Baking sheets are a workhorse in the kitchen. They’re used for making everything from sheet pan dinners to your favorite desserts. Because of how frequently they’re used, baking sheets often build up with grease and grime that can become difficult to get rid of over time. If this grime isn’t adequately removed, it can make your baking sheets unsafe to cook or bake on. To help, we spoke to experts who shared their tips for how to clean baking sheets with common household ingredients.
I’ve always found baking sheets to be one of those kitchen tools that take a beating but keep on going. Over time, though, that stubborn grease can make even the best pans look like they’ve seen better days. Beyond aesthetics, built-up grime can affect the flavor of your food and even pose health risks if not cleaned properly. According to a study from the Journal of Food Protection, improper cleaning of kitchen surfaces can lead to cross-contamination, so keeping your baking sheets spotless is more than just a matter of pride. My go-to trick is to tackle stains as soon as they appear, but when life gets busy, these expert methods save the day.
Materials Needed
The materials you need to clean baking sheets will depend on the method you choose, but here are some things to keep on hand.
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Vinegar
- Cream of tartar
- Water
- Aluminum foil
- Dish soap
- Small bowl
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Microfiber towels
Having these items ready makes cleaning a breeze, and honestly, most of them are probably already in your pantry or under the sink. I’ve found that keeping a dedicated non-abrasive sponge just for baking sheets helps avoid scratching them up, especially if you’re dealing with non-stick surfaces. A quick tip: microfiber towels are a game-changer for drying because they don’t leave lint behind, and they’re super absorbent. If you’re wondering about cost, a box of baking soda or a bottle of vinegar usually runs under $2, making these methods not only effective but also budget-friendly. For context, a single non-abrasive sponge can last through dozens of cleanings, so you’re not breaking the bank here.
How to Clean Baking Sheets With Hydrogen Peroxide
The combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide helps break down grease and grime and lifts stuck-on residue from baking sheets, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the baking sheet.
- Pour hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda so it forms a paste.
- Sprinkle more baking soda on top of the paste on the baking sheet.
- Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 hours.
- Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
- Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
This method is my personal favorite when I’m dealing with a baking sheet that looks like it’s been through a war zone. The chemical reaction between baking soda and hydrogen peroxide creates a fizzing action that loosens grime, making it easier to scrub away. Scientifically, hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent, breaking down organic compounds like grease. I’ve noticed it works especially well on those brownish stains that seem impossible to budge. One thing to keep in mind: don’t skip the waiting time. Those 2-3 hours let the paste do its magic, so you’re not stuck scrubbing forever. If you’re in a rush, you can cut it down to an hour, but the results might not be as dazzling.
How to Clean Baking Sheets With Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic ingredient that can cut through grease and lift stains. When used with baking soda, it can be an effective way to clean baking sheets, according to Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.
- Sprinkle about a 1/4 cup of baking soda over the surface of the baking sheet.
- Pour vinegar over the baking soda and let the mixture fizz.
- Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes or overnight for tougher stains.
- Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
- Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
The vinegar and baking soda combo is like a science experiment you can eat off of later—well, sort of. The fizzing happens because vinegar’s acetic acid reacts with baking soda to release carbon dioxide, which helps dislodge stuck-on bits. I’ve used this method when I’m out of hydrogen peroxide, and it’s just as effective, especially for lighter stains. For really tough spots, letting it sit overnight is a lifesaver. A pro tip: use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to avoid any weird smells lingering on your pan. Also, if you’re worried about the environment, vinegar is biodegradable and safe for most septic systems, so you’re cleaning green.
How to Clean Baking Sheets With Aluminum Foil
Scouring tools like aluminum foil or copper sponges can remove tough grime from baking sheets. However, you shouldn’t use this method on baking sheets that are non-stick as it can damage the surface, says Sokolowski.
- Take a piece of aluminum foil and crumple it into a loose ball.
- Apply dish soap directly to the baking sheet.
- Use the aluminum foil ball to scrub the baking sheet.
- Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
This method feels like a bit of a workout, but it’s oddly satisfying when you see the grime come off. The aluminum foil acts like a makeshift scrubber, and the dish soap adds a degreasing boost. I’ve used this on my older, non-coated baking sheets, and it’s great for those times when you don’t want to wait around for a paste to sit. Just be gentle if your pan has any special finish—scratching it up is a real bummer. A quick heads-up: recycling aluminum foil is super easy, so you’re not adding much to your waste. If you’re curious about effectiveness, this method shines for burnt-on bits but might take a bit more elbow grease than the chemical-based options.
How to Clean Baking Sheets With Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is an acid that’s often used in baking and cooking, but it can also be used for cleaning and lifting stains.
- Mix cream of tartar with a small amount of water to create a paste.
- Spread the paste over the baking sheet’s surface.
- Let the paste sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
- Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
Cream of tartar is one of those ingredients I always have on hand for baking, so it’s a pleasant surprise to find it doubles as a cleaning agent. Its acidic nature (it’s a byproduct of winemaking, fun fact!) helps break down stains without being too harsh. I’ve found this method works best for lighter stains or when you’re maintaining a fairly clean pan. If you’re dealing with heavy grease, you might need to pair it with a bit of dish soap for extra power. A small container of cream of tartar costs about $3-5 and lasts forever, so it’s a budget-friendly option. Plus, it’s gentle enough that you don’t have to worry about damaging your baking sheets.
How to Clean Baking Sheets With Baking Soda and Water
While baking soda will be most effective when paired with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, it is also heavy duty enough to clean your baking sheets on its own by following these steps outlined by Mock.
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a paste.
- Spread the paste over the baking sheet and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
- Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
This is the simplest method of the bunch, perfect for when you’re low on supplies or just want to keep things minimal. Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it great for scrubbing without scratching, and I’ve used it in a pinch when I didn’t have vinegar or hydrogen peroxide around. It’s not as powerful for super tough stains, but for regular maintenance, it gets the job done. I’ve noticed that letting the paste sit a bit longer—say, an hour—can make a big difference. Fun fact: baking soda is also a natural deodorizer, so it can help get rid of any lingering food smells on your pans. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and honestly, who doesn’t love a multi-tasker in the kitchen?
