How to Clean Lava Stone: The Definitive Guide
How to Clean Lava Stone: The Definitive Guide
Etna lava stone is an extraordinary material: natural, durable, and with unmatched cooking performance. And the best part? Its maintenance is incredibly simple.
The secret to keeping your Cuore Lavico stone perfect for years isn’t what you do, but what you DON’T do. The number one rule is: NEVER use chemical detergents or soaps.
Lava stone is a natural, porous surface. Using detergents would irreparably damage the material and release harmful substances during the next use. Follow these simple methods based on the type of product you own.
1. Cleaning PIZZA Stones (Raw Surface)
Unpolished pizza stones are designed to absorb moisture. With use, it is normal and inevitable for them to darken and stain. These stains are not “dirt,” but the sign of a well-seasoned stone, just like in professional wood-fired ovens.
- Pyrolysis Method (Recommended): The easiest way. Leave the stone in the oven (or pizza oven) at maximum temperature for 20-30 minutes. Any food or cheese residue will be carbonized (turned to ash).
- When Cold: Once the stone is completely cool, scrape off the carbonized residue with a metal scraper or spatula.
- Don’t Fear Stains: If you really want to try and fade them, you can make a paste of water and baking soda (or citric acid), let it sit on the stain for a few hours, and then rinse thoroughly.
2. Cleaning BBQ Griddles (Smoothed Surface)
Smoothed barbecue griddles are designed for contact cooking (Maillard reaction), and their cleaning is more like that of a professional plancha.
- Hot Cleaning (Ideal): The best method. At the end of grilling, while the griddle is still very hot, use a metal scraper to remove crusted-on food residues. Lava stone does not scratch.
- Cold Cleaning (Regular): For ordinary cleaning, simply use warm water and an abrasive sponge (like one for dishes, but new and never used with detergents). Rinse thoroughly.
- Coarse Salt Method: For a natural degreasing, you can use coarse salt on the still-hot griddle. Scrub with an abrasive sponge or a rolled-up cloth to remove grease residues.
3. Cleaning Design Products (Glazed Surface)
Products like cups, countertops, and plates have a glazed (ceramic-coated) surface that makes them waterproof and stain-resistant.
- Dishwasher (OK): These products are fired at very high temperatures and can be safely washed in the dishwasher.
- Hand Washing: Simply clean with water and a sponge. Even though the glaze is stain-resistant, it’s good practice not to leave substances like oil, wine, or coffee on the surface for too long.
What NOT to Do (Ever)
NEVER USE DETERGENTS: NEVER use dish soap, degreasers, bleach, or any chemical product. The stone will absorb them, ruining it and releasing them into your food during the next use.
NEVER SOAK A HOT STONE IN WATER: Even though lava stone is resistant to thermal shock, always let the stone (especially for pizza and BBQ) cool down completely before washing it with water.
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