Clean Stone Pizza Pan: Dos And Don'ts

Pizza stones are great for creating a crispy crust, but they require special care when it comes to cleaning. Here's an introduction to the dos and don'ts of washing a stone pizza pan:

First and foremost, always allow your pizza stone to cool completely before cleaning. A sudden change in temperature can cause the stone to crack. Once cooled, use a scraper or spatula to remove any stuck-on food. Avoid metal utensils as these can scratch the surface. For stubborn residue, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the affected areas, and gently scrub with a nylon or stone brush. Wipe away the paste and food residue with a damp cloth, then allow the stone to air dry completely before using or storing it.

It's important to note that pizza stones are porous and can absorb water and soap, so avoid submerging them in water and never use soap or cleaning chemicals. Instead, opt for a damp cloth and minimal water when wiping down the stone. If your pizza stone has tough stains or burnt-on food, you can deep clean it by placing it in a cold oven, setting the temperature to 500°F, and letting it bake for an hour.

Let the stone cool down

Allowing your pizza stone to cool down is an important step in the cleaning process. Pizza stones are designed to withstand high temperatures, but they are susceptible to thermal shock, which can cause cracking. For this reason, it is recommended that you let your pizza stone cool down completely before cleaning it. This can take anywhere from two to three hours, or even overnight.

During this time, the pizza stone will return to room temperature, and it is important to be patient and not rush this process. You may be eager to clean your stone and put it away, but sudden changes in temperature can be harmful to the stone. If you were to place a hot pizza stone under cold water, you risk cracking or breaking it.

Leaving the stone in the turned-off oven is a good way to ensure it cools down safely. It is also a good opportunity to let any remnants of cheese, sauce, or toppings dry and harden, making them easier to remove once you begin the cleaning process.

While you wait, you can gather the tools you will need to clean your pizza stone. These include a scraper, such as a silicone pan scraper, a brush, and a soft cloth. You may also want to prepare a paste made from baking soda and water, which can help remove stubborn stains and food residue.

Once your pizza stone has cooled down, you can begin the cleaning process, starting with scraping and brushing away any food remnants. Remember to be gentle and avoid using metal utensils or brushes, as these can scratch the surface of your pizza stone.

Scrape off food bits

To wash a stone pizza pan, you must first let it cool down. This is because a sudden change in temperature can cause the pizza stone to crack. Once the stone pizza pan has cooled, use a scraper to remove as much of the burnt material as possible. Take a metal spatula or bench scraper and scrape it against the burnt-on food to loosen it. Keep scraping and wipe the burnt bits into the trash.

You can also try plastic scraper tools, but they may not be strong enough against burnt-on food. If you are worried about scratching the pizza stone, opt for a silicone, nylon, or rubber spatula or scraper. You can also try gently prying stuck-on chunks with a bench scraper or dull butter knife.

If there are still burnt spots that don't come off, take the stone to your sink and run hot water over it while you scrub with a sturdy bristle brush or scouring pad. Rinse the loosened bits away with the hot water. Avoid soaking the stone in water as it can take a long time to dry.

Some manufacturers recommend scraping burnt surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper. Rub the sandpaper back and forth across hard-to-clean burnt spots to remove the burnt-on food.

Remove stains with a baking soda paste

To remove stains from a stone pizza pan, you can use a baking soda paste. This method is particularly useful for removing stubborn burnt-on food residue.

First, make sure you have scraped away any large pieces of food from the pizza pan using a spatula or brush. Then, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Next, gently scrub the stains using a nylon-bristled brush. Finally, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the baking soda paste and any remaining food residue.

You can also use a baking soda and vinegar paste to remove stains from your pizza pan. Mix a splash of vinegar with around a teaspoon of baking soda until a paste forms. Scrub the paste onto the stains with a brush, then wipe it away and let the pan air dry. Finish by giving the pan a final wipe with a clean cloth.

If you are removing stains from a cast iron pizza stone, be sure to wipe it down with a light coating of vegetable oil after washing.

Wipe with a damp cloth

How to Wash a Stone Pizza Pan

Once you've removed the visible food bits from your stone pizza pan, it's time to give it a wipe with a damp cloth. This step is important to remove any remaining crumbs or grease, ensuring your pizza stone is clean and ready for its next use. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively wipe down your stone pizza pan:

• Use a soft microfiber cloth: Opt for a soft, absorbent cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to gently wipe down the surface of the pizza stone. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the stone.
• Dampen the cloth: Before wiping the pizza stone, dampen your cloth with a small amount of water. Avoid using too much water, as pizza stones are highly absorbent, and you don't want to soak the stone. A slightly damp cloth will effectively pick up any remaining crumbs and grease without saturating the stone.
• Wipe in a circular motion: To effectively remove any stuck-on food particles, use a gentle circular motion when wiping the stone. This will help loosen and lift away any remaining residue.
• Pay attention to stubborn areas: If you notice any particularly stubborn areas of grease or food residue, focus your efforts there. You can go over the area multiple times with the damp cloth to help loosen and remove the residue.
• Dry the stone: After wiping the stone, it's important to dry it thoroughly. Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Ensure that the stone is completely dry before storing it or using it again.

Remember, when it comes to cleaning a stone pizza pan, less is more. Avoid using excessive water or soap, as this can be detrimental to the stone. By following these simple steps, you'll keep your stone pizza pan in optimal condition, ensuring you can continue enjoying perfectly crispy pizzas!

Air-dry the stone

Air-drying your pizza stone is an essential step in the cleaning process. Pizza stones are made from porous materials, such as ceramic, stone, or cast iron, which means they absorb substances they come into contact with. This includes water, so it's important to avoid submerging your pizza stone in water or drying it in the oven.

• After cleaning your pizza stone with a damp cloth, make sure to wipe it down with a dry cloth or towel to remove any remaining crumbs or moisture.
• Place the pizza stone on a drying rack to allow it to air-dry thoroughly. This will ensure that any remaining water evaporates and that your stone is completely dry before its next use.
• Depending on how wet the stone is, it can take around one to two hours for it to air-dry completely. You can also use a dish towel or microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the stone during the drying process to speed things up.
• It is important to avoid putting the pizza stone in the oven to dry it, as the trapped water in the stone can cause it to crack.
• Make sure the stone is completely dry before using it again or storing it away. You can store your pizza stone in the oven to reduce the risk of breaking it and to help with seasoning.
• If you need to use your pizza stone again soon, you can speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer on a low setting. Hold the hairdryer several inches away from the stone and move it continuously to avoid concentrating the heat in one area, which could cause the stone to crack.

Remember, it is crucial to ensure your pizza stone is completely dry before using it again to prevent cracking and to ensure your pizza crusts turn out crispy and delicious.

Frequently asked questions