone brush. These tools are designed specifically for this purpose and will help you remove anything that sticks without scratching your steel.
For stubborn stains, try using a bit of baking soda and white vinegar. Mix the two together to form a paste and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth.
If all else fails, you can try sanding your pizza steel very lightly with fine grit sandpaper. Be sure to do this very
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