In recent times, many people have found solace in baking, a comforting activity during the chaos of pandemic precautions. However, amidst the warmth of the oven and the delightful smell of bread, there is an aspect that is often overlooked. The challenge of cleaning up dough. Whether you've experienced it while transferring your beloved sourdough starter to a container or shaping loaves, cookies, or pie crusts, you've likely faced a sink full of stubborn dishes. The main culprits in this situation are flour and water, which, outside of baking, are commonly associated with their adhesive properties.
After trials and errors involving plenty of scrubbing, countless sponges sacrificed to the cause, and extensive internet searches, I've come across some tips that make cleaning flour-coated surfaces and stray dough much easier. Unfortunately, I haven't discovered an incantation yet that summons a team of dishwashing songbirds. Nonetheless, these suggestions will undoubtedly alleviate some of the baking cleanup burdens.
An important discovery emerged from online baking communities: the temperature of water plays a role not only in the art of baking but also in cleaning. While using hot water might seem like the right choice, there's a twist: it actually strengthens the gluten in flour. While this is great for your dough, it can turn your cleaning process into a hard-to-handle mess. To tackle this, start with cold water and soap when cleaning your bowls and utensils. If needed, allow them to soak thoroughly. Keep in mind that wooden spoons and rolling pins aren't fans of prolonged baths. Once you've removed most of the dough residue, you can switch to water for the rinse.
The bench scraper, renowned for its ability to handle dough and scrape countertops effectively, is equally adept at dealing with bits of dried dough. Make it your primary tool. Witness a decrease in your cleaning efforts.
A game changer in my cleaning routine has been introducing silicone sponges to my arsenal. Unlike sponges, they don't succumb to dough's clinginess. The added bonus? They are easily sanitized either by microwaving or running them through the dishwasher, making them a durable addition to any kitchen.
An overlooked champion in the fight against dough is the durable scrubbing brush. When sponges and scrapers aren't up to the task, this contender steps in, also proving to be a tool for scrubbing vegetables.
Although these suggestions may not summon a chorus of cleaning assistant songbirds, they certainly minimize the time and energy spent grappling with dough remnants on bowls and countertops. Enjoy your baking endeavors and have a pleasant cleaning experience!