You probably love making homemade pizza, right? But cleaning your pizza stone can feel confusing. You might be scared to ruin it or not sure what works best. Here’s the good news: you can clean your pizza stone easily with baking soda. It’s safe, cheap, and it really works. In this article, I will show you how to clean your pizza stone using baking soda in the easiest way. You will get real steps that anyone can follow without stress or special tools.
Let the Stone Cool Down Completely
First thing you need to do is make sure your pizza stone is not hot. This is super important. Never try to clean your pizza stone when it's still warm or hot. Why? Because sudden changes in temperature can crack your stone. These stones are strong, but they don't like going from hot to cold too fast.
So, after you cook your pizza, let the stone sit and cool by itself. Don't pour water on it. Don't place it in the sink. Just leave it inside the oven with the door open for an hour or so. That's the safest way to cool it down.
Even if you feel like cleaning right away, try to wait. You may feel tempted to clean the stone when the mess is fresh, but it’s better to be patient. Letting the stone cool not only protects it but also keeps you safe from getting burned.
Once it is fully cooled, gently lift the stone out of the oven. Be careful—it's heavy and can be slippery if greasy. Hold it with both hands and place it on a strong surface like a countertop or sturdy table.
If your pizza stone has been sitting for a few days, that’s okay too. You can still clean it with baking soda. Baking soda works even if the stain or mess is older. The only thing that matters first is the stone being cool.
- Make sure your pizza stone is not hot
- Never pour cold water on a warm pizza stone
- Let it cool naturally in the oven
- Wait at least 1 hour before touching
- Use both hands to move it carefully
- Place it on a strong and flat surface
Scrape Off the Loose Food Bits
Now that your stone is cool and ready, the next thing you want to do is remove any bits of food stuck to the surface. This step is simple, but you want to do it gently.
Use a plastic spatula or a wooden scraper. Do not use metal tools. Metal can scratch the stone and damage it forever. Just use something that won't leave a mark. If you don't have a scraper, you can use the edge of a spoon or even a dough cutter—just make sure it's not sharp.
Start scraping carefully. Push the scraper under the burnt cheese or food. You don't need to press too hard. Go slowly and gently. Try to get off as much as you can. It's okay if some dark spots stay. The goal is to remove the chunks, not to make it look new.
You may feel like scrubbing with water right now, but please wait. Using water too early can just spread the grease and mess around. Scrape first. Clean later. You might also see dark stains that don't go away. That's normal. Pizza stones change color over time.
If your stone has flour stuck to it, rub it gently with a dry cloth or paper towel. Flour is easy to remove once it dries. Grease may be harder, but you will deal with that in the next steps.
Do not worry about making your stone look perfect. It's not supposed to look shiny or brand new. A good pizza stone always has a few marks. These show that it has been used and loved.
- Use a plastic or wooden scraper only
- Don't use metal or sharp tools
- Remove all food bits slowly and carefully
- Don't use water yet
- Some stains are normal and okay
- A clean stone doesn't have to look new
Make a Baking Soda Paste
Here's where the real cleaning begins. You'll now make a baking soda paste that is both safe and strong enough to clean your pizza stone. This paste will not harm the stone and will help break down the grease and stains.
Get a small bowl. Add about 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Now add 1 tablespoon of water. Mix it with a spoon. It will turn into a smooth, soft paste. If it's too thick, add a little more water. If it's too runny, add a bit more baking soda. You want it to look like toothpaste.
Baking soda is great because it's gentle but powerful. It won't scratch your stone. It won't leave bad smells. It's natural and safe to use around food.
You may feel unsure about how much to use, but don't stress. You can always make more paste if needed. You won't need too much for one cleaning. Usually, one or two tablespoons is enough for a regular-sized pizza stone.
Don't use vinegar, lemon, or soap on your pizza stone. These can soak into the stone and leave weird flavors behind. Baking soda is the best choice for keeping your pizza stone safe and clean.
Once your paste is ready, you're all set for the next cleaning step.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water
- Adjust mix until it looks like toothpaste
- Use only baking soda—no vinegar or soap
- Baking soda is safe and gentle
- One small bowl of paste is enough
- You can make more paste if needed
Scrub the Stone with the Paste
Now that your paste is ready, take a soft cloth, clean sponge, or soft-bristle brush. Dip it into the baking soda paste. Start scrubbing the stone gently in small circles.
Focus on the stained spots first. You'll notice that the paste starts to lift the grease and dark marks. This might take a little time, so be patient. It's okay to go over the same area more than once. Just don't press too hard.
If the stains are really stuck, let the paste sit on them for about 10 to 15 minutes. After that, scrub again. You may see the paste turning darker as it pulls the grease and dirt from the stone. That's a good sign—it means it's working.
You don't have to clean the whole stone spotless. Some dark spots will never go away. That's totally fine. These marks don't affect how your pizza cooks. They're just signs that the stone has been well used.
Avoid using any scouring pad, steel wool, or rough brush. These can scratch and ruin the surface. Always use soft tools and your hand pressure.
As you clean, you may need to make more paste. That's okay. Just mix a little more baking soda and water like before.
- Use a soft sponge or brush
- Scrub gently in circles
- Focus on the dirtiest areas
- Let the paste sit for stubborn spots
- Don't try to make it spotless
- Never use rough or metal scrubbers
Wipe It Down and Let It Dry
Once you've scrubbed the whole pizza stone with your baking soda paste, it's time to clean off the paste. Take a clean damp cloth. Use warm water (not too hot or cold). Start wiping the stone gently.
