Pizza stones distribute heat evenly and enhance the taste. But it can turn black over time due to frequent use of the pizza oven and extreme heat. So, let’s cover the answer to How To Clean Pizza Stone in this quick guide!
Cleaning the grease stains can be tricky. Are you searching for how to remove stains from a darkened pizza stone? Then, you’re in luck! This article will thoroughly guide you about the pizza stone cleaning process without using any harsh chemicals.
But first, here’s your quick answer.
There are multiple ways to clean a pizza stone, but the best way is to use baking soda paste. Make a baking soda paste by mixing a small amount of water. Apply the paste evenly to the stubborn stains and let it dry. Then, use a clean towel to wipe the paste after 10 minutes. It is essential to use as little water as possible.
Apart from the easy cleaning hacks, we will also tell you about the common mistakes most people make across the UK dealing with pizza stone burnt. So, let’s begin!
Things Required To Clean A Pizza Stone
It is always a great idea to gather all the essentials before starting. Here’re the things you’ll need:
- Plastic Spatula
- Bench Scraper
- Fine Grit Sandpaper
- Blunt Knife
- Baking Powder
- Damp Towel
- Dry Brush
Most of the uplisted items can be easily found in your kitchen. For the stubborn bits, you’ll need sandpaper. Otherwise, you’re good to go.
How To Clean Pizza Stone UK? – Effective And Quick Guide
Got black burn marks on pizza stones. Well, you can’t cook the next pizza on it. So, let’s give it a deep cleaning. Here’s how to clean your pizza stone without damaging its surface.
1. Let It Cool Down
Before starting the initial cleaning, give your hot stone rest for about an hour. It is very mandatory to let the stone dry completely.
If you skip the cooling process, the outer non-stick surface will be damaged as soon as you start scrubbing.
2. Scrape All Leftover Food Particles
First, use a plastic spatula to get all the food debris. Once the porous stone surface has no food particles on it. Then, give it a gentle scrubbing.
Take a stone brush or plastic scraper and gently scrape for a few minutes.
Make sure not to apply much pressure as it can damage the crispy crust while baking your future pizzas.
3. Clean With Damp Cloth
Once you’re done scraping, clean the cold stone surface with a damp cloth.
Doing so will ensure that there is no remaining debris on the surface.
4. Apply Baking Soda Paste
If due to frequent use in a brick oven, your pizza stone turned black. Then, scrub it gently with the baking soda paste.
How To Clean Pizza Stone With Baking Soda?
Make a thick paste by mixing 3 tbsp of baking soda and 1 tbsp of water. Apply a thin layer and scrub in a circular motion for 10 minutes.
Once completely dry, use scouring pads or a damp cloth and ensure no leftover moisture.
5. Put The Stone In Oven At 500°F.
If there are still some grease stains left, put the stone in the oven at 500°F. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, let it stay for 18 minutes inside.
The temperature shock will loosen up tough debris.
The water trapped within the pores will also evaporate due to high temperature, negating the chance of bacteria multiplying.
6. Let It Cool Down Again
Once you take out the clean pizza stone from a hot oven. Let it cool for two hours. If you are not short on time, leave it even longer.
It is crucial to naturally cool down the hot pizza stone for a crispier crust.
7. Give One Last Scraping
After your stone is cooled completely, gently scrub with medium grit sandpaper. Be gentle and don’t apply pressure to ensure longevity.
Now, we are done with the cleaning steps. Let’s have a quick look at other essential information you should know.
How Often Should You Clean Your Pizza Stone?
You should deep clean your pizza stone once every two months if you use it frequently.
But, if you prefer a classic brick oven, then it is strongly recommended to clean it as soon as you notice a black surface.
Can You Wash A Pizza Stone?
No, it is not recommended to wash pizza stones. The water can be trapped in the porous surface and lead to bacteria multiplying within.
Use a small amount of water to remove any burnt food from it. Ensure that surface is dry completely.
Can You Wash Pizza Stone With Soap?
No, you can’t wash your pizza stone with soap.
If so, you’ll end with a soapy residue transferring to pizza dough.
Things To Avoid While Pizza Stone Cleaning
There are plenty of things that can ruin your good meals. So, here’re a few items to avoid longevity and enrich your taste every time you use a pizza stone.
1. Excessive Water
Too much water is the enemy of the porous surface. So, stick to less water because sometimes less is more!
2. Oil Seasoning
If you think that oil will trap the more seasoning and earthy taste, then you’re wrong in this case.
Can You Oil Your Pizza Stone?
No, the oil will leave burn marks and a foul odor. Once the oil reaches the bottom of the stone, sudden temperature shock can cause stone cracking.
3. Using Cleaning Chemicals
Overall, chemicals are health hazards. But, using them for pizza stone cleaning will leave you with a soapy taste and foul stuff cooked within the food.
4. Leaving Pizza Stone Overnight With Baking Soda
This would be the worst mistake. Leaving the baking soda for a few hours will do wonders, but you’ll end up with an even dirtier stone if you let the soda stay overnight.
5. Using Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. But, the stone’s porous surface can react with the acidic vinegar. So, only use vinegar for oven cleaning or while cooking.
6. Using A Metal Spatula
Using a blunt table knife or metal scraper can be a good idea while getting the food debris from a burnt pan. But the surface of the oven stone is delicate and made of clay.
You can damage the refined outer layer by using a metal scraper.
Now, we’re done with the things we should avoid. Let’s know tricks to ensure longevity and the delicate texture of the outer surface.
Tips To Remember While Cleaning Pizza Stone
Want to trap the earthy taste and crack-free stone? Then, follow our below-listed tips and keep on enjoying delicious cooking.
- Less is more. Use only a small quantity of hot water. Once you’re done cleaning, let it air dry for a few hours.
- After removing the baking soda paste from the stone, double-check the layer is appropriately cleaned.
You can also leave the stone in the oven longer for the self-cleaning cycle. Doing so will ensure no stain marks.
How To Clean A Pizza Stone That Is Black?
Gently get all the remaining food particles using a plastic or wooden spatula. Then, scrub it for five to 10 minutes using a bench scraper.
Once you’re done, wipe it with a damp rag. Never put it under the water, even a small stream. Use a little amount of hot water only.
How To Clean An Ooni Pizza Stone?
Let the warm stone cool for a few hours. Once it reaches room temperature, start scrubbing gently with the stone brush.
If the outer surface has sticky food debris, apply a thin baking soda mixture and gently wipe it after a maximum of five minutes.
Pizza Stone Cleaning UK – Wrapping It Up
The high temperature of the pizza oven may leave burnt food particles. To ensure no foul taste, clean your pizza oven stone properly.
The outer layer of stone is very refined, delicate, and full of earthy textures. Scrubbing it hardly would damage the outer clay.
Less is more when getting stains out of stone used in pizza making. Use a small amount of soda paste mixed with a small amount of water.
It is strongly advised to use as little water as possible. And never wash the stone with soap or any other detergent.
We hope our cleaning tips help you have a smooth kitchen experience. While in the meantime, keep on enjoying cooking.
