To effectively clean cedar planks, simply rinse them with warm water until all food residue is gone, being careful to never use soap. After cleaning, store them in the freezer, and they will be ready to be re-soaked for future use.
Cedar planks are a fantastic tool for adding smoky flavor to your grilled dishes, and proper cleaning ensures their reusability and longevity. Unlike many kitchen items, cedar planks require a very specific, gentle cleaning method to preserve their natural qualities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Cedar Planks
Cleaning your cedar plank is straightforward and crucial for maintaining its integrity and flavor-imparting properties. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Prepare for Cleaning: After grilling, allow the cedar plank to cool down completely. This prevents accidental burns and makes handling easier.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Carefully take the cooled plank to your sink. Rinse the plank thoroughly with warm water. The goal is to remove any and all food residue, char, or debris that might be clinging to the surface.
- Important: As per the guidelines, never use soap or harsh detergents. Cedar is porous, and it will absorb the soap, which can then transfer unwanted flavors to your food during subsequent uses.
- Remove All Residue: Use your fingers or a soft brush (like a vegetable brush) to gently scrub away any stubborn bits of food. Ensure the entire surface is free from residue.
- Inspect and Dry (Optional): While the reference doesn't explicitly mention drying, ensuring it's not excessively wet before freezing is good practice. A quick shake to remove excess water is usually sufficient.
Why Avoid Soap When Cleaning?
The strict instruction to never use soap is fundamental for preserving the natural essence of your cedar plank. Cedar wood is porous and designed to impart a subtle, aromatic flavor to your food.
- Flavor Contamination: Soap contains chemicals and fragrances that can be absorbed by the wood. When the plank is heated again during cooking, these absorbed substances can leach into your food, resulting in an unpleasant, soapy, or chemical taste rather than the desired smoky cedar flavor.
- Compromised Porosity: Soaps can also strip the natural oils from the wood or clog its pores, potentially reducing its effectiveness in absorbing water for future re-soaking or impacting its ability to release flavor.
Storage and Reusability
Once your cedar plank is clean and free of residue, proper storage is key for its reuse:
- Freezer Storage: Place the clean plank directly into the freezer for storage. This practice helps to preserve the wood and prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, ensuring it's hygienic and ready for its next use.
- Re-soaking for Next Use: Whenever you're ready to use the plank again, simply remove it from the freezer and re-soak it in water (or another liquid like wine, beer, or apple cider) for at least 1-2 hours before placing it on the grill. This rehydration process is essential to prevent the plank from catching fire and to allow it to impart moisture and flavor to your food effectively.
| Cleaning Action | Method | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Agent | Warm water (NEVER soap) | Prevents flavor contamination; preserves wood. |
| Residue Removal | Rinse thoroughly, gentle scrubbing | Ensures hygiene and clean surface for next use. |
| Storage Method | Freezer | Prevents mold/bacteria; maintains wood quality. |
| Pre-Use Prep | Re-soak before each use | Rehydrates plank; prevents burning; adds moisture. |
By following these simple guidelines, your cedar planks will remain a valuable asset in your grilling arsenal, enhancing countless meals with their distinctive, natural aroma.