You may need to rinse the cloth a few times. Make sure you remove all the paste. Don't leave any white marks or powder. Keep wiping until the stone looks clean and smooth.
Never put the stone under running water. And never soak it in a sink. Pizza stones are porous. That means they soak up water like a sponge. If water gets inside, it can cause cracks later when the stone heats up.
After you finish wiping it, let the stone air dry. Set it on a flat surface with lots of air around it. You can also lean it up against a wall in the kitchen. Just make sure it gets air on both sides.
Let it dry for at least 24 hours before using it again. That gives the stone time to fully dry inside. Using a wet stone can break it and also ruin your pizza.
Be proud—your pizza stone is now clean and ready to be used again!
- Wipe with a damp cloth using warm water
- Don't put the stone in the sink or under water
- Rinse the cloth as needed
- Make sure all the paste is removed
- Let the stone dry for at least 24 hours
- Never use a wet stone in the oven
Keep Your Pizza Stone Clean for Next Time
Now that your pizza stone is clean, let's talk about how to keep it nice and easy to clean next time. Taking small steps after each use can save you lots of time later.
After cooking, let the stone cool down in the oven just like before. Once it's cool, take a dry paper towel and wipe away any crumbs or flour. That's it. You don't need to deep clean every time.
If cheese or toppings fall onto the stone, try to scrape them off while they're still dry. This stops grease from soaking in. You can also try placing parchment paper under your pizza when cooking. This helps keep the stone cleaner.
Never use soap, oil, or butter on your pizza stone. Don't wash it like a pan. Pizza stones work best when they are dry and seasoned by use. Every pizza adds a little bit of flavor and charm.
Store the stone in a dry place. If you use your oven often, you can leave it inside. Just don't forget it's there before baking other things.
Cleaning should never feel like a chore. With these tips, your pizza stone will stay in great shape for years.
- Wipe with paper towel after each use
- Scrape off bits when dry
- Use parchment paper to help stay clean
- Never use soap or oil
- Store in a dry place
- Let the stone build its own seasoning over time
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your pizza stone with baking soda is simple, safe, and effective. You don't need special products or strong cleaners. Just be gentle and take your time. A clean stone helps you make even better pizza and lasts longer too. By following these easy steps, your stone will stay in great shape. Always remember: patience and soft care go a long way. Whether you're new to using a pizza stone or have had one for years, this method works well for everyone.
| Task | Tool Needed | Time Needed | Tips | Don'ts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool the stone | None | 1 hour or more | Let it sit in the oven | Don't pour water |
| Scrape off food bits | Plastic or wooden scraper | 10-15 minutes | Be gentle, go slow | No metal tools |
| Make paste | Baking soda + water | 2 minutes | Adjust to toothpaste thickness | Don't add vinegar or soap |
| Scrub with paste | Soft sponge or brush | 20 minutes | Scrub in circles | Don't use steel wool |
| Wipe and dry | Damp cloth + air drying | 24 hours | Make sure all paste is gone | Don't soak the stone |
| Keep it clean | Paper towel | After each use | Wipe dry crumbs, store dry | Don't wash like a pan |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use baking soda on a pizza stone?
Yes, it is very safe to use baking soda on a pizza stone. Baking soda is a gentle and natural cleaner. It does not scratch the surface and it does not leave bad smells or chemicals behind. It is also safe for food use, which makes it perfect for cleaning cooking tools like a pizza stone. Just make sure to rinse off all the paste and let the stone dry fully before using it again.
Can I wash my pizza stone with water?
No, you should not wash your pizza stone with water like a regular dish. Pizza stones are porous, which means they soak up water. If too much water gets inside, it can cause cracks when the stone heats up. It can also hold onto soap smells or flavors. It's okay to wipe with a damp cloth, but never soak or put it under running water.
Do I need to clean the pizza stone after every use?
Not really. You don't need to deep clean your pizza stone after every use. Most of the time, wiping it with a dry paper towel is enough. If there are crumbs or dry bits stuck, just scrape them off gently. A full clean with baking soda is only needed when there are lots of stains, grease, or smells.
Is it okay to use soap on my pizza stone?
No, it's not okay to use soap on your pizza stone. The stone can soak up the soap, and that smell or taste might get into your food later. It's better to use just baking soda and water. These are safe and they don't leave behind anything that can affect your pizza.
Can I put my pizza stone in the dishwasher?
No, never put your pizza stone in the dishwasher. The water, soap, and heat can damage the stone. It might crack or soak up too much water. Also, soap and dishwasher cleaner can stay inside the stone and cause your pizza to taste funny. Always clean your stone by hand, slowly and carefully.
Do I have to remove all stains from the stone?
No, not at all. It's very normal for pizza stones to have stains. They get darker over time and that's completely okay. These stains do not hurt the stone or your pizza. In fact, many people think a dark pizza stone cooks better. Clean off food and grease, but don't worry about making it look new.
Is it better to use parchment paper on my pizza stone?
Yes, parchment paper can help keep your stone clean. It stops cheese and toppings from falling onto the stone. It also makes it easier to lift the pizza. Just make sure the oven is not too hot—parchment paper can burn at very high heat. But for normal pizza baking, it works really well.
Can I store my pizza stone in the oven?
Yes, you can store your pizza stone in the oven. Many people do this. Just remember that it will take longer for the oven to heat up. And if you're baking something else, like cookies or bread, you might want to take it out first. But if you use your pizza stone often, storing it in the oven is very easy and smart.