How to Remove Stubborn Residue from Your Pizza Stone

If you’re making pizza at home using your regular oven, chances are you rely on a pizza stone. It’s the secret to crafting restaurant-quality pies, but what happens when you’re done cooking? More specifically, how do you clean it?

Pizza stones are typically made from ceramic or cordierite—both materials are porous, which helps them absorb heat for that perfect, crispy crust. However, this same porosity means your stone can soak up water, grease, food bits, and anything else that comes in contact with it. Since you cook your pizza directly on the stone, you’ll inevitably end up with residue like burnt cheese, sauce stains, and oil drips.

The good news is that taking care of your pizza stone is easier than it sounds. We’ve simplified the process for you, with tips on what you need, what to avoid, and how to tackle the cleaning job.

Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Pizza Stone

Do Nothing: Sometimes, the best approach is to leave your pizza stone alone, according to Martin Phillip, a baker and the award-winning author who serves as Baking Ambassador at the King Arthur Baking Company. He explains that the intense heat used to preheat your oven and stone will naturally burn off most of the residue. While some stains may remain, they don’t affect the stone’s performance, so there’s no need to worry. If you're bothered by the remnants, simply use an oven-mitt-covered hand and an old towel to gently wipe them away.
Water: Just a touch. If you feel the urge to clean your stone, a quick rinse is fine. However, it's best to avoid running it under water. Instead, use a damp towel or sponge to lightly wipe it down, giving you more control over the water that soaks into the stone. Phillip also recommends letting the stone air dry completely before using it again.
A Stone Brush or Toothbrush: While most stuck-on bits will burn off during the next preheat, you can use a stone brush or even a toothbrush if you’re feeling picky. Just steer clear of anything too abrasive, as it could damage your stone’s surface.

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Additional Cleaning Solutions:

Baking Soda and Vinegar: If you’re tired of looking at stains on your stone, know that they don’t impact your pizza’s taste or the stone’s baking abilities. But if you’d like to clean them off, try mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stains using a clean towel or sponge, then wipe away any excess with a damp cloth.

Plastic Bench Scraper or Putty Knife: A plastic bench scraper is a must-have tool that bakers swear by. Typically used to gather and transfer dough, it also works wonders for scraping off food stuck to your stone. A plastic putty knife can serve the same purpose, but make sure it’s designated for kitchen use only!

What You Don’t Need for Cleaning Your Pizza Stone

Soap: You don’t want your pizza to taste like "fresh mountain rain" or "citrusy lemon verbena," right? Stick to avoiding soaps or any chemical cleaners as they can be absorbed by the stone. Martin suggests just a little elbow grease to tackle the job.
Too Much Water: Excessive water can harm your stone by affecting its baking consistency and timing. Keep it to a quick rinse—nothing more.
Abrasive Brushes: Avoid using harsh tools like steel wool that can scratch and damage your stone. Don’t worry about the stains; Martin reminds us, "That patina means you’re a real baker at heart."

How to Care for Your Pizza Stone

Sara Haas

Step 1: Let It Cool

Allow the stone to cool down completely before cleaning. Trying to clean a hot stone is not only ineffective, but it’s also risky.

Sara Haas

Step 2: Clean It Off

Use a damp cloth to wipe away any food residue. Avoid soaking your stone completely—its porous surface will absorb the water, leading to long drying times and potentially reducing the stone's ability to retain heat.