Different pizza cutters have different designs. Some have a handle that partially covers the blade, protecting your hand, while some simply have a free-spinning wheel. In many cases, cheese, toppings, and other pizza mess can get gummed on the blade of a pizza cutter, and they can be tricky to clean. Here's how to clean a pizza cutter.
How to Clean a Pizza Cutter?
Part 1: Before You Clean
Cleaning a pizza cutter, no matter how you do it, is always easier when it's done right away, before the mess is given a chance to dry. If you can't clean a pizza cutter as soon as you are done using it, you can place it in a bowl of soapy water for up to 30 minutes, to keep it from drying out before cleaning it.
Do not soak a pizza cutter in water for prolonged periods of time, though, or it may rust. Keep it under an hour at a time.
Part 2: Cleaning a Pizza Cutter
Many pizza cutters are dishwasher-safe. Some models are designed so that you can remove the blade from the handle and clean them separately in the dishwasher. If your pizza cutter is dishwasher safe, you can simply place it in the dishwasher with other kitchen utensils.
However, experts advise against cleaning a pizza cutter in the dishwasher, even if it is dishwasher safe. That's because utensils tend to hit and rub against each other in a dishwasher cycle, which may damage blades. And dishwasher detergents are extremely abrasive, which can damage all your utensils over time. If possible, it's best to hand wash a pizza cutter.
To hand-wash a pizza cutter, place a warm, soapy sponge or cloth on the edge of your sink, and put two fingers on the flat part of the cutter wheel to stop it from rotating. Rub the cutter against the sponge at an angle, rotating until the entire wheel is clean.
Part 3: Cleaning a Very Dirty Pizza Cutter
If your pizza cutter is extremely dirty or simply cleaning it with a sponge isn't working, here are some extra steps to follow to get off stubborn dirt.
- Fill a cup or bowl with warm, soapy water and soak the pizza cutter in it for 30 minutes
- Try to clean the cutter with a sponge or cloth and see if it comes clean
- If it doesn't come clean, place the cutter in a large bowl of water and add a denture tablet. Leave the cutter in the bowl until the water stops fizzing
- Clean it with a sponge or cloth as above.
Conclusion
Following these steps will help you clean even the dirtiest pizza cutter without damaging the blade. Pizza cutters that are easily disassembled are the easiest to clean, because you can clean the blade and handle separately. And remember to always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to make sure that you are properly cleaning your pizza cutter.