We love our trusty pizza stone, but what are you supposed to do when it starts to look a little worse for wear? If you use it often, and for more than just homemade pizzas—think: other loaves of bread, toasting garlic bread, roasted veggies, hand pies, flatbreads, etc.—it can get oily and greasy pretty fast. Plus, burnt spots can affect the flavor of your foods, and grease stains can circulate in the oven during use. Is it possible to clean it without damaging it? Luckily, yes.
Cleaning a Pizza Stone
Routine cleaning:
Keep your stone stain-free by giving it a quick wipe immediately after use. Get in the habit of using a pizza stone scraper and brush on the surface while it's still hot for effective removal of stuck-on bits. By removing chunks of food and brushing it while the particles are fresh, you can reduce the likelihood of stains.
When you need to do a deeper clean:
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Let it cool down. If you just used it in a hot oven, allow the pizza stone to cool down. Get it back to room temperature to prevent thermal shock and damage in the event you apply moisture.
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Scrape off residue. Use a flat scraper on your pizza stone brush or a metal spatula to remove any stuck-on food or residue left behind by your pizza crust. Then, use the brass bristle brush to dust away the debris. That said, be gentle. You never want to use an abrasive cleaning tool (like steel wool) because it can scratch the stone. Wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth to absorb any lingering bits of food.
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Then, clean with baking soda and a damp cloth. If you want to treat stains from burnt food or buildup of grease, create a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda and water. Baking soda is abrasive, but it won't be damaging like steel wool or another cleaning agent. Apply the paste directly to problem areas, and use a clean, damp cloth to gently massage the stain in a circular motion. Avoid using soap or detergent, since it can be absorbed by the porous stone.
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Air dry the baking stone. Let the pizza stone air dry completely before storing or using it again. Avoid drying it with extreme heat, as sudden temperature shock can cause cracking when the stone contains moisture.
Can I use soap to clean a pizza stone?
Nope. Soap or detergent can leach into the porous surface of your stone, affecting the taste of future food. Stick to using water and a scraper or brush for best results.
How often should I clean my pizza stone?
It's a good idea to clean your pizza stone after each use to remove any food bits; however, if the stone is well-seasoned and not heavily soiled, occasional cleaning may be okay.
Can I soak a pizza stone in water?
Definitely not. Pizza stones are a porous material and will absorb the water, which not only increases the dry time, but may lead to cracking or poor heat absorption next time it's exposed to heat. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface clean, and dry immediately with an absorbent dish towel.
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