The Best Way To Clean A Pizza Oven

Having a pizza oven can be a delicious addition to your home. Most people agree that homemade pizzas are much better than store-bought ones and cheaper than delivery, which makes acquiring one of these nifty items all the more tempting. The dough you'll need can even be bought ready-made, so even novice cooks can enjoy a fresh pizza without a struggle. Hot, stonebaked, and delicious: what's not to love?

Some ovens can even cook your meal in mere minutes thanks to their ability to withstand scorching temperatures. For this reason, a wood-fired model is often best for authentic Italian flavor, but there are many different styles on the market that come with vastly different price tags. For instance, you can get this convenient grill-compatible model off Amazon for as little as $89.00, but most outdoor pizza ovens (such as this model from Ooni) will likely set you back hundreds of dollars or more. So, naturally, if you are shelling out all that money, you'll want to keep your oven in excellent condition and clean it regularly. However, what is the best way to keep it clean and pristine?

One way to ensure your pizza tastes its best is cleaning the soot and grease that can build up in the pizza oven over time. Not only can grease and soot make it challenging to cook your dish evenly, but they can also be a significant fire risk. Thankfully, according to Hi-Tech Appliance, regularly cleaning your pizza oven will help it stay in good condition for as long as possible. To do this, you can use a small shovel to remove ashes from inside the oven. You'll also want to sweep the flue regularly to remove any blockages that may occur with frequent use.

The next step is to clean any grease and oil stains from the oven floor. A mixture of water and vinegar can help dissolve grease and make it much easier to wipe away. Soak a sponge in this solution and scrub any greasy areas until they are clean. If the stains are stubborn, you can use a wire brush to remove them.

Once the oven has been cleaned, it's essential to ensure it has dried completely before using it again. If it has not dried, your food may absorb residual moisture. Unless you like a vinegar-flavored pizza, waiting a few extra hours is always worth it.

Once you have removed soot and grease, it's time to clean the rest of your pizza oven. Of course, this will be easier and faster if you remove ashes, debris, and leftover food from the oven after each use, as Fuego suggests. This can be done with a large spatula or scraper. 

To further clean your pizza oven, sweep its floor with a broom and wipe down the walls with a damp cloth or sponge. If the walls are particularly dirty, DS Premier Cleaning Services suggests using baking soda mixed with water to help loosen stuck-on grime. Create a paste and spread it on the affected area, then scrub with a grill brush or steel wool pad to remove burnt-on food. Also, be sure to rinse the walls thoroughly afterward to remove any remaining residue. 

Don't forget to wipe down the door and door seals with a damp cloth or sponge and rinse the seals thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Finally, the thermometer can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge to complete the job. Congratulations, your pizza oven is as clean as the day you bought it!