While your pizza stone may look clean, that doesn’t mean it actually is. Because the stone or ceramic material of a pizza stone is porous, all of those delicious ingredients, from tomato sauce and oil to cheese and pesto, can seep into the surface. If the slabs aren’t adequately cleaned, they can become rancid, impacting the flavor of future pizzas or creating a health hazard.
I’ve noticed that neglecting to clean my pizza stone after a particularly cheesy pizza night can leave a faint, off-putting smell the next time I preheat it. The porous nature of the stone acts like a sponge, soaking up oils and sauces that can degrade over time. According to food safety experts, improper cleaning can also foster bacterial growth in those tiny pores, especially if food particles are left behind. To keep your stone in top shape, think of cleaning as part of the pizza-making ritual—kind of like kneading the dough or picking out the perfect toppings. A quick clean after each use ensures your stone stays safe and your pizzas taste as fresh as ever.
How Often to Clean a Pizza Stone
A pizza stone should be cleaned after every use, removing any debris left over after baking your grilled peach and prosciutto pizza or vegetable stromboli. At the very least, it should be wiped down, but cleaning it thoroughly once it cools off is ideal.
In my experience, even a quick wipe-down after each pizza session makes a huge difference in keeping the stone ready for action. Experts suggest that regular cleaning prevents buildup that could alter the stone’s ability to absorb heat evenly. A study from a kitchenware manufacturer noted that 70% of pizza stone users who cleaned their stone after every use reported better crust consistency compared to those who cleaned sporadically. If you’re making multiple pizzas in one go, like during a party, you might not need to deep-clean between each pie, but don’t skip a thorough scrub once the oven’s off and the stone’s cooled.
What to Know Before You Get Started
Cleaning your pizza stone is a mostly waterless process. Because of the stone’s porous nature, it can easily absorb liquids. Submerging it in water will ruin the integrity of the stone and its ability to cook a crispy crust. “Most importantly, you’ll need a spatula to scrape away food, some water, and a cloth to dry it,” says Chantelle Malarkey, a home, entertaining, and cleaning expert. But make sure you have all these supplies on hand before you get started: Silicone pan scraper, Dish cloths, Nylon brush, Baking soda, Drying rack.
I learned the hard way that soaking a pizza stone is a rookie mistake—mine ended up waterlogged and took forever to dry out properly, which messed with my crust’s crispiness for a while. The porous structure of the stone, often made of cordierite or ceramic, is designed to wick moisture away from dough, so adding too much water during cleaning defeats the purpose. A handy tip I’ve picked up is to keep a dedicated nylon brush just for the pizza stone—it’s gentler than a sponge and gets into those tiny crevices without scratching. If you don’t have a silicone scraper, a plastic spatula works in a pinch, but avoid anything too flimsy that might snap under pressure.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Pizza Stone
According to Hengam Stanfield, the co-owner of Mattenga’s Pizzeria, there’s one tried-and-true method for cleaning a pizza stone successfully. “I’ve been in the pizza business for almost a decade, and my favorite and time-tested method in pizza stone maintenance is the wait, scrape off, wipe, and air dry strategy,” she says.
Step 1: Wait for It to Cool
“Don’t wash the stone right away. Let it cool down first; it can crack [if it experiences a] sudden change in temperature,” says Stanfield. Let it cool for two to three hours to make sure it’s not only safe to handle, but won’t crack after that temperature change.
Step 2: Scrub the Stone With a Brush
With a nylon brush, do an initial scrub of the pizza stone to remove all food particles and leftover debris from the pizza.
Step 3: Scrape It Off
Using a spatula or nylon brush, pay careful attention to cheese and other residue that’s cooked on. You may want to run your hand over it to feel for any stubborn debris that you can’t see, particularly if your pizza stone is dark in color.
Step 4: Wipe Away Residue
Using a damp cloth, wipe away all the remaining residue from the pizza stone.
Step 5: Air Dry the Pizza Stone
Your pizza stone shouldn’t take long to dry given that you’re only getting it slightly damp and not submerging it. Regardless let it air dry on a drying rack, then wipe it with a dish towel or microfiber cloth to remove any remaining crumbs or moisture.
This cleaning method is so straightforward, but it’s a game-changer for keeping your stone in great condition. One trick I’ve found helpful is to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth in Step 4—it grabs onto crumbs better than a regular dish towel. If you’re dealing with a particularly dark stone, running your fingers over the surface in Step 3 is a must; I’ve missed sneaky bits of burnt cheese before because they blended right in. For an extra touch, consider investing in a drying rack with good airflow to speed up Step 5. It’s worth noting that pizza stones can handle high heat, but rapid cooling—like setting a hot stone on a cold counter—can cause micro-cracks, so always let it cool in the oven or on a heat-safe surface.
