A system includes: an exhaust aftertreatment system that includes a particulate matter sensor that includes a heating element configured to selectively provide heat to the particulate matter sensor; and a controller programmed to: receive particulate matter data indicating a state of the particulate matter sensor; determine that the particulate matter sensor is in a full state based on the particulate matter data; and activate the heating element to: (i) a first temperature for a first period of time, the first temperature being sufficient to burn off water or ammonia; (ii) a second temperature for a second period of time immediately after the first period of time, the second temperature being greater than the first temperature and being sufficient to burn off urea, biuret, or melamine; and (iii) a third temperature for a third period of time immediately after the second period of time, the third temperature being greater than the second temperature and being sufficient to burn off carbon.