How to Clean a Pizza Stone (Without Soap)

A pizza stone makes crispy, pizzeria-style crust at home, but it's made of porous stone or ceramic. That means soap, soaking and sudden temperature changes can ruin it. Here's how to clean a pizza stone the right way, plus why dark stains are actually a good sign.

Quick answer: Let the stone cool completely in the oven. Scrape off stuck food with a plastic scraper or spatula, then scrub with a brush and a little warm water. For stubborn spots, use a baking soda paste. Don't use soap or soak the stone. Let it dry completely before the next use.

Why No Soap?

Pizza stones are porous. They absorb soap, which can make your next pizza taste soapy. They also absorb water, which can lead to cracking when heated. A well-used stone naturally darkens over time, which doesn't affect performance.

What You'll Need

Plastic scraper, bench scraper or spatula
Stiff nylon brush or stone brush
Baking soda
Clean, damp cloth

Regular Cleaning (After Each Use)

Cool completely. Leave the stone in the oven to cool slowly. Cold water on a hot stone can crack it.
Scrape off cheese, burnt bits and crumbs.
Scrub with a brush dipped in warm water. Use as little water as possible.
Wipe with a damp cloth.
Dry completely at room temperature (a few hours), or place it in a cool oven and heat it with the oven to dry.

Stubborn Stuck-On Food

Mix baking soda with a little water into a paste. Scrub it onto the stuck spots with a brush, let it sit 10 minutes, then scrape and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Grease and Burnt Spots: Bake Them Off

Place the stone in a cold oven, heat to around 500°F (260°C) for about an hour, then let it cool in the oven. Many grease spots carbonize and can be scraped off. Turn on your vent: this can smoke. Check your stone's maximum temperature first.

Removing Odors

Lingering fishy or garlic smells usually bake off in a hot oven. A baking soda paste scrub also helps.

Stains vs Mold

Dark, even discoloration is normal seasoning. Fuzzy spots or a musty smell, often from storing it damp, are mold. Scrub with a baking soda paste, rinse lightly, dry fully, and bake at high heat. If mold returns, replace the stone.

Pizza Stone Do's and Don'ts

Do	Don't
Preheat the stone with the oven	Put a cold stone into a hot oven
Scrape and brush	Use soap or the dishwasher
Let it dry completely	Soak it in water
Use cornmeal or parchment to prevent sticking	Oil the stone (it can get sticky and smoky)

Related Kitchen Guides

How to Clean an Oven with Baking Soda · How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet · How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle

FAQ

Can I use the self-cleaning cycle?

Some manufacturers allow it, others warn against it because of extreme heat. Check your stone's instructions.

How do I stop pizza sticking?

Preheat the stone thoroughly and dust the peel with cornmeal or flour, or use parchment paper.