How to Clean a Burnt Pizza Stone Without Damaging It (4 Steps)

You pulled out your pizza stone, only to find it covered in black burnt spots and stuck food. That can feel super frustrating, especially when you just wanted to enjoy a homemade pizza night. But don’t worry, there is a safe and easy way to clean your burnt pizza stone without breaking it or making things worse. In this article, you will learn a full guide that actually works using simple tools at home.

Let the Pizza Stone Cool Down Completely

If you try to clean a hot pizza stone, you might damage it. Pizza stones are made of natural materials like ceramic or cordierite. These materials don't like fast temperature changes. If your stone is still hot and you pour water on it or try to scrub it, it can crack or break. So the first thing to do is just leave it alone until it cools all the way down.

Let it sit in the oven with the door open for about 2 to 3 hours. This way, the stone slowly cools down. Do not try to take it out quickly or put it under water to cool it faster. That is risky and can ruin your pizza stone forever.

Once your pizza stone is completely cool, gently take it out of the oven. Place it on a flat surface like your kitchen counter or a table. Make sure it is not sitting on anything soft that can get dirty, because there will still be burned pieces on it.

Take a moment to look at your pizza stone. You will probably see black burnt spots, food bits stuck to it, and maybe some grease. That is totally normal, especially if you bake a lot of pizzas. The burnt areas come from cheese, sauce, or crust that got too hot and stuck during baking.

Now your stone is ready to be cleaned the right way. Do not use water just yet. And never use soap. Soap can soak into the stone and make your pizza taste strange later.

• Always let the stone cool for 2 to 3 hours.
• Never use cold water on a hot stone.
• Avoid rushing the cooling time.
• Place it on a safe flat surface.
• Do not use soap or water yet.

Scrape Off Loose Burnt Bits

After your pizza stone has fully cooled down, it's time to start the cleaning part. Begin by removing all the loose burnt food and crust that you can. The best tool for this job is a metal spatula, a dough scraper, or even a butter knife. If you don't have any of those, you can also use a hard plastic scraper or a spoon.

Hold your tool at an angle and gently scrape across the surface of the stone. Focus on the black areas and try to lift up any burnt cheese or crust. You don't have to push too hard, but you might need to go over some spots more than once. Do this slowly so you don't scratch or damage the stone.

If the burnt spots are really stuck, try using a soft scrubbing pad that doesn't have metal bristles. A scouring pad made for non-stick pans works great too. Rub gently in small circles on the dark areas. You will see some of the burnt bits coming off. That's what you want.

Don't worry if some stains stay behind. It's normal for pizza stones to get darker over time. That dark color is called seasoning, and it helps your pizza cook better in the future.

You can also tap the back of the pizza stone with your scraper to knock off loose crumbs from the bottom or the edges. Make sure you collect the mess with a paper towel or wipe it into a trash can, so your counter stays clean.

After you finish scraping and scrubbing, gently wipe the surface of the pizza stone with a dry or slightly damp cloth. This will pick up all the loose crumbs and dust.

Do not soak the stone in water. Pizza stones are porous, which means they soak in water like a sponge. That can cause cracking later and might also lead to bad smells.

• Use a scraper or butter knife to lift burnt bits.
• Gently scrub with a soft pad for tough spots.
• Never use metal brushes or steel wool.
• Do not worry about leftover stains.
• Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Use Baking Soda Paste for Tough Burnt Marks

Sometimes, scraping alone is not enough. If you still see heavy black marks that won't come off, it's time to make a cleaning paste using baking soda and water. This is a natural way to clean your pizza stone without using any soap or strong chemicals.

Take a small bowl and mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with about 1 or 2 teaspoons of water. Stir it until it becomes a thick paste, like toothpaste. You can add a little more baking soda if it feels too watery.

Now take a soft cloth or sponge and dip it into the paste. Gently rub the paste onto the burnt spots using small circles. The baking soda acts like a gentle scrub that won't scratch the stone. Keep rubbing slowly and watch as the black marks start to fade.

If the burnt area is really big or dark, you can leave the baking soda paste on the stone for about 10 minutes. This helps to loosen the burned food more. After waiting, scrub the area again with your cloth or sponge.

Then, take another clean cloth and dampen it with a little water. Use it to wipe off all the baking soda paste. You may need to wipe a few times to make sure nothing is left behind.

Do not use vinegar or lemon juice. They are too strong for pizza stones and can harm the surface. Baking soda is safe and gentle.

After cleaning, let the pizza stone sit on the counter for a few hours so it can dry completely. Never put a wet stone back in the oven. That can cause it to crack.

• Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste.
• Gently scrub the burnt spots with the paste.
• Let the paste sit for 10 minutes if needed.
• Wipe off all the paste with a clean cloth.
• Allow the stone to dry fully before using again.

Heat the Pizza Stone to Burn Off Remaining Stains

If your stone still looks dirty after all the scrubbing and baking soda, you can try the heating method. This method helps burn off any leftover grease or stains without using chemicals. It takes a little time, but it's safe and works well.

Place your pizza stone back in the cold oven. Do not preheat the oven first. You want the stone to warm up slowly to avoid cracking. Once the stone is in place, turn the oven on and set it to a high temperature, around 500°F (260°C).

Let the oven heat up with the stone inside, and keep it at that high temperature for about one hour. During this time, the heat will help burn off any leftover food, grease, or dark spots on the stone.

You may notice some smoke or a smell coming from the oven. That's totally normal, especially if there's still food stuck to the stone. Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated. Open a window or turn on a fan if needed.

After one hour, turn off the oven but leave the pizza stone inside. Let it cool down slowly again. Do not take it out right away. Once it's cool, check the surface. You should see that many of the burnt marks are gone or lighter.

