Okay, so, I’ve been getting into this whole pizza-making thing, and let me tell you, a proper pizza oven is a game-changer. But you know what? It’s not just about cooking; it’s about keeping that oven in good shape. So, I started messing around with building my own little brick oven, and man, the cleaning and upkeep? That’s a whole other story.
Getting Started: The Build
First off, I had to build this thing. I’m no bricklayer, but I got some firebricks and got to work. Laid them out, cemented them together, the whole nine yards. It was a bit of a mess, to be honest, but hey, it’s standing, and it looks like an oven. That’s a win in my book.
The First Cook: A Learning Curve
Once it was all set up, I fired it up for the first time. Cooked a pizza, and it was amazing! But then came the cleanup. There was soot, ash, bits of cheese and toppings everywhere. I realized quickly that this was going to be a regular thing.
Daily Grind: Scraping and Brushing
So, here’s what I’ve been doing. Every day after I use the oven, once it’s completely cooled down – safety first, folks – I get in there with a scraper. I scrape out all the loose debris, ash, leftover bits of food, you name it. Then, I take a stiff brush and give the whole inside a good scrub. It’s a bit of work, but it stops things from building up.
Weekly Deep Clean: The Pizza Stone
- Cool Down: First things first, I make sure that oven is stone cold. I usually do this in the morning if I used the oven the day before.
- Scrape and Brush: Just like the daily routine, I scrape out any debris and give it a good brush.
- Special Attention to Spills: If there were any major spills, like cheese or sauce, I tackle those spots first. Sometimes, you need a bit of elbow grease to get those off.
Keeping It All in Check
It’s not just about cleaning, though. I also keep an eye out for any wear and tear. You know, checking if any bricks are loose, if the cement’s holding up, that kind of stuff. It’s like taking care of an old car; you gotta keep an eye on things if you want it to last.
So, yeah, that’s my routine with the pizza oven. It’s a bit of a process, but honestly, it’s worth it. Keeps the oven in good shape, and the pizzas? They’re always top-notch. Plus, there’s something satisfying about maintaining something you built with your own hands. It’s not just an oven; it’s my oven, you know?
