Whether you use it once a week or every weekend, keeping your pizza oven clean is essential for safety, performance, and long-term durability. From basic ash removal to deep cleaning tips, regular maintenance ensures your oven cooks evenly and lasts for years.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean a pizza oven safely, whether you own a wood-fired model, a gas oven, or a portable brand like Ooni. We’ve also included practical pizza oven maintenance advice and ash removal tips to keep your oven looking and functioning like new.
Top Pizza Cleaning Accessories
Why Cleaning Your Pizza Oven Matters
Neglecting your oven’s cleanliness can lead to:
- Smoke build-up and uneven cooking
- Flaky soot dropping onto your pizza
- Excess ash restricts airflow in wood ovens
- Reduced lifespan of components (especially stone and burners)
Routine cleaning helps your oven perform better and provides a more enjoyable cooking experience.
How to Clean a Pizza Oven – Step-by-Step
The cleaning process depends on the type of oven you have. Below, we cover wood-fired, gas-powered, and hybrid pizza ovens, with a special section on cleaning Ooni pizza ovens.
1. Let the Oven Cool Completely
Never attempt cleaning while the oven is hot. Let your oven cool down fully before brushing, scraping, or removing parts.
Pro tip: Wait 12 hours after the last use before handling internal components.
2. Remove Ash and Debris
Ash removal is key to airflow and heat efficiency for wood or charcoal ovens.
Ash removal tips:
- Use a dedicated pizza oven brush or metal scoop
- Sweep ash and debris toward the front, then scoop it into a metal container
- Dispose of ashes only once they’re cold to the touch
- Clean out the ash after every 2–3 uses for best airflow
If you’re using an Ooni Fyra or Karu with wood or pellets, ash tends to build up quickly, clean more frequently to prevent performance issues.
3. Clean the Pizza Stone
Pizza stones absorb oils and crumbs. Here’s how to clean it safely:
Do:
- Scrape off burnt food with a pizza stone scraper
- Brush gently with a dry, stiff brush
- Let it self-clean with high heat during the next firing
Don’t:
- Use soap or water on the stone (it can cause cracking or affect taste)
- Soak it or scrub with abrasive tools
Ooni cleaning tip: Fire your Ooni to max temp and let the heat naturally burn off residue, like a self-cleaning oven.
4. Clean the Exterior
Use a soft cloth and mild detergent (if needed) to wipe down the exterior. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip finishes for stainless steel or powder-coated models.
Routine maintenance:
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent stains
- Store with a cover to prevent dust and moisture build-up
- Check burner ports for blockages (gas ovens)
Cleaning Ooni Pizza Ovens
Ooni ovens are designed to be low-maintenance, but here’s how to keep them in top shape:
- Brush out crumbs and ash after every few uses
- Fire the oven at full heat occasionally to burn off grease
- Clean the stone with a scraper, no water
- Wipe the outer shell with a damp cloth
- Store in an Ooni carry case or cover when not in use
Bonus tip: Use a pizza screen to reduce cheese spillovers and base burns.
Deep Cleaning (Monthly or Seasonal)
Once a month, or more often with heavy use—do a thorough clean:
- Remove the stone (if possible) and clean underneath
- Check for soot or creosote build-up in chimneys
- Inspect gaskets, burners, and valves (especially gas models)
- Lubricate hinges and check for rust spots
This is especially important if you store your oven outdoors or cook frequently with wood.
Pizza Oven Maintenance Tips
- Rotate your pizza stone occasionally to avoid uneven wear
- Use a weatherproof cover when storing outdoors
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for wood-fired models
- Tighten any bolts or handles if your oven has moving parts
- Check for insects or debris before use if it’s been unused for a while
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a pizza oven properly ensures safer cooking, longer oven life, and better-tasting pizza. Whether brushing out embers from a wood-fired dome or wiping down your Ooni Koda, a little care goes a long way.
Following these simple pizza oven maintenance steps and ash removal tips, you’ll enjoy a spotless oven that’s always ready to perform when pizza night rolls around.
