Quick Answer
To clean your Baking Steel without scratching, use a dedicated Baking Steel Cleaning Brick with light pressure and warm water. Always scrub in the direction of the steel's grain, keep the surface wet, and stop as soon as residue lifts. This pumice stone method removes baked-on carbon without dulling the finish.
Baking Steel
Why Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks Work Differently Than Metal Scrubbers
Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks
Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks are made from pumice, a softer abrasive than steel wool or wire brushes. They break down as you scrub, lifting baked-on residue without gouging the steel. Because the brick conforms to the surface, it reaches into corners and edges where a rigid scraper can miss. This makes them ideal for reconditioning a steel that has seen heavy pizza nights.
Preparation: What You Need Before You Start
Gather your Baking Steel Cleaning Brick, warm water, a soft cloth, and paper towels. If your steel is still hot from the oven, let it cool completely to room temperature. Never clean a hot Baking Steel—thermal shock can warp the steel and the cleaning brick may crumble too quickly. Work near a sink or lay down a towel to catch pumice grit.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks
Follow these steps in order. Each step includes a checkpoint to prevent scratching and ensure you stop at the right time.
Cleaning Steps with Checkpoints
- 1. Cool and Scrape: Let the steel cool completely. Use a plastic scraper or the edge of your cleaning brick to lift loose debris. Do not use metal tools. Checkpoint: Steel is at room temperature and loose crumbs are removed.
- 2. Wet the Surface: Run warm water over the steel or dip the cleaning brick in water. Keep the surface wet throughout scrubbing to lubricate and prevent scratches. Checkpoint: A thin film of water covers the area you will scrub.
- 3. Scrub with Light Pressure: Hold the brick flat against the steel and scrub in one direction, following the grain. Use light pressure—let the pumice do the work. For stubborn spots, scrub in small circles. Checkpoint: Residue lifts without dark gray streaks or visible scratches.
- 4. Rinse and Inspect: Rinse the steel with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. Check for remaining residue. If needed, repeat step 3 on problem areas. Checkpoint: Surface is clean and smooth to the touch.
- 5. Dry and Re-season: Dry the steel thoroughly with a towel, then place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to remove all moisture. Apply a thin layer of oil and heat until it smokes slightly. Checkpoint: Steel is dry and protected. It is ready for your next pizza.
Product Facts
- Baking Steel Cleaning Bricks: Keep your Baking Steel in top condition with these dedicated cleaning bricks. Designed for use with your Baking Steel, these bricks help remove built-up residue and keep your baking surface ready for your next pizza night. Using a brick made specifically for Baking Steel ensures the abrasive is matched to the steel's surface, reducing the risk of deep scratches.
- Baking Steel® Original — 1/4" Thick Pizza Steel: The Baking Steel® Original arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use, no homework required. A 1/4-inch-thick, 15-pound slab of solid carbon steel that turns your home oven into a high-heat pizza oven. Because the Original is pre-seasoned, you should clean it gently to preserve that seasoning. Aggressive scrubbing can strip the seasoning and require re-seasoning.
