Clean Pizza Stone with Baking Powder: A Stain Removal Guide

Updated at: 09/01/2025

Pizza stones, those culinary workhorses responsible for perfectly crisp crusts, can unfortunately become stained and grimy over time. From lingering tomato sauce to stubbornly baked-on cheese, cleaning a pizza stone can seem like a daunting task. Harsh scrubbing can damage the porous surface, rendering it less effective. But fear not, pizza aficionados! There's a simple, natural, and surprisingly effective way to restore your stone to its former glory: baking powder. This gentle abrasive, combined with a little elbow grease, can work wonders on even the most ingrained stains.

This guide will provide a straightforward, step-by-step process for cleaning your pizza stone with baking powder, leaving it sparkling and ready for your next culinary masterpiece. Get ready to learn how to revive your beloved pizza stone and unlock its potential for consistently delicious pizzas!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always allow the pizza stone to cool completely before cleaning. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of the pizza stone.
  • Baking powder is a mild abrasive; excessive scrubbing or use on heavily burnt-on stains might not be effective and could damage the stone. For stubborn stains, consider alternative methods or professional cleaning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pizza Stone

    • Remove food remnants with a spatula or blunt knife. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface. A toothbrush can be used for extra care.
    Remove food remnants with a spatula or blunt knife. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface. A toothbrush can be used for extra care.
    Prepare the Pizza Stone

  2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

    • Mix baking powder and water to create a milky solution.
    Mix baking powder and water to create a milky solution.
    Prepare the Cleaning Solution

  3. Apply and Let it Sit

    • Sprinkle the solution onto stains and let it sit for a minute.
    Sprinkle the solution onto stains and let it sit for a minute.
    Apply and Let it Sit

  4. Scrub the Stains

    • Scrub the stains with a brush until they disappear.
    Scrub the stains with a brush until they disappear.
    Scrub the Stains

  5. Wipe and Rinse

    • Dampen a cloth and wipe the area clean.
    Dampen a cloth and wipe the area clean.
    Wipe and Rinse

  6. Dry the Stone

    • Air dry the pizza stone.
    Air dry the pizza stone.
    Dry the Stone

Read more: The Surprisingly Simple Single-Layer Lasagna (Pizza) Recipe

Tips

  • N/A

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much baking powder

Reason: Excess baking powder can create a paste that's difficult to remove completely and may leave a residue on the pizza stone.
Solution: Use a smaller amount of baking powder mixed with water to create a thin paste.

2. Not rinsing thoroughly after cleaning

Reason: Residual baking powder or cleaning solution can affect the taste and texture of future pizzas, and potentially leave a film on the stone.
Solution: Rinse the pizza stone very well with warm water and allow it to completely air dry before using it again.

FAQs

Does baking powder really remove pizza stone stains?
Yes, baking powder is a gentle abrasive that can effectively lift many baked-on stains from pizza stones. It's particularly good for grease and charring. However, deeply ingrained or very old stains might require more intensive cleaning methods.
How often should I clean my pizza stone with baking powder?
The frequency depends on how often you use your stone. For regular use (weekly or more), a baking powder cleaning once a month is a good preventative measure. If you see noticeable stains, clean it sooner.
Can I use baking powder on all types of pizza stones?
Generally, yes, baking powder is safe for most pizza stones, including those made of ceramic or cordierite. However, always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific stone, as some materials may be more sensitive.