You’ve finally got your Ooni pizza oven and after a few cooking sessions, perhaps you’ve encountered a few mishaps—failed launches or burnt pies. Trust me, I’ve been there too!
Fortunately, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to clean your Ooni pizza stone. Plus, I’ve included valuable tips to ensure your pizza stone remains in top condition for years to come.
Tools Required for Cleaning Ooni Pizza Stone
Depending on the method you choose, the required materials to clean the Ooni pizza stone will vary.
- Stiff cleaning brush with scraper tool
- Baking soda and water (worst-case scenario)
How to Clean Ooni Pizza Stone – Method 1 (Recommended)
If you’re in search of the most straightforward and safest route to pristine pizza stone status, this method has got you covered. Not only is it highly recommended by the team at Ooni themselves, but it also focuses on simplicity over all else.
- Run the Oven at Full Blast: Just crank up your Ooni oven to its maximum temperature. Let it do its fiery thing for about 30 minutes.
- It’s All About the Base: This process predominantly cleans the bottom of the stone. Think of it as a self-cleaning feature, where the high heat incinerates any pesky residues or remnants.
- Flip and Repeat: Once the initial half-hour is up and the stone has cooled down (safety first, pizza lovers!), it’s time to flip the stone. With the other side now exposed, repeat the process to ensure an all-around clean.
- The Catch: Now, while this method might be simple and effective, it’s not without its drawbacks. Running the oven for these extended periods does mean you’ll be using up gas. Plus, the entire process requires some patience.
I have owned Ooni Koda 12 for over two years and this is my go-to method.
How to Clean Ooni Pizza Stone – Method 2
If Method 1 feels like waiting for the dough to rise on a particularly chilly day, then Method 2 is your quick-fire solution. Perfect for when you’re in a rush but still want to ensure your Ooni pizza stone remains in top-notch condition.
Follow these speed-focused steps:
- Cool It Down: If you’ve been using your oven, hold those horses and let it cool. Hot stones are a no-go for this process.
- Lift and Shift: Once everything’s safely cooled, carefully remove the pizza stone from the oven.
- Brush Off: Armed with your trusty stiff pizza stone brush, whisk away any loose residue. Gentle circular motions work best.
- Scrape It Out: Got some particularly stubborn food bits playing hard to get? Flip that brush around and use the scraper side to coax them off.
- Stone’s Return: With your stone now clean and clear, carefully place it back in its oven home, ready for its next pizza adventure.
There you have it – a quick, effective, and no-nonsense method to keep your pizza stone clean when time’s of the essence!
How to Clean Ooni Pizza Stone – Method 3
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life (and pizza-making) leaves its mark. When those stubborn stains seem to laugh in the face of other cleaning methods, it’s time to bring out the big guns: enter Method 3. While it’s effective, think of this as your “break glass in case of emergency” strategy.
- Pasty Solution: Start by making a magic cleaning paste. Simply mix equal parts baking soda and water until you achieve a consistency resembling toothpaste.
- Tender Loving Care: Now, lovingly apply this paste to the rebellious stained areas. Using gentle circular motions, work the paste into the stone.
- Wipe it Down: Once you’ve given the stains a good scrub, wipe away the paste using a clean, damp cloth.
- Patience is Key: This is crucial – let your stone dry completely. You’ve done the hard work; now, it’s time for the stone to rest and rejuvenate.
Before you start worrying about achieving a spotless look, remember: it’s perfectly normal for pizza stones to discolor over time. In fact, a darkened stone is like a badge of honor, showcasing your many pizza adventures. A well-used stone is a testament to your culinary prowess.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Ooni Pizza Stone
Ensuring your Ooni pizza stone lasts involves more than just regular cleaning. By adopting specific care habits, you can prevent cracks, enhance its performance, and consistently produce perfect crusts. This guide provides essential tips to maintain your stone and underscores why these practices are critical for the optimal pizza-making experience.
- Avoid Soaking or Submerging in Water: Water can get absorbed into the stone, leading to potential cracks or even breakage when heated. Quick science lesson: trapped water turns to steam and looks for an escape, often causing the stone to crack. We wouldn’t want that tragedy, would we?
- Never Use Soap or Detergent: These can seep into the porous surface of your stone. The next time you bake, you might get a taste of detergent-infused pizza, and let’s be honest, nobody ordered that flavor.
- Cold + Hot = Disaster: Never put a cold or wet Ooni pizza stone into a hot oven. The sudden temperature change can be a shocker, causing it to break. Gradual heating is the name of the game!
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Moisture is the nemesis of your Ooni stone. By storing it in a dry, cool location, you’re preventing moisture absorption, ensuring it remains crack-free and ready for action.
By diligently following these tips, you not only protect your pizza stone but also enhance the quality of pizzas you churn out.
If in the worst-case scenario your stone gets cracked or damaged, Ooni sells pizza stone replacements so all is not lost!
FAQs – How to Clean Ooni Pizza Stone
Can I dry my Ooni pizza stone in the oven?
Yes, you can. After cleaning, place the stone in a cooling oven. The residual heat will help dry the stone without shocking it with a sudden temperature change.
How often should you clean an Ooni pizza stone?
After every use. While you don’t need a deep clean every time, it’s advisable to brush off any residual food particles after each pizza session to prevent buildup.
Can I wash my Ooni Pizza Stone?
You can, but avoid soaking it. Use a damp cloth to wipe it down, and never use soap or detergents as they can be absorbed into the stone and impact the flavor of your pizzas.
Is it normal for my Ooni pizza stone to discolor over time?
Absolutely. With use, your pizza stone will develop a patina, or a darkened coloration, which is completely normal. It’s a sign of a well-loved stone and doesn’t affect its performance.
What if there’s a stubborn stain on my Ooni stone?
Occasional stains are normal and won’t affect the stone’s performance. However, for stubborn ones, a paste of baking soda and water can be gently applied to help lift the stain.
Should I oil my Ooni pizza stone?
No, you shouldn’t. Oiling the stone can cause it to smoke and might lead to a buildup of residue over time. Plus, a greasy stone might alter the taste of your pizzas.