If needed, you can do one more round of scraping or wiping to remove any ash or small bits left behind from the heating process.

• Put the cold stone in a cold oven.
• Heat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for 1 hour.
• Let the stone cool slowly inside the oven.
• Open windows if there is smoke.
• Wipe or scrape off any leftover ash.

Avoid Water and Soap to Keep Stone Healthy

Pizza stones are very special. They are made to soak up moisture during baking to give you a crispy pizza crust. But that also means they can soak in water if you wash them like a dish. That is bad for your stone and for your next pizza.

Never soak your pizza stone in the sink. Even if it looks super dirty, soaking will not help. Water will go deep into the stone, and it may never fully dry. If you put it back in the oven while still wet inside, it can break into pieces. And if it doesn't break, it might make your food taste weird.

Also, do not use dish soap or any kind of cleaner with chemicals. Pizza stones are very porous, like a sponge. They will suck up the soap, and then your pizza will taste like soap next time. That's not something you want!

Only use dry methods, like scraping, brushing, and baking soda paste. And always let the stone dry fully before using it again. If you cleaned it with a damp cloth, leave it out overnight just to be safe.

It's okay if your pizza stone gets stained or dark over time. That is normal and shows that your stone is well-used. You don't have to make it look new again. Just keep it clean enough so no food is stuck on it.

• Never soak your stone in water.
• Never use soap or chemicals to clean it.
• Avoid putting a wet stone in the oven.
• Let it air-dry fully after cleaning.
• Stains are normal and won't affect your pizza.

Keep Your Pizza Stone Clean After Every Use

Once your pizza stone is clean again, the best thing you can do is take care of it after every use. This will make future cleanings much easier and will keep your stone in great shape for years.

After using it, let it cool down slowly in the oven like before. Once cool, take it out and use a scraper or a soft brush to remove any bits of crust or cheese. Wipe off the crumbs with a dry cloth or paper towel. This quick clean-up takes just a minute but helps so much.

Try not to use too much cheese or sauce near the edges of your pizza. These things are the ones that burn and stick to your stone the most. You can also place a sheet of parchment paper under your pizza to help keep the stone clean.

Store your pizza stone in a dry place. If you leave it in the oven, that's fine too, as long as no other food spills on it. Never wrap it in plastic or foil — the stone needs to breathe.

Use the baking soda paste and heating method only when it really needs deep cleaning. Most of the time, a quick scrape and wipe is all you need.

• Scrape off food after every use.
• Wipe the stone with a dry cloth.
• Avoid cheese or sauce spills.
• Use parchment paper if needed.
• Store it dry and clean.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a burnt pizza stone might seem hard at first, but with the right steps, it's actually pretty easy. Just let it cool, scrape gently, use baking soda paste if needed, and never soak it in water. With care, your pizza stone will last for years and give you crispy, tasty pizzas every time. Taking time to clean it right will keep it working great and stop it from getting worse in the future. Your next pizza night will be even better because your stone is ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to leave stains on my pizza stone?

Yes, it is completely okay to leave stains on your pizza stone. Those dark spots are part of the stone’s seasoning, and they actually help your stone work better. They do not affect the taste or cooking of your pizza. Trying to remove every stain can damage the stone. So, as long as there is no stuck food or grease, you can leave the stains. A seasoned stone is a good stone, and it’s normal for it to look used.

Can I use soap to clean my pizza stone?

No, you should never use soap to clean your pizza stone. The stone is very porous and will soak up the soap. That soap can stay inside the stone, and next time you bake, it might make your pizza taste like chemicals or soap. Always clean your stone with dry scraping, baking soda, or gentle water with no soap. Keeping soap away will help your stone last longer and keep your food safe and tasty.

Is it safe to use metal tools on my pizza stone?

It depends. You can use a metal spatula or a dull butter knife gently to scrape off burnt bits. But avoid sharp metal tools or steel wool, as they can scratch or damage the surface of the stone. It's best to use wooden or plastic scrapers or soft pads whenever possible. If you do use metal, go slowly and do not press too hard. You want to clean it, not harm it.

Can I put a wet pizza stone in the oven?

No, never put a wet pizza stone in the oven. If water is inside the stone and it gets hot, the water can turn into steam and crack the stone. That can ruin it completely. Always let your pizza stone dry fully before you use it again. This might take several hours or even overnight. Only place the stone in the oven when it is completely dry and at room temperature.

Do I need to clean my pizza stone after every use?

You should at least do a simple cleaning after each use. Let it cool, then scrape off any food and wipe it clean. You don't need to deep clean it unless there is a big mess or burnt-on food. A quick clean helps stop build-up and keeps your stone working well. The more you care for it, the easier it will be to clean later. Regular care is much better than deep cleaning all the time.

Is it okay to use baking soda on the pizza stone?

Yes, baking soda is one of the best things to use for cleaning a pizza stone. It is natural, gentle, and safe for food. It helps remove burnt food without damaging the stone. Just mix it with water to make a paste and scrub gently. Baking soda will not soak into the stone or change the flavor of your pizza. It's a great cleaner to use when your stone needs a little more help than just scraping.

Can I use parchment paper on my pizza stone?

Yes, you can use parchment paper on your pizza stone. It can help stop cheese and sauce from sticking and burning onto the stone. Just make sure the paper is oven-safe and does not touch the oven walls. Also, do not use parchment paper in a very hot oven, as it can burn. It's a helpful tool, especially if you want to keep your stone cleaner for longer.

Do I need to season my pizza stone?

You do not need to season your pizza stone like a cast iron pan. The stone will season naturally over time as you use it. The oils and food from your pizza will leave marks that help the stone cook better. You don't need to add any extra oil or try to make it dark on purpose. Just use it, clean it the right way, and your stone will improve with age.