The Best Way To Clean Your Stoneware Pizza Pan

Pizza stones are great for cooking pizzas, but they can be a little tricky to clean. The stones are made from porous materials like ceramic, stone, or cast iron, which means they absorb liquids and can be damaged by sudden temperature changes. So, how do you clean them without ruining your next pizza? Well, the first step is to let the stone cool down completely. Then, use a scraper or brush to remove any food bits. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away crumbs, but be sure to use as little water as possible. If there are stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stains, and scrub gently with a brush. Finally, always let your pizza stone air-dry completely before using it again.

Allow the stoneware pan to cool

Allowing your stoneware pan to cool is an essential step in the cleaning process. Stoneware pans absorb a lot of heat and retain it for a good amount of time, so it is important to let the pan cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This can take a few hours or even overnight, and it is best done by leaving the pan in a turned-off oven. Do not wash the stone right away, as a sudden change in temperature can cause the pan to crack. It is also important to note that you should never submerge a hot stone in a sink of dishwater, as it may crack.

Once the pan has cooled, you can start the cleaning process. For stoneware with food buildup, you can deep clean it by scraping off dried-on food with a nylon scraper or a kitchen brush. Then, prepare a baking soda paste by mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water. Spread the paste on the stoneware and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. Finally, scrape off any paste, rinse in warm water, and dry the pan before storing.

It is important to use the right tools when cleaning your stoneware pan. Avoid using anything metal, as it can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for nylon, silicone, or other soft materials. Additionally, do not use soap or any other chemical products on the pan, as it can be detrimental to its wellbeing and affect the taste of your food.

Scrape off food remnants

Once you've eaten the pizza, give the stone a bit of time to cool down. It can take two to three hours to get back to room temperature. Leaving it overnight is ideal. Remember, never submerge a hot stone in a sink of dishwater, or it may crack.

After the stone has cooled, brush off what you can of the left-behind ingredients before they dry and stick to the stone. Use a rubber or plastic spatula to scrape away cheese or other pizza bits stuck to the stone. Do not use a metal spatula or knife, as these can scratch the pizza stone.

If there are baked-on cheese, crust, and toppings that are stuck on, you can use a silicone or nylon scraper or a rubber spatula to scrape them off. Avoid metals and sharp objects that might scratch the stone's surface. You can try gently prying stuck-on chunks with a bench scraper or dull butter knife.

Use a baking soda paste for tough stains

Pizza stones are prone to tough stains due to their porous nature, which can absorb cheese, tomato sauce, and oil. To effectively remove these stains without damaging the stoneware, a baking soda paste can be used.

First, allow the stoneware pizza pan to cool completely before cleaning. Never submerge a hot stone in water, as it may crack due to sudden temperature changes. Once the pizza pan has cooled, use a rubber or plastic spatula to scrape away any stuck-on food particles.

To make the baking soda paste, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. The exact measurements may vary depending on the severity of the stains and the size of the affected area. For smaller areas or less stubborn stains, one tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water are usually sufficient. However, for larger areas or more stubborn stains, you may need to increase the quantity. For example, a mixture of half a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of water can be used for deep cleaning.

Apply the paste generously to the stained areas of the stoneware pizza pan. Let the paste sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the baking soda to work on breaking down the stains. After the paste has had sufficient time to work, use a nylon-bristled brush to gently scrub the stained areas. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to damage the stoneware.

Finally, wipe away the baking soda paste and any remaining food residue with a damp microfiber cloth. If necessary, repeat the process until the stains are completely removed. It's important to note that some stains may be particularly stubborn and may not come out entirely, despite your best efforts.

Wipe with a damp cloth

To clean stoneware, it is important to let the stoneware cool down to room temperature. Once the stoneware has cooled, use a nylon scraper or a kitchen brush to scrape off any dried-on food.

After scraping off the food residue, use a damp cloth to wipe the stoneware. The cloth should be moistened with water only, as soaps and other cleaning chemicals can be absorbed by the stoneware and affect the taste of the food. The cloth should be made of soft microfiber to avoid scratching the stoneware.

If there are any stubborn stains on the stoneware, a paste made of baking soda and water can be applied. Leave the paste on for about 10-15 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a nylon-bristled brush. After scrubbing, use a damp cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste and any remaining food residue.

It is important to avoid soaking stoneware in water, as it can retain moisture for a long time. Instead, a damp cloth can be used to wipe down the stoneware after each use, and a more thorough cleaning can be done after several uses.

Air dry or use a towel

Once you've cleaned your stoneware pizza pan, it's important to dry it properly before storing it away. The best way to do this is to let it air dry. Air drying is preferable to using a towel because, as mentioned, stoneware is porous and will absorb any moisture. If you use a damp towel, the stoneware will absorb some of that moisture, which can affect the crispiness of your pizza crust the next time you use it.

However, if you do need to speed up the drying process, you can use a clean towel to gently pat the stoneware dry. Just make sure that you don't use a towel that has been washed with fabric softener, as this can leave a residue on the stoneware that will affect the taste of your food.

It's also important to note that your stoneware should be completely dry before you put it away. If you're storing it in a cupboard or drawer, make sure the space is well-ventilated to prevent any moisture build-up. If you're storing your stoneware in the oven, make sure the oven is completely cool before putting the stoneware away, as trapped heat can cause the stone to crack.

Frequently asked questions