--- title: How Often Should I Clean the Refractory Stone and How to Do It Safely? description: Learn how to safely clean your Alfa oven's refractory stone. Avoid water, use the pyrolysis method, and keep your oven in top condition! --- [Skip to content](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/how-often-should-i-clean-the-refractory-stone-and-how-to-do-it-safely#main-content) - [English](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/how-often-should-i-clean-the-refractory-stone-and-how-to-do-it-safely) - [Deutsch](https://help.alfaforni.com/de/wie-oft-sollte-ich-den-schamottstein-reinigen-und-wie-kann-ich-ihn-schonend-säubern) - [Español](https://help.alfaforni.com/es/con-qué-frecuencia-debo-limpiar-la-piedra-refractaria-y-cómo-hacerlo-sin-dañarla) - [Italiano](https://help.alfaforni.com/it/quanto-spesso-devo-pulire-la-pietra-refrattaria-e-come-farlo-senza-danneggiarla) English Show submenu for translations [![Alfa Forni](https://help.alfaforni.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black.png?width=100&height=75&name=logo-black.png)](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/?hsLang=en) - [Help Center](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Help Center](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/) - - [English](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/how-often-should-i-clean-the-refractory-stone-and-how-to-do-it-safely) - [Deutsch](https://help.alfaforni.com/de/wie-oft-sollte-ich-den-schamottstein-reinigen-und-wie-kann-ich-ihn-schonend-säubern) - [Español](https://help.alfaforni.com/es/con-qué-frecuencia-debo-limpiar-la-piedra-refractaria-y-cómo-hacerlo-sin-dañarla) - [Italiano](https://help.alfaforni.com/it/quanto-spesso-devo-pulire-la-pietra-refrattaria-e-come-farlo-senza-danneggiarla) English Show submenu for translations - [AlfaForni.com](https://www.alfaforni.com/) [AlfaForni.com](https://www.alfaforni.com/) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center - Alfa Forni](https://help.alfaforni.com/en?hsLang=en) 2. [Maintenance and cleaning](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/maintenance-and-cleaning?hsLang=en) 3. [How do I clean my oven?](https://help.alfaforni.com/en/maintenance-and-cleaning?hsLang=en#how-do-i-clean-my-oven) # How Often Should I Clean the Refractory Stone and How to Do It Safely? ## Learn how to safely clean your Alfa oven's refractory stone. Avoid water, use the pyrolysis method, and keep your oven in top condition! The **refractory stone** is a crucial component of your **Alfa oven**, as it **absorbs heat** and ensures **even cooking**. To maintain its **optimal performance** without causing damage, follow this proper cleaning routine.   --- #### **📅 Cleaning Frequency** 🧹 **After Every Use:** ✔ Remove **food residues and ash** with a **brass brush or turning peel**. ✔ **Small burnt marks?** No problem! They won’t affect cooking. 🔥 **Deep Cleaning (Every 2-3 Months or As Needed):** ✔ Perform a **deeper clean** if you notice residue buildup affecting cooking. ✔ If the stone is **heavily soiled**, you can use the **natural pyrolysis method** (see below). 📌 **Important:** **Never wash the refractory stone with water or detergents!** Since it's porous, it **absorbs liquids**, which may **cause cracking** due to thermal shock.   --- #### **🛠 How to Clean the Refractory Stone Without Damaging It** ### **1️⃣ Removing Residues** ✅ **After Use & When Cold:** ✔ Wait until the **stone is completely cool**. ✔ Use a **brass oven brush** to remove crumbs and ash. ✔ For **stuck-on residues**, use a **wooden or plastic scraper** to gently lift them off. ✅ **Natural Pyrolysis Method (Self-Cleaning with Heat):** 🔥 **Heat the oven to 400°C (750°F) for about 30 minutes.** 🔥 This will **burn off organic residues**, turning them into **ash**. 🔥 Once cooled, simply **brush away the ash**.   --- ### **2️⃣ How to Treat Stubborn Stains** ✔ Use a **non-abrasive scraper** (wood or plastic) to remove tough spots. ✔ **Avoid chemicals** → Detergents and water can penetrate the stone's pores, affecting cooking quality.   --- #### **⚠️ What to Avoid to Protect the Refractory Stone** 🚫 **Do NOT wash with water or soap** → Moisture can cause cracks during heating. 🚫 **Do NOT use metal sponges or harsh chemicals** → They may alter the stone’s surface. 🚫 **Do NOT pour oil or grease onto the stone** → It may burn and release unwanted odors. 🚫 **Avoid extreme temperature shocks** → Never place **frozen food on a hot stone**, and never cool it with water.   --- #### **📌 Replacing the Stone** ✔ If the **stone has deep cracks** or **breaks into multiple pieces**, replace it. ✔ **All Alfa ovens include a spare refractory stone in the package.**   --- #### **🔎 Conclusion** ✅ **Brush the stone after every use** to prevent buildup. ✅ **Use only brass brushes and wooden/plastic scrapers.** ✅ **Perform a deep clean every 2-3 months.** ✅ **Rely on pyrolysis to burn off residue—never use water or cleaners.** By following these **simple steps**, your Alfa oven’s refractory stone will **stay in top condition**, ensuring **perfect cooking results** and **long-lasting durability**! 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