How to Clean Baking Sheets: 3 Easy Methods to Try

A baking sheet—also known as a sheet pan or baking pan—is a surface with raised edges most often made of aluminum or aluminized steel. (Cookie sheets are flat on three sides, with a lip on one side.) Baking sheets are popular for roasting and baking due to their ability to withstand high temperatures in the oven.

Much of the time, a quick hand wash with soapy water, your scrubber of choice, and some elbow grease can take care of a dirty baking sheet. For tough stains, however, a hand wash often isn’t enough. Here are some cleaning methods to try that will leave your baking sheets looking brand new:

1. 1. Soaking in baking soda and boiling water: Baking soda is a gentle but effective agent for gunk and burned-on stains, especially if you’re concerned about the effects of harsh chemicals on your bakeware. Simply fill your baking sheet with boiling water, sprinkle in a few tablespoons of baking soda, and leave the mixture to sit for about an hour. Then drain and wipe away the stains and wash the sheet with warm water and dish soap.
2. 2. Soaking in baking soda and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide: For stubborn grime, sprinkle baking soda on your baking sheet, then cover it with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and hot water. The combination will loosen the stains after an hour or so—though you can also let the mixture sit overnight if your test scrub is unsuccessful.
3. 3. Using a powdered cleanser: Try using a powder detergent for a more heavy-duty clean. There are several brands, most of which come in cylindrical containers. Create a paste with the powdered cleanser and some water, and then apply it with a scouring pad or a piece of steel wool. Scrub until you’ve removed the stains, then rinse the sheet and wash with soap and water.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best cleaning process for your sheet pans:

1. 1. Mess prevention: One of the easiest ways to prevent stains is to bake your sheet pan dinners or cookies on a lined baking sheet. Silicone baking mats are an excellent reusable option, though they can also be challenging to clean. Parchment paper or aluminum foil are other convenient choices.
2. 2. Handle with care: If your baking sheet is nonstick, be careful when cleaning it to prevent any damage to the finish. For example, you can scrub a piece of aluminized steel with a ball of aluminum foil to scrape away tough stains, but that method would severely damage a nonstick sheet. Instead, start with a gentler cleaning agent like baking soda and hot water, and always test your cleaning products on a small area before applying them to the whole sheet.
3. 3. Time vs. effort: A good scrub is often all it takes to rid your grimy baking sheet of stains, but if that’s not getting the job done, consider soaking it again for a longer period. Although soaking takes longer, it may save you effort.

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