Do I need to clean the pizza stone?
Yes, but only when it is dirty: when you spilled cheese, tomato sauce or something else on it. If nothing ever falls off your pizza, the stone stays clean most of the time.
The stone is usually the dirtiest part of the oven, especially in the beginning, when getting the pizza in is still tricky.
How do I clean burned spills off the stone?
All you need is a pizza oven brush, from Ooni or a similar one.
- Heat the pizza oven to the highest temperature it reaches.
- Leave it empty at that temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes, until the spills are completely burned: black, like charcoal.
- Scrape the burned bits loose with the scraper side of the brush.
- Brush everything out of the oven with the brush side.
- Wipe off the remaining dust with a damp cloth. You can wrap the cloth around a turning peel to reach in.
Is there a quicker way?
Yes, if the stone can be taken out. When the stone is cold, turn it over and use the oven as normal. The heat burns off the spills on the underside, and you remove them next time. We prefer the first method: it takes a bit of time, but it is worth it.
Are stains on the pizza stone a problem?
No. Stains on a pizza stone are normal. Some say they give the pizza character.
How do I clean the rest of the oven?
With a towel and some water. Nothing more is needed. Wait until the oven has cooled down completely before you clean it.
Does this work for other pizza ovens?
Yes. The only difference: in some ovens the stone is fixed and cannot be turned over. Then use the first method.