April 19, 2020 - 12:34pm
How to clean my Couche cloth?
I have this nice Couche cloth. I was making some ciabatta bread. Made a huge mistake with measuring the amount of water. Like a dummy I proceeded anyway. Now I have this mess on my cloth. Instruction that came with the cloth say to never wash it.
So, how do I clean up this mess.
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And then rub clean with a stiff brush. Be gentle and don’t worry if there are little tiny bits left.
Thank you. I was kind of headed it that direction but needed some reassurance.
The leftover remnants of dozens and dozens of bakes will give "character" to your couche.
My M.O. is to scrape it off once the dough is loaded into the oven. Then when I vent the oven, to drape the couche over the cracked open oven door. Then a final scrape before rolling (not folding) the couche up for the next use. Into a plastic sleeve it goes. I use one of those wet umbrella sleeves that stores and restaurants offer in their entryway.
You will find that once the couche gets impegnated with flour from so many uses, that less flour will be needed as time goes by, the couche gets a little stiffer and holds its own shape better. Cared for, one will last for many years.
for replying.
I was able the get the cloth clean using mostly my thumb nail and a wire brush.
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I have a slightly related question. Mine is so stiff! I hardly ever use it because it's just hard to pleat and use. Any recommendations? I think washing would make it softer but as OP mentioned it's recommended to never wash it.
Is your couche 100% flax linen as the one pictured at the top of the posting? These are specifically designed for the task at hand and are superb at drawing out surface moisture from the dough. My first couche used for a very short time was a heavy "duck" cloth fabric, and it may have worked over time but I never found out. Real professional couches are considerably "expensive", but will last for many years and are well worth the initial cost - unless it sits unused in a cabinet somewhere.
How do you store the couche?
Do you allow it to dry out completely before storing?
You may try rolling it up tightly for a day, unroll, and then roll it again from the reverse side. A few of these may help to soften the fabric.
I had the same "duck" fabric at first but didn't like it much.
Yes, this one is 100% flax linen.
I roll it after it dries for a few days in the open.
So working the linen in a few ways? That's a good idea I'll try that. Thanks.
https://youtu.be/hZAwSV1VakA
But a long time ago. Have to admit that I'm not much of a fan of his for the very few I've seen.
I'm not here to advise anyone to or not to store their own "cooch" one way or the other. But as the flour builds up in it and impregnates the surface permanently, the couche will become stiffer over the long haul. Hence one reason to not fold it up.
I will say that I think that it is wrong to stuff it into a ziplock back and seal it shut. Personally I want my couche to breathe. After completely drying and taking a final scraping with the dough scraper (I'm in agreement with him on that point), I roll it up somewhat loosely, and into the open ended umbrella bag it goes. It can breath, which I think is an important factor for these cloths to be maintained under.
When I first received it I cut it down to size to accommodate the longest dough that could fit into my oven and onto my oven peel - actually a baking sheet.
Whichever way make one more comfortable - that their personal decision.
My couche has been undergoing regular use for 5 or so years now. it's another tool and I treat it with respect.
alan
Thanks for the advice