Here’s the #1 Best Way to Clean a Pizza Stone – So Put Down The Soap!
Why You Need to Clean a Pizza Stone
A pizza stone, with its porous surface, tends to absorb food particles, excess flour, and oil, which can impact the taste and texture of your future pizzas. Keeping your pizza stone clean ensures that your pizza crust remains consistently delicious and free of old residue. If you are looking for your first pizza stone check out some top picks here.
How to Clean a Pizza Stone in 5 Easy Steps
Cleaning your pizza stone is crucial for crispy pizza crusts and delicious pizza dough:
- Cool Completely: Always let your pizza stone cool completely before cleaning.
- Scrape Off Excess Food: Use a bench scraper or a metal spatula to remove food particles and excess flour.
- Wipe Down: Use a damp rag or a damp cloth to wipe the stone. Avoid any cleaning agents.
- Address Stains: For any pizza stone stains or burnt residue, use a baking soda paste.
- Air Dry: Let your stone air dry completely before storing.
The Step-By-Step Process of Cleaning Your Pizza Stone
Allow the Stone to Cool
After cooking pizza, always let your pizza stone cool completely in the oven or in your ooni pizza oven. Subjecting the stone to temperature change too quickly can cause temperature shock, leading to cracks.
Scrape Away Food Bits
Using a bench scraper or metal spatula, gently scrape off stubborn bits and any remaining debris. This will prepare the stone for deeper cleaning.
Wipe Down the Stone
Take a damp cloth or damp rag and wipe down the stone. Avoid using soapy water as the stone’s porous surface can absorb the soapy residue, which might influence the flavor of your pizzas.
Wipe Away Residue
Using a stone brush or a soft cloth, gently scrub the stone to remove food residue. Be careful not to scrub too hard to preserve the stone’s porous surface.
Wait for the Stone to Dry
It’s crucial to let your pizza stone dry completely before storing or using it again. Usually, it takes about an hour, but it can vary based on the stone’s thickness and material.
How to Clean a Burnt Pizza Stone
Burnt pizza stone stains can be unsightly. To fix this:
- Scrape It Off: Start by scraping off as much of the burnt residue as possible.
- Wipe Down the Stone: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any residual burnt bits.
- Remove Stains: For more stubborn stains, create a paste using one tablespoon of baking soda and cold water. Apply this mixture to the pizza stone stains and gently scrub. Rinse with cold water.
Common Cleaning Questions to Keep Your Pizza Stone Safe
Can You Use Dish Soap on a Pizza Stone?
Avoid putting your pizza stone in contact with dish soap. The porous material absorbs the soapy flavor, affecting your pizza’s taste.
Can You Wash a Pizza Stone in the Dishwasher?
No, the extreme heat and detergents can damage the stone.
What Should You Do if Soap Was Used on Your Pizza Stone?
Rinse the stone with hot water, ensuring all soapy residue is removed. Then, allow it to air dry.
How Do You Get Stuck Food off of a Pizza Stone?
Stuck food can be a right pain. Using a metal spatula or bench scraper, gently scrape off any stuck food particles. If necessary, a paste of baking soda and water can aid in removing stubborn bits. Make use of a good-quality pizza peel to reduce the risk of food spilling onto the pizza stone.
Can You Self-Clean a Pizza Stone in the Oven?
It’s not recommended due to the high temperatures in the self-clean cycle, which can damage the stone.
Can You Use Steel Wool on a Pizza Stone?
Steel wool can be abrasive. Only use it on very stubborn spots and do so gently.
Should You Air Dry a Pizza Stone?
Yes, always air-dry a pizza stone. This ensures no residual moisture, which could crack the stone when heated.
Can You Leave a Pizza Stone in the Oven All the Time?
Yes, many pizza enthusiasts leave their pizza stones in the oven or ooni oven. The stone can even help regulate the oven’s temperature. However, when using other cooking methods or baking dishes, make sure there’s no risk of spilling, as certain ingredients like cheese or tomato sauce can get burnt on the hot stone.
How Can You Get Grease Stains Out of Your Pizza Stone?
For grease stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. Apply the paste, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub.
How Long Does a Pizza Stone Take to Dry?
Typically, two to three hours. However, thicker stones might take longer.
How Long Should a Pizza Stone Last?
With proper care, a pizza stone can last years. Avoid rapid temperature changes and clean it gently.
When Not to Use a Pizza Stone
Avoid using your pizza stone for dishes with excessive liquid, like dishes with a lot of tomato sauce or cheese, as it could seep into the stone and cause incomplete combustion or smoke.
By understanding the dos and don’ts of pizza stone care, you can ensure crispy crusts and delicious pizza for years to come.
What to Do If You Wash Your Pizza Stone With Soap
Accidents happen. If you’ve washed your pizza stone with soap, don’t panic. The porous stone can absorb the soapy residue which might influence the taste of your pizzas. Here’s how to rectify the situation:
- Rinse with Hot Water: Immediately rinse your pizza stone with hot water to try to get as much of the soap out of the stone as possible.
- Use a Stone Brush: Brush away any remaining soapy residue using a stone brush in a gentle circular motion.
- Air Dry: Let the stone air dry for several hours, preferably in a sunny location.
- Heat in the Oven: Place the stone in a cold oven and set the temperature to a high heat. Allow the stone to heat for two to three hours. This process can help to pull out and evaporate any remaining soap trapped within the porous surface.
How to Remove Stains or Burnt Residue From a Pizza Stone
Stains or burnt residue can be challenging, but not impossible, to remove:
- Baking Soda Solution: Make a thick paste using baking soda and a bit of water. Apply this directly to the stain and let it sit for about an hour. Then, gently scrub with a stone brush or a soft cloth.
- Heat Method: For more stubborn stains, place the stone in your oven and heat it to a high temperature for about two hours. Often, the extreme heat can help in breaking down stubborn bits.
Stainless Steel Pizza Stones
Stainless steel pizza stones are a modern twist to traditional stones. They’re non-porous, which means they won’t absorb flavours or smells. Cleaning is simple. Use hot water and a soft cloth. For stuck-on food, a gentle scrub should suffice. You should dry completely before storing.
Cast Iron Pizza Stones
Cast iron offers a unique cooking surface. Like cast iron skillets, cast iron pizza stones require special care:
- Avoid Soapy Water: Instead, wipe down with a damp towel.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the stone is dry completely after cleaning to prevent rust. You can place it on a low setting in the oven to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Season Occasionally: To maintain its non-stick properties and protect it from rust, occasionally season your cast iron pizza stone with hardwood pellets or a similar agent.
With proper care and maintenance, your pizza stone, be it traditional, stainless steel, or cast iron, will serve you for years, delivering crispy crusts every time. For a more detailed guide, check out the blog on cleaning your cast iron cookware.
Conclusion
Every pizza enthusiast knows that the secret to that perfect slice goes beyond the toppings, the sauce, or even the dough. It’s all about the foundation – the pizza stone. By treating your pizza stone with the care and attention it deserves, you not only extend its lifespan but also enhance the flavours and textures of countless pizzas to come.
Remember, it’s not just a stone; it’s the canvas on which you paint your pizza masterpieces. So, clean it with love, use it with passion, and always strive for that perfect pie. After all, in the world of pizza, perfection is not just an outcome; it’s a journey. And with the right care, your pizza stone will be with you, bite after delightful bite 🍕
