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Summer is on the way! Knowing how to clean a pizza oven and pizza stone is essential to ensure you can enjoy your homemade pizzas in a clean space.
Maintaining the pristine condition of your pizza oven ensures the quality of every dish you bake. In this article, delve into the essentials of pizza oven cleaning, from the thorough scrubbing of its interior to the careful upkeep of the pizza oven stone.
What To Consider Prior To Cleaning A Pizza Oven
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of pizza oven cleaning, let’s highlight some crucial aspects to ensure your oven remains in the best condition.
- Cleanliness: For wood-fired pizza ovens, maintaining cleanliness is vital. This prevents your pizzas from acquiring any unwanted odours, which is vital for any pizza oven, ensuring your meals taste as good as they look.
- Tackling Stains and Ashes: Regularly addressing stains and ashes avoids stubborn buildup, making the cleaning process smoother. The longer stains sit, the harder they are to remove.
- Avoid Detergents and Excess Water: Using detergents or too much water can harm your pizza oven. If it’s overly wet, dry it thoroughly before the next use to prevent damage.
- Wait Before Cleaning: Don’t rush to clean your pizza oven right after use. High temperatures could crack the pizza stones and potentially ruin cleaning tools.
- Use the Right Tools: Selecting the appropriate tools for your oven type can affect the cleaning process. Keeping these tools handy will save time and effort.
Things You’ll Need:
- Ash rake
- Ashcan
- Baking soda
- Oven brush scraper (copper or brass preferred)
- Shovel
- Stove Glass Cleaner
- Vinegar
Cleaning Inside the Pizza Oven
To ensure effective pizza oven cleaning, follow these steps to maintain its optimal performance and longevity.
- Heating: Before starting the cleaning process, turn the oven temperature up and let it burn for an additional 30 minutes. This step will burn off debris, making it easier to scrape out later.
- Cooling: Prioritise safety by allowing the oven to cool completely before cleaning. While some tasks can be performed while the oven is still hot, it’s advisable to wait for it to cool entirely to avoid the risk of burns. Note that cooling times may vary depending on the oven material; for instance, clay and stainless steel retain heat longer than brick ovens.
- Scraping Off Residue: Once cooled, utilise a scraper to remove any residue from the pizza stones. Residue removal is suitable if the oven has been burned at the highest temperature. Follow up by brushing off any remaining debris. For thorough cleaning, consider using a handheld vacuum cleaner to ensure no remnants are left behind.
- Maintenance: Keep the pizza oven clean daily by regularly removing ash or spills. Neglecting this step can lead to smoke buildup, causing ventilation issues and potentially affecting food flavour.
For smaller outdoor cooking appliances, use our exclusive fire pits.
Factors To Consider When Cleaning Pizza Oven
Please take note of the following factors that could affect or hinder your pizza oven cleaning methods.
Soot Staining
Addressing soot stains requires special attention due to their sticky and oily nature, often containing tar and carbon particles. While it’s challenging to completely eradicate these stains, you can minimise their appearance by using a hard bristle brush to remove excess particles. Avoid applying any liquid or chemical solutions that may damage the oven’s fire clay bricks that can also impact its warranty.
External Oven Dome
For certain pizza oven designs, ensure to protect the external dome of your pizza oven by applying a clear waterproof sealant annually. This preserves its waterproofing capabilities. Note that this recommendation is applicable to specific oven ranges, such as the Clasico, Brick, and stone models.
Chimney Flue and Cap
Regularly inspect and clean the chimney to maintain its performance, especially for solid fuel applications. Sweep and maintain chimneys using solid fuel appliances at least once a year to prevent blockages and ensure efficient ventilation.
Cast Iron Door
Revitalise the cast iron door with a fresh coat of heat-resistant paint, such as BBQ paint, available at DIY stores. This enhances its appearance and protects it from the elements.
Glass Window
Keep the glass window pristine by using a wood stove glass cleaner. Simply apply the cleaner to a rag and wipe away dirt and grime for a clear view of your culinary creations.
Thermometer Dial
If the thermometer dial malfunctions due to prolonged use, it’s easily replaceable. For common thermometers, unscrew the small screw securing the thermometer dial in place and replace it with a new one.
How To Clean Pizza Oven Stone
As well as your pizza oven, maintaining the cleanliness of your pizza stone is essential for better cooking results and prolonging its lifespan. Follow these steps to ensure your pizza stone remains in pristine condition.
- Frequency: The frequency of cleaning your pizza stone depends on its condition and usage. If it’s covered in cheese and sauces, a wipe-down after each use is necessary. Otherwise, cleaning thoroughly once a week for regular use or once every five uses will suffice.
- Cooling Down: Always allow the stone to cool down completely after use before attempting to clean it. Cleaning a hot stone not only risks burns but may also cause cracks in the stone. If you wish to speed up the cooling process, use heat-resistant gloves to remove the stone and place it on a heat proof surface.
