A refractory stone is a portable stone slab that allows home cooks to obtain a crispy crust for pizza and other dishes; in general, it is not necessary to clean it regularly, as the surface ages during the cooking of the pizza. However, if you have to wash it, do it properly because some methods, like soaking or using soap and water, can ruin it forever. If you find that it's time to wash it, there are a few simple techniques to help you preserve it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: by hand
Step 1. Wait for the stone to cool completely
Before handling it you must make sure that it returns to room temperature by leaving it in the oven for an hour, otherwise you run the risk of breaking it, especially if you suddenly expose it to cold air or water; make sure it is cold before continuing.
- If you need to handle it while it is still hot, use oven mitts to avoid burns and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
- Refractory stones also break when placed cold in a hot oven.
Step 2. Scrape or brush the surface with a blunt tool to remove food residue
You can use a specific brush or a plastic spatula to remove the burnt encrustations that are left on the stone; proceed gently and only on areas where there are traces of food.
The metal spatula may scratch the stone
Step 3. Don't never use soap. Although it may seem normal to use dish soap, in reality it does nothing but irreparably damage it; remember that it is a porous material that absorbs the detergent, which in turn alters the flavor of the pizza. Once exposed to soap, the stone is no longer the same.
Step 4. Rub it with a damp cloth if necessary
Wet a towel with warm water and use it to clean the surface; try to remove food residues that you have previously moved by scraping them.
Step 5. As a last resort, put the stone in the water
Sometimes, you need to soak burnt or encrusted food in order to remove it. Simply leave the surface in the water overnight and then try to scrape it again; Remember that the material absorbs some of it during the process, so you need to let it dry for about a week. Know that it contains a lot of water even when it seems dry on the surface.
Step 6. Wait until it is completely dry before using it again
Another time the stone can crack in the oven is when it is exposed to heat before it is dry. Store it at room temperature before using it again for cooking; the water that has remained between the pores of the material reduces its integrity during the heating process.
Let it dry for a couple of hours before using it again
Step 7. Do not put any type of oil on the surface
Olive and other fats emit smoke during cooking. Although some people are convinced that this way the stone seasons just like the cast iron pans, in reality the material becomes soaked with grease instead of being covered with a non-stick layer.
- To create a non-stick surface, use a light layer of cornstarch.
- The oils released by the food naturally penetrate the stone but without causing any damage, making it better and better; however, as described above, avoid seasoning it as you would a cast iron skillet.
- The stone develops a non-stick and protective layer as you use it for cooking.
Step 8. Appreciate that it turns dark
When used correctly it typically covers up with dark and stained areas, becoming very different from how it was immediately after purchase. However, remember that the qualities of the refractory stone improve over time; don't rub it in an attempt to bring it to its original appearance and don't think it's time to buy another one just because it looks "old".
Method 2 of 3: with Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Mix equal parts baking soda and hot water in a bowl
Work the ingredients until they become a paste with a consistency similar to that of toothpaste; this solution is capable of removing deep stains that you cannot get rid of simply by rubbing them.
- Baking soda is a very effective product against dirt and grease.
- It is the safest substance on this type of kitchen item, as it is only slightly abrasive and does not alter the flavor of the food.
Step 2. Remove large burnt residues with a plastic spatula
Before using the dough you just made, you need to remove the larger pieces of food that are left on the stone.
Handle the stone gently. You may increase the chances of it breaking over time
Step 3. Scrub the surface with the baking soda compound and a brush
You can use a toothbrush or a special stone tool, but make sure you make circular movements, targeting the "most problematic" areas first. First clean the stained or dark spots and then move on to the rest of the stone.
If there are areas with deep, encrusted stains, you can treat them again after scrubbing the stone with a cloth
Step 4. Wipe off the product with a damp rag
Once rubbed, the surface should be covered with a layer of bicarbonate; when you feel like you can't get even better results, you can wipe it off with a wet towel.
After removing the dough, treat the most difficult areas again if you are not satisfied with the result; repeat the whole procedure until the dark spots have disappeared or faded
Step 5. Wait for it to dry completely
This method transfers much more moisture into the material than using a simple wet cloth; therefore, you must wait until the stone is perfectly dry before using it again, as residual water can cause damage.
You can store the stone in the oven so that it stays at room temperature, but remember to remove it when cooking other foods
Method 3 of 3: with the Oven Self-Cleaning Function
Step 1. Use this method only once
There is a good chance that the stone will break even if you follow these directions to the letter. Clean it in this way only once and try to do a thorough job so as not to be forced to repeat it.
- If the surface is coated with a lot of grease, it could catch fire causing a very dangerous fire.
- Some self-cleaning ovens are equipped with an automatic door closing during the procedure; if a fire breaks out inside the appliance, there is no way to open it.
Step 2. Clean the oven until you have eliminated all grease and fatty food residues
If you use the self-cleaning function, grease, oil and encrustations generate a lot of smoke; you must therefore get rid of it in advance using a rag and a degreaser for ovens.
Make sure the stone is perfectly dry before starting the procedure
Step 3. Rub it with a tea towel
Remove any grease and surface encrustations to prevent smoke from forming.
Do not neglect the large residues of food that have remained stuck
Step 4. Put it in the oven and set the temperature to 260 ° C
You must gradually increase the heat of the appliance, to prevent the stone from breaking due to the change in temperature. Wait for the self-cleaning function to slowly increase the temperature and leave the stone in the oven until it reaches 260 ° C.
You should use the same method to cook the pizza evenly
Step 5. Start the automatic cleaning function
During the procedure the appliance reaches very high temperatures, "burning away" the dirt or excess grease.
Wait for the program to finish and don't interrupt it unless a fire starts
Step 6. Monitor the situation carefully through the door glass
You should see the grease boiling on the surface of the stone, but do not open the appliance, otherwise you will let the smoke out.
- If you notice any flames, turn off the cleaning function and call the fire brigade.
- Oxygen can fuel the fire when the fire is exposed to air, causing a severe backfire; for this reason, you must never open the door.
Step 7. Wait for the firestone to cool
Wait overnight, the automatic cleaning process should have removed all traces of grease and encrusted food.
Warnings
- Use the self-cleaning method as a last resort.
- The self-cleaning function can cause a fire.
- The best technique is manual cleaning.
- Always use heat resistant gloves when handling hot stone.
