Here is how to clean Gozney Arc XL safely, based on the official Arc and Arc XL technical manual. Let the oven cool, brush out loose soot, vacuum the interior, and wipe the exterior with warm soapy water. The manual also says not to remove the stone for cleaning.
Most cleaning happens after the oven has cooled. A few parts need extra care, including the gas hose, the venturi and the stone, so the steps below follow the order the manual gives.
How to Clean Gozney Arc XL: Let the Oven Cool First
Wait for the oven to cool down before you brush out soot or debris. The manual asks for a soft brush, followed by a vacuum with a plastic attachment to lift the loose material out.
Cleaning a Gozney Arc XL starts with timing, and the order matters. The manual’s sequence runs cool first, brush second and vacuum last. Following that order keeps loose soot from being disturbed while the oven is still hot, and it makes the final vacuum pass more complete.
Start by brushing gently across the cooking area so loose soot and crumbs collect in one place. Use the soft brush the manual specifies rather than anything stiffer. Once the loose debris is gone, vacuum the interior with the plastic attachment so no fine particles are left behind.
If you use a metal scraper or any hard tool, keep it away from the inside walls. The manual says supplied tools should only be used for their intended purpose, and damage from misuse is not covered by the warranty.
Burn Off Food Residue Above 350°C
According to the Arc manual, the oven starts to self-clean once it goes over 350°C, and any burnt-on food burns off after a period of three hours. If you want to know how to clean Gozney Arc XL interiors without scrubbing, this is the manual’s preferred method. The 350°C threshold is roughly 660°F, the same heat range covered in our guide to how hot a pizza oven gets.
The manual describes burning off food debris and soot instead of scrubbing it, which keeps the interior free of harsh cleaners. Heat the oven with the burner and let the residue burn away over the full period.
Burn-off is not a reason to leave the oven alone. The manual says never to operate the appliance unattended, so stay nearby for the whole cycle. Once the oven has cooled again, brush out the ash and vacuum it before the next firing. Once the oven is clean, our guide to Gozney Arc XL recipes lists what you can cook and the settings behind them.
Keep the Stone in Place
Gozney’s manual says not to remove the stone for cleaning purposes, so clean around it. If you also own a loose baking stone, our guide to cleaning a pizza stone covers that separate case. Loose debris on the stone should be brushed off after the oven cools, and residue is left for the burn-off step.
Before you light the oven, remove the stone retention wedges. The manual lists this step in the ignition procedure.
Avoid prying at the stone with hard tools. The manual warns that damage to the stone from misuse is not covered by the warranty, so use the supplied tools only as intended.
Clean the Exterior Without Abrasives
For the outside of a Gozney Arc XL, make sure the oven is cool (the flue can also be taken off for cleaning), then use a non-caustic, bleach-free cleaning spray on the dirty areas. The manual then calls for warm soapy water and a sponge or non-abrasive dish cloth.
| Part | Method in the manual | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Outer body | Non-caustic, bleach-free spray, then warm soapy water and a sponge | Abrasive cleaning products |
| Thermometer and control dial | Wipe with a cloth | Spraying cleaner directly onto them |
| Flue | Can be removed for cleaning | Cleaning while still hot |
| Final wipe | Paper towels | Leaving soap residue |
The thermometer and control dial need the most care. Spray the cloth rather than the dial, because the manual specifically asks you to avoid spraying directly onto the thermometer or control dial. The full procedure is in Gozney’s Arc and Arc XL technical manual.
Clean the Venturi When the Flame Looks Wrong
A flame that is overly yellow or a burner that is louder than usual can mean debris is blocking the venturi. The manual says to clean it only with the oven off, disconnected from gas, and fully cooled.
- Turn the oven off, disconnect it from the gas, and let it cool completely.
- Place the Arc on a soft surface that will not scratch, then gently roll it onto its side.
- Use the Torx screwdriver supplied with the oven to remove the eight screws.
- Vacuum out the debris with a vacuum cleaner that has a long plastic nose.
- Refit the screws, return the oven upright, and check for gas leaks before you light it.
Because the venturi sits under the oven, a flame change is the main sign that it needs attention. That is the part of how to clean Gozney Arc XL most owners meet only after a few months of use, so keep the screwdriver and a long-nosed vacuum within reach.
Check the Gas Hose and Store the Oven Safely
Inspect the gas hose before each use. If you see abrasion, wear, cuts or leaks, the manual says the hose must be replaced before the oven is used again.
To check for leaks, brush soapy water onto the connections and along the hose. A leak shows as bubbles. Repeat this every time you disconnect and reconnect a gas fitting, and never light the burners while you are leak checking.
When the oven is not in use, keep it under a cover away from rain. Put the cover on only after the oven has cooled fully. If the oven will stay outside all year, read our answer on whether you can leave a pizza oven outside. After a long period of disuse, the manual recommends firing the oven as if it were a first firing.
Safety Rules to Follow While Cleaning
The Arc XL is for outdoor use only, and the manual sets clear distances from other objects. Follow these rules before and during any cleaning session.
- Use the oven outdoors only.
- Keep it at least 1.5 m (about 5 ft) from any structure.
- Keep it at least 7.5 m (about 25 ft) from any flammable liquid.
- Never operate the appliance unattended, including during burn-off.
- Inspect the gas hose before each use, as described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the stone to clean it?
No. The manual says not to remove the stone for cleaning purposes. Brush loose debris off after the oven has cooled, and let the burn-off handle residue on the stone.
Is it safe to use abrasive cleaners on the outside?
No. The manual says not to use abrasive cleaning products on the exterior. Use a non-caustic, bleach-free spray, then warm soapy water with a non-abrasive cloth.
How long does the burn-off take?
The manual says burnt-on food burns off after a period of three hours once the oven is over 350°C. Stay near the oven for the whole time, because the appliance should never be left unattended.
What should I do if the flame looks yellow?
A yellow flame can mean debris is blocking the venturi. Let the oven cool, disconnect the gas, and follow the venturi steps above. Check for leaks after you reconnect.
How do I check for gas leaks?
Brush soapy water onto the connections and along the hose. Bubbles mean a leak, so do not use the oven until it is fixed. Never light the burners while leak checking.
Which tools does the manual name for cleaning?
The manual names a soft brush, a vacuum with a plastic attachment, a non-caustic and bleach-free cleaning spray, warm soapy water and a sponge or non-abrasive dish cloth. The Torx screwdriver supplied with the oven is used for the venturi and bottom panel.
Do I need to cure the oven after it has sat unused?
Yes, the manual recommends firing it as a first firing after a long period of disuse. On a first firing, run the burner on a medium to low flame for about 30 minutes.
Keep the burn-off, the stone and the gas hose on a regular check, and do not skip the cooling step before brushing. If anything looks damaged or a leak persists, stop using the oven and follow the official manual before you continue. That is how to clean Gozney Arc XL safely: gentle on the outside, hands-off on the stone. Before you plan a spot for it, check the oven’s size in our Gozney Arc XL dimensions guide.