chicken brick

[giveup]

I have got a terracotta chicken brick which i used for the first time on Sunday. It cooked a chicken beautifully but it now looks very dirty although i've cleaned it in hot water with no detergent. It cannot be put in the dishwasher.I have also been told that you are supposed to soak it before putting it into the oven.Has anybody got one and can you give me any tips on using, cleaning etc. Thanks Giveup

[janbee]

I used to have one in the 70s. It had to be soaked for ages prior to being used and I was never ever able to get it cleaned properly. I hated the thing and eventually got rid of it

[heathfield]

The terracotta is porous, and any fats or oils from the cooking will soak right in. There's no way to clean them thoroughly. But cooking won't be affected, only the appearance.