If you’ve invested in a Biscotto pizza stone — especially for high-performance ovens like the Effeuno — you already know the kind of crust magic it can create. But when the party’s over and your stone is covered in burnt cheese, flour, or sauce splatters, one question always comes up:
"How do I clean this without ruining it?"
The good news: Biscotto stones are built to last, but they do need gentle, proper care. Here's how to clean and maintain your stone without compromising its integrity or performance.
🧼 Why Biscotto Stones Need Special Care
Biscotto di Sorrento is a porous, handmade stone designed to absorb moisture and evenly distribute heat, which is exactly why your Neapolitan-style pizzas come out so perfect. But that porous surface is also sensitive to water and harsh cleaners, so regular cleaning needs to be done carefully and dry whenever possible.
✅ DO: Regular Maintenance
1. Let the Stone Cool Completely
Before doing anything, allow your stone to return to room temperature. Sudden temperature changes can crack it.
2. Use a Brass Bristle Brush or Scraper
After it cools, use a soft-bristle brush ideally a brass bristle brush to gently remove any burnt-on residue or crumbs.
3. Wipe with a Dry Cloth
Once the loose debris is removed, wipe the surface with a dry or slightly damp cloth. This helps remove leftover fine flour or ash.
🚫 DON'T: What to Avoid
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❌ Don’t use soap or detergent. Biscotto is porous and will absorb it, which can ruin both your stone and your pizza’s flavor.
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❌ Don’t soak it in water. Prolonged moisture can weaken the stone and lead to cracks over time.
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❌ Don’t use steel wool or abrasive pads. These can damage the surface permanently.
🧽 Deep Cleaning (Only When Necessary)
If your stone has a lot of built-up residue:
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Gently scrape off as much as you can.
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Wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
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Let it dry completely — this may take 24–48 hours, especially if water got into the pores.
⚠️ Never place a damp Biscotto stone into a hot oven — it will crack.
🔥 Can You Burn Off Stains?
Some minor darkening or stains are normal — in fact, they’re part of the stone’s seasoning process. Avoid over-cleaning to try and make it look new again.
If you want to remove more stubborn spots, a gentle bake-off method works:
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Preheat your oven with the stone inside to around 250°C / 480°F.
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Let it sit empty for 30–45 minutes to burn off residue naturally.
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Let it cool completely in the oven before removing.
👨🍳 Final Tips for Longevity
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Store it in a dry place to avoid moisture absorption.
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Avoid oils or nonstick sprays — they can stain and clog pores.
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Regular brushing after each use keeps it clean without effort.
🧡 A Little Patina Is a Good Thing
Your Biscotto stone is meant to age with your pizza-making journey. A bit of discoloration, light charring, and flour buildup is totally normal — even ideal. It’s a sign of a well-loved stone doing its job.