Dirty baking sheets look awful and can sometimes be a nightmare to look at. It is time to learn the 6 ways to clean your baking sheets and have those stubborn stains removed. You will have brand-new looking ones in no time!
How to Clean Baking Sheets
Baking sheets can be used to bake cookies, roast vegetables, or melt cheese over your favourite appetisers. However, have you ever noticed how quickly a brand-new sheet pan begins to brown? Oil and burnt food can leave stains that appear impossible to remove. We will show you our favourite tips for cleaning baking sheets and making them look brand new again.
Baking Sheet Materials
First things first, make sure you understand the material of your pan before you learn how to clean your baking sheets. These methods can be used to clean baking sheets, baking pans, and cookie sheets, but using the wrong technique can potentially damage the finish on your aluminium or non-stick baking pans.
Here is a cleaning chart to help you determine which method to use when cleaning baking sheets.
How to Clean Sheet Pans
You are ready to get started now that you know which methods work with which pan types. Here the 6 ways to clean your baking sheets to keep them looking good as ever:
Method 1: Cleaning Baking Sheets using Baking Soda and Peroxide
The key factor in this method is time. The mixture is simply baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, but it must be given enough time to attack the food particles and grime on your pan. Only use this method on your aluminized steel pans.
- Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
- Spread the mixture over the top of the pan.
- Allow to sit for 2-3 hours.
- Wipe away the mixture with a paper towel and water.
- Scrub any remaining sections if necessary.
- To remove any remaining residue, clean the sheet with regular soap and water.
Method 2: Cleaning Baking Sheets with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another effective way to clean baking sheets is to combine baking soda and vinegar, both of which are readily available in most kitchens. Please keep in mind that this method should only be used with baking pans made of aluminium or aluminized steel.
- Use 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar (start with 1/4 cup).
- Distribute the baking soda evenly across the tray.
- Pour vinegar into the tray and wait for the ingredients to react.
- Place the tray in a sink full of hot water.
- Soak the sheet in water for 30-60 minutes.
- Remove the sponge or microfiber cloth from the water to remove the dirt and grime.
- Use regular soap and water to clean the sheet.
Method 3: Cleaning Baking Sheets with Washing Soda and Cream of Tartar
You may be unfamiliar with washing soda, but it is a useful cleaning product like baking soda. Wear gloves when working with washing soda because it can cause skin irritation. Meanwhile, the cream of tartar is a common baking ingredient that you would most likely have. This method is gentle enough to use on aluminium, stainless steel, and non-stick pans.
- Sprinkle the baking sheet with the washing soda and cream of tartar.
- On top of the sheet, pour a small amount of hot water.
- Make a paste out of the ingredients.
- Allow for a 15-minute resting period.
- Use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to remove stains.
- With water and soap, remove the paste and dirt from the pan
Method 4: Cleaning Baking Sheets with Baking Soda and Water
Another method to clean your baking sheets is possible if you have a box of baking soda on hand. Since baking soda is non-abrasive to pans, you will not have to worry about any scratches or discolour the finish. This method works well with aluminium, aluminized steel, and non-stick baking sheets.
- Make a paste with the baking soda and warm water.
- Apply the paste to the cookie sheet.
- Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
- Rub stains gently with a nylon scrubber until they are gone.
- Have it washed thoroughly and dried immediately.
Method 5: Cleaning Baking Sheets with Aluminium Foil
It is possible to clean baking sheets with rolled-up balls of aluminium foil, and it is also a quick and straightforward way to reuse clean foil pieces. However, this method should not be used on aluminium or non-stick baking sheets because it will cause scratches.
- Soak sheet pans in water for a long time.
- Remove and dry.
- Scrub burned spots and stuck-on food with a ball of aluminium foil.
- Have the sheet pans washed and rinsed with soap and water.
Method 6: Cleaning Baking Sheets with Ammonia
While ammonia is remarkably effective at removing tough stains and food particles from baking sheets, keep in mind that this method takes the longest time and requires the use of harsh chemicals.
Important: When working with ammonia, wear protective gloves, eyewear, and a mask for your own safety. This method should not be used with non-stick baking sheets or aluminium pans.
- Put your cookie sheets in a durable plastic bag, like a garbage bag.
- Add 1/2 cup of ammonia to the bag.
- Seal the bag and leave it out in the sun for a day to allow the ammonia to soften and react with the grease and food particles.
- Open the bag and remove the pans without inhaling the ammonia.
- Use a steel wool to scrub the pans.
- Have the sheets washed thoroughly afterwards.
Extra Tips for Cleaning Baking Sheets
Consider these cleaning and maintenance tips for baking sheets to avoid the accumulation of food residue, grease, or rust.
- To begin, line your pan with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent large messes.
- To prevent rusting, apply a thin layer of oil to your pan.
- To avoid bacteria build-up and rusting, dry baking sheets immediately after washing.
- Hand-wash your baking sheets as soon as possible after use.
Remember, baking sheets are a great, versatile tool to have in your home or commercial kitchen. We have listed six methods for ensuring longevity and lowering replacement costs for you. Choose the appropriate method from the list above based on the supplies you already have in your kitchen, any time constraints you may have, and the type of sheet you are using. Having clean baking sheets makes a happy baker so, happy cleaning, happy baking!
Have you tried any of these methods? How do you deep clean your baking sheets? Let us know!
More from Us
At Rich Products Malaysia, aside from our articles that tackles on the how-to’s and recipe sharing, we have a range of non-dairy toppings, multi-purpose creams, and speed scratch solutions. To get hold of those products, check us out on the available e-commerce platforms such as our Rich’s E-Shop and Shopee. In the meantime, check out other interesting reads:
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