Cleaning Your Pizza Oven
To ensure your new pizza oven lasts longer and detect signs of wear, it’s important to take good care of it. Wait for the oven to cool down before you start cleaning it to avoid getting burned. Use a pizza oven brush or scraper to remove any leftover debris.
If you don’t have those tools, a pizza cutter or knife will work as well. Be careful not to dig into the oven surface while scraping to avoid causing any damage.
If you have recently used a wood-fired or brick oven, it can take a while to cool down before cleaning. It’s crucial to make sure the oven is completely cool before beginning to clean. Begin by scraping debris off the surface with a scraper or knife. If the debris is hard to move, try using a damp cloth to loosen it.
Don’t forget to clean the stack of your wood-burning oven while cleaning it. Make sure to do it at least once a month to remove the layer of soot that builds up after long-term use. If you have a larger oven, especially a brick oven meant for restaurant use, it is important to hire a professional chimney sweep who has the necessary tools and expertise to clean the stack safely and effectively.
Pizza Deck Oven Cleaning
It is not recommended to clean the pizza stone using water or a cleaning solution. This is because the stone may absorb moisture and crack when exposed to heat. This can pose a risk as the cracks may not be visible, resulting in broken pieces in your pizza. Furthermore, you may need to replace the pizza stone as a result.
To clean the inside of the oven, use a scraper or knife to remove ash and food from the top, sides, and base. If you encounter stubborn spots, use a brush with some force to loosen them. Then, use a small handled brush to sweep up the debris and dispose of it in a waste bag. Avoid picking up debris by hand.
Conveyor Oven Cleaning
Cleaning a commercial pizza oven can be challenging as there are multiple small spaces where food and debris can accumulate. Begin by removing the oven’s conveyor belt and fingers. This will allow you to clear any highly charred food, grease, or waste present. Clean the fingers to eradicate any cheese, crumbs, or oil that may have accumulated on them. Next, spray down the conveyor belt and leave it aside for 20-30 minutes before wiping it down.
After a certain amount of time has elapsed, use a small brush to clean the conveyor belt and fingers. Then, make sure to dry them thoroughly before re-installing them. To clean the control box, use non-liquid cleaners, as using liquids may damage the circuit inside.
