The Cleaning Process Every Bread Maker Should Know For Their Kitchen

Found in bakeries and home kitchens alike, a banneton helps to keep dough in the shape it has been put in when it's in the process of rising. If left by itself, dough can lose this shape, hence why a banneton is so useful when baking round or oval loaves. It can be any shape and is used for multiple types of bread, though it is commonly utilized for sourdough. Many bannetons also come with a banneton liner, which is exactly what it sounds like — a liner that sits within the banneton to separate the dough from the banneton itself. 

Usually made from cloth fabric, a liner will create a more even dough. Cleaning a liner is easier than you would expect. As it falls into the category of kitchen items that don't need cleaning often, undertaking the task a few times a year is more than enough. You'll also only need warm water most of the time. However, when your liner needs a bit more attention, the below tips will keep it in top condition.

In addition to separating the dough from the basket itself, a banneton liner will also stop any imprints from the banneton imprinting on the dough. As mentioned, you don't need to clean the liner every time you bake, but it is important to keep it in good condition so it lasts longer and your bread comes out how you want it to. The simplest way to take care of your banneton liner is to remove it from the banneton when you have transferred your bread and then shake it. 

This method can be used when the liner is free of any lingering dough pieces or stickiness and may just have a few bits of flour left behind. If the liner does have clumps of dough left on it, wash your hands thoroughly and then use your fingers to get rid of the dough. If it is damp, you should ensure it has dried properly before putting it away so it doesn't develop a musty smell. Let the liner air dry naturally due to its delicate nature.

If you're ever in the mood to deep clean your kitchen, you might want to give your banneton liner a more in-depth clean. To do so, remove the liner from the banneton and rinse it under warm water gently, making sure you don't put the tap on full blast in case the water tears the fabric. Keep the water at a medium-warm temperature, not too hot or too cold. You might be tempted to add some dish soap, but we do not advise this. When you have finished washing the liner, let it dry naturally and then put it back in the banneton for next time.

Generally, a banneton liner is easy to take care of as it's a low-maintenance item that doesn't require much upkeep. We recommend having a handful of liners so you can swap out if needed or if you prefer to bake more than one loaf at a time. By having two or three liners, you also won't need to replace them as often as you'll be alternating their use, meaning they won't wear out as fast. No matter how many you own, the above tips are ideal for keeping the liner/s you do have in good condition.