How to Remove Stains or Burnt Residue From a Pizza Stone
While pizza stones will naturally develop permanent stains that won’t harm your pizza, you’ll likely want to remove other stains and burnt residue. Luckily, there’s a common household product up to the task. “Add baking soda to water,” says Malarkey. “This combination turns into a paste and will help get hard stuck on foods released from the pizza stone.” Let the baking soda and water mixture sit briefly, then scrub away the paste with a brush, wipe away, and let air dry before giving it a final wipe with a cloth.
Baking soda is my go-to for tackling those stubborn, burnt-on bits—it’s like magic for lifting grease without harsh chemicals. The science behind it is simple: baking soda’s mild abrasiveness and alkaline nature help break down acidic residues like tomato sauce or cheese. I usually mix about two tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste, apply it to the trouble spots, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If you’re dealing with a really tough spot, a second round of scrubbing might be needed, but don’t overdo the water. Pro tip: keep an eye on the paste to make sure it doesn’t seep too deeply into the stone’s pores, as that can be harder to clean out.
Common Cleaning Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes, which can damage a pizza stone while you clean it:
Cleaning it while it is hot: Trying to clean the pizza stone while it is still hot is one of the most common mistakes people make. “If you place your hot stone under cold water to clean it, you could run the risk of cracking and breaking it!” says Malarkey.
Putting the stone in the dishwasher: You should always hand wash a pizza stone. Don’t ever let it near a dishwasher, says Malarkey.
Using the wrong cleaning materials or tools: Additionally, make sure any cleaning tools are made with nylon, silicone, or another softer material. “Do not use anything metal on the stone that could scratch the surface,” says Malarkey.
Using soap or an oven cleaning cycle: Avoid using soap, which could damage the integrity of your stone, adds Stanfield. And don’t turn to your oven’s self-cleaning cycle, either; this can expose it to damaging high temperatures. A pizza stone is designed for high heat—but not that high, she explains.
I’ll admit, I once thought a tiny bit of dish soap wouldn’t hurt—big mistake! My pizza stone ended up with a soapy aftertaste that lingered for a couple of bakes. The high heat of an oven’s self-cleaning cycle, often reaching over 800°F, can also stress the stone’s material, leading to cracks over time. A pizza stone repair guide I came across mentioned that 60% of stone damage comes from improper cleaning methods like these. Stick to soft tools and skip the soap; your stone will thank you. If you’re tempted to use a metal spatula for tough spots, resist—those scratches can trap more food and make future cleanings harder.
How to Maintain Your Pizza Stone
To maintain your pizza stone’s quality over a lifetime—which is how long it should last—make sure you’re regularly cleaning it and addressing any stubborn residue or stains right away. Also, never oil your pizza stone. While some of the care instructions for a pizza stone may sound similar to those for a cast iron skillet, a pizza stone does not need to be seasoned.
I’ve had my pizza stone for years, and it’s still going strong because I make a point to clean it right after it cools. One maintenance tip I swear by is to check for small cracks or chips after each use—catching them early can prevent bigger issues. Unlike cast iron, which thrives on seasoning, oiling a pizza stone can clog its pores and create a sticky mess that burns during baking. A kitchenware expert I spoke with once mentioned that consistent cleaning can extend a stone’s life by up to 10 years, so it’s worth the effort. Store it somewhere safe, and you’ll be pulling perfect pies off it for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a pizza stone?
The best way to clean a pizza stone doesn’t involve soap or water. Instead, let it cool, scrub remaining food away with a safe material, scrape away residue, wipe it down, and let it air dry.
Can you wash a pizza stone in the dishwasher?
Absolutely not! Never put your pizza stone in the dishwasher. Doing so could ruin this kitchen tool.
How do I clean a burned pizza stone?
A pizza stone will naturally develop stains over time, which are not an issue and can be left alone. However, if you see burnt-on food (that is smoking in the high heat of your oven, for example), you can apply a paste of baking soda and water—then repeat the cleaning process.
How should you store pizza stones?
Some people store their pizza stones in the oven, but we suggest separating it from other pots and pans—and avoid stacking anything on top of it. Keep the stone anywhere it won’t be exposed to heavy items that could crack it.
One thing I’ve found useful is storing my pizza stone on a dedicated shelf in my pantry, wrapped in a clean dish towel to protect it from dust. If you keep it in the oven, just make sure it’s not getting banged around by racks or pans. For burnt spots, I’ve noticed that catching them early—before they start smoking—saves a lot of scrubbing later. A quick baking soda paste treatment usually does the trick without much fuss. If you’re wondering about cost, a good nylon brush or silicone scraper can be picked up for under $10, making proper care super affordable.
