Stoneware is a type of clay that is fired at extremely high temperatures (over 2000̊F). This clay, because it’s fired so hot, can withstand day-to-day uses in your kitchen. Stoneware is versatile to use as everyday dishware and cookware.
Stoneware can be used in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher; however, dishwashing will ruin the stoneware cookware. Stoneware is considerably heavy and is usually bare on the bottom.
All About Stoneware
Stoneware isn’t just found in the kitchen. You can find stoneware being used all around you. For instance, pots and planters in the garden are usually stoneware because they are waterproof and decorative pieces.
Stoneware has the look of pottery. It is unique and handcrafted, allowing for each personal touch to be placed into the beautiful piece. You can create stoneware with clay on a pottery wheel or by hand, but without a kiln that can fire over 2000̊F, your pottery won’t become stoneware.Stoneware usually requires that you hand wash it, season it, and sometimes provide a deep clean to get off any baked on “seasoning” or food particles that build up over time.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
There are two methods of cleaning your stoneware. One way is a simple clean after using; the other is recommended once a week to get any leftover food or built-up flavor off the stoneware.You may be wondering how you’ll know if your stoneware is dirty. When stoneware gets dirty, food debris usually makes the normally smooth surface, bumpy and oily. As you continue to cook with your stoneware, it will darken in color, producing rich browns. Stoneware specialists like to say “The darker it looks, the better it cooks.”There are some items you’ll need to do the cleaning processes, the restoring, and the seasoning of the stoneware dishes.
REGULAR CLEANING
The normal cleaning process should be done after every use. This is just to get off excess foods and oils that are still left in the pan. When proceeding with a normal cleaning of your stoneware cookware, you will need a few items.
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- Warm water
- Nylon scraper (usually comes with your stoneware or can be purchased separately) If you don’t have a nylon scraper with you, you can always use a blunt, nylon kitchen spatula to do the job.
- Nylon Scrubber Pad: For this, you just need a non-scratch rag to wipe excess debris off.
Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning takes a little more time, but yields a result to bringing your seasoned pan more life, flavor, and increases the longevity of use.
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For a deep cleaning, which should be done about once a week if the products are frequently used during the week, you’ll need a little more.
- Warm water
- Nylon scraper
- Baking Soda
Restoring Stoneware
Have you ever bought stoneware from a garage sale or thrift store? If you have, you’ve probably have wondered about how to clean it and restore it back to its original state. I’ve got the answers for that.
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This method is a bit riskier. There is a chance that the stoneware could break, even if all the steps were followed. Stoneware is tricky and can take a bit of maneuvering around.
- Self-cleaning oven: A self-cleaning oven can have a safety hatch. Once it’s locked for cleaning, you may not be able to open it until the cycle is finished.
Seasoning Stoneware
Seasoning stoneware is a lot like seasoning a cast iron pan. It helps yield a nonstick surface and adds flavor while cooking. As you continue to cook, you’ll need to season your pan occasionally, though it’ll mostly get seasoned by use.
As you continue to cook with your stoneware, over time you will need to season it, to continue building flavor and increase the lifespan of your stoneware. Seasoning isn’t a hard step to do, but it is a necessary one. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vegetable Oil: You can use any vegetable oil you would like to, just make sure it’s real oil.
How to Clean Your Stoneware
Caring for your stoneware doesn’t have to be hard, in fact it’s a rather easy process that takes no time at all! I’ll help you through each step of the process for each procedure. You’ll be done in no time at all!
Regular Cleaning
Deep Cleaning
Restoring Stoneware
Seasoning Stoneware
Finishing Up
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to clean your stoneware, care for your stoneware, and possibly restoring old stoneware you’ve stumbled across.
Stoneware is such a great cookware that provides you with delicious food, easy cleanup, and doesn’t take much effort to maintain. Stoneware is elegant in its looks, and as it ages the dark brown begins to add character and depth to the piece.
If you have any comments, tips or tricks that you’d like to share, please leave me a comment. I’d love to hear your advice on working with stoneware. Do you enjoy it as much as I do?