- Removing Food Debris: For stubborn, burnt-on food particles, gently scrape them off using a plastic spatula. Avoid abrasive materials or vigorous scrubbing to prevent scratching the stone’s surface.
- Stain Removal: For hard-to-remove stains or spills, use a scrubbing brush and hot water. Avoid using soap or cleaning products, as they may be absorbed by the stone and transfer to your food during cooking. Use minimal water to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to cracks during cooking. Ensure the stone is thoroughly dry before using it again.
- Baking Soda Method: If stains persist, try soaking or washing the pizza stone with a baking soda solution. Create a thick paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Gently scrub the stains with a brush, then wipe clean. Ensure the stone is completely dry before use, as excess moisture can lead to cracks. This method may take a few days to dry thoroughly.
Cleaning The Outside Of The Pizza Oven
Maintaining the exterior of your pizza oven is crucial for its performance. The cleaning method varies based on the oven material. With bricks and stone ovens (as explained above) these materials are durable and resistant to rust. However, periodic cleaning and curing may be necessary to prevent cracks.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Ovens:
Tools Required:
- Wet rag
- Microfibre fabric
- Acetic acid
- Spritz container
- Lint-resistant fabric
- Polishing lubricant
Stainless steel stoves are susceptible to stains, finger marks, and corrosion. Daily wiping is recommended, especially in commercial settings. Use a damp cloth followed by a dry microfiber cloth for effective cleaning. Avoid excessive wetness to prevent water stains.
Removing Creosote from Your Outdoor Wood Burning Oven
Creosote buildup in your outdoor wood-burning oven can pose a significant fire hazard. It occurs when wood fails to burn completely, leading to the formation of chemical complexes that adhere to the oven’s chimney and interior surfaces. Regular inspection for creosote buildup is vital, especially for traditional or brick ovens, which are more susceptible than stainless steel models.
Cleaning Method:
- For effective removal, consider using a cleaner specifically designed for creosote buildup.
- Alternatively, adopt a natural approach by dissolving creosote with vinegar. Simply pour vinegar into the affected areas and allow it to dissolve the buildup.
Cleaning Grease from Wood Fired Ovens
Dealing with grease stains is an inevitable part of cooking pizzas in wood-fired ovens. Whether it’s fresh or aged grease, proper cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent stains.
For New Stains:
- Use a sponge or soft cloth dampened with a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Gently rub the solution onto the stains to lift them off effectively.
For Old Stains:
- Use hot water and a soft brush to tackle stubborn grease stains.
- If stains persist, resort to a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for a final cleaning solution.
- Alternatively, stove glass cleaner can also be used for older grease stains.
How Often Should You Clean Your Pizza Oven?
Daily debris removal and weekly pizza stone cleaning are recommended to prevent buildup and maintain hygiene. Promptly addressing spills prevents stubborn stains, reducing the need for intensive cleaning. Monthly cleaning of the exhaust stack ensures ventilation, preventing potential fire hazards.
How to Keep Your Pizza Oven Clean
Here are some tips to follow:
- Practice caution as this will minimise unwanted mess.
- Swiftly transferring pizzas onto the peel and using cornmeal aids in smooth manoeuvring.
- Avoid plastic utensils that may melt onto the oven.
- Investing in a protective cover shields the oven from weathering, prolonging its lifespan.
- During extended periods of non-use, proper storage safeguards the oven’s condition.
Looking for a pizza oven upgrade? Check out Forbes’ recommendations for the best pizza ovens! If you’re looking to invest in a wood-fired pizza oven, Empava Appliances offers a great selection.
Keep Your Pizza Oven Clean And Safe
In conclusion, maintaining a clean pizza oven and pizza stone is essential for its performance and the quality of your pizzas. Regular cleaning of both the interior and exterior, along with periodic maintenance of specific components like the chimney and pizza stone, will make the process easier. By following proper cleaning techniques and implementing preventive measures, such as careful use and protective covers, you can preserve your pizza oven’s quality and enjoy delicious pizzas for years to come.
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FAQs
Your pizza oven can accumulate soot due to incomplete combustion of fuel, often caused by insufficient airflow, using wet or unseasoned wood, or low burning temperatures.
Wood-fired pizza ovens are safe when installed and used correctly, following manufacturer guidelines, ensuring good ventilation, and maintaining proper clearance from combustible materials.
Yes, you can use an oven cleaner on steel, but it’s important to choose a cleaner suitable for steel surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damage.
Sources
Andrews Aerosols. (n.d.) Rust-Oleum Stove and BBQ Paint Silver – 400ml. [online] Available at: https://andrewsaerosols.co.uk/products/rust-oleum-stove-and-bbq-paint-silver-400ml [accessed 08/04/24]
Johnson, D., (2023) 5 Of The Best Pizza Ovens, Based On A Year’s Worth Of Backyard Testing. Forbes. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-pizza-ovens/?sh=2f735b045f0a [accessed 08/04/24]
