Introduction
Blackstone is a type of flat cooking surface made from soapstone, granite, or other materials. It is used for cooking food such as steaks, burgers, and pancakes. The heat of the cooking surface helps to create a tasty, seared texture that can’t be achieved with other types of cookware. However, it also requires special care when it comes to cleaning.
Cleaning a blackstone after cooking is essential in order to keep it looking its best and functioning properly. In this article, we will walk you through the proper steps for cleaning a blackstone after use. Following these steps will help ensure your blackstone lasts for years to come.
Step 1: Use a stiff-bristled brush and hot soapy water to scrub the surface
The first step in cleaning a blackstone is to scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled brush and hot soapy water. This will help remove any stuck-on food particles and grease. Make sure to rinse the brush off frequently to avoid transferring dirt and grime back onto the stone.
Benefits of using a brush and hot soapy water:
- Removes stuck-on food particles and grease
- Helps prevent the transfer of dirt and grime
Tips for scrubbing effectively:
- Scrub in a circular motion to get into all the nooks and crannies
- Rinse the brush off frequently
- Use a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining residue
Step 2: Wipe down with a cloth soaked in white vinegar and hot water
After scrubbing, the next step is to wipe down the blackstone with a cloth soaked in white vinegar and hot water. The vinegar helps to neutralize any odors and remove any remaining stuck-on food particles. It is important to make sure the cloth is wrung out before wiping down the surface.
Benefits of using vinegar:
- Neutralizes odors
- Removes any remaining stuck-on food particles
Tips for wiping effectively:
- Wring out the cloth before wiping down the surface
- Use a gentle, circular motion when wiping
- Rinse the cloth off often
Step 3: Scrape off any stuck-on food with a flat spatula
If there are still bits of food stuck to the surface, use a flat spatula to scrape them off. This should be done carefully to avoid scratching the surface of the blackstone. Be sure to rinse off the spatula frequently to avoid transferring dirt and grime.
Benefits of using a spatula:
- Removes any remaining stuck-on food particles
- Does not scratch the surface of the blackstone
Tips for scraping effectively:
- Use a gentle, scraping motion when using the spatula
- Rinse off the spatula frequently
- Be careful not to scratch the surface of the blackstone
Step 4: Rinse the surface with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth
Once all the food particles have been removed, rinse the surface with hot water. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to dry it thoroughly. This will help to prevent any water spots from forming.
Benefits of rinsing and drying:
- Prevents water spots from forming
- Helps keep the blackstone looking its best
Tips for rinsing and drying effectively:
- Rinse with hot water
- Dry thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth
- Wipe in a circular motion to get into all the nooks and crannies
Step 5: Rub the surface with cooking oil after cleaning to help protect the stone
Once the blackstone has been cleaned and dried, it is important to rub the surface with cooking oil. This will help protect the stone and make it easier to clean the next time you use it.
Benefits of using cooking oil:
- Protects the stone from wear and tear
- Makes it easier to clean the next time
Tips for rubbing effectively:
- Use a paper towel to apply the cooking oil
- Rub in a circular motion for even coverage
- Allow the oil to soak in before wiping off any excess
Step 6: Place the blackstone on high heat for a few minutes to burn off any remaining residue
Once the surface has been rubbed with cooking oil, place the blackstone on high heat for a few minutes. This will help to burn off any remaining residue, which will make it easier to clean the next time you use it.
Benefits of placing on high heat:
- Burns off any remaining residue
- Makes it easier to clean the next time
Tips for burning off residue effectively:
- Place the blackstone on high heat for a few minutes
- Avoid leaving the stone on high heat for too long
- Allow the stone to cool completely before storing away
Step 7: Allow the stone to cool before storing away
Once the stone has been heated, it is important to allow it to cool completely before storing it away. This will help to prevent any damage that could occur if the stone is stored while still hot.
Benefits of allowing the stone to cool:
- Prevents any potential damage to the stone
- Ensures the stone is ready to use the next time
Tips for cooling effectively:
- Allow the stone to cool completely before storing away
- Do not cover the stone until it has cooled completely
- Store the stone in a dry, cool place
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning a blackstone after cooking is essential in order to keep it looking its best and functioning properly. Following the seven steps outlined in this article – using a brush and hot soapy water to scrub the surface, wiping down with a cloth soaked in white vinegar and hot water, scraping off any stuck-on food with a flat spatula, rinsing the surface with hot water and drying it thoroughly with a clean cloth, rubbing the surface with cooking oil after cleaning to help protect the stone, placing the blackstone on high heat for a few minutes to burn off any remaining residue, and allowing the stone to cool before storing away – will help ensure your blackstone lasts for years to come.
Properly cleaning your blackstone will not only help it last longer, but it will also help keep it looking its best. So, make sure to follow the steps outlined in this article each time you use your blackstone to get the most out of your cooking experience.
