Cleaning Pans: The Baker's Guide To Sparkling Bakeware

Cleaning baking pans is a challenging task, as burnt-on food and grease can be difficult to remove. However, with the right techniques and products, it is possible to restore them to their former glory. The best methods for cleaning baking pans include using baking soda with vinegar, baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, or a specialised cleaning product like Bar Keepers Friend. These methods can help to break down tough, burnt-on food residue and make scrubbing easier. It's important to note that non-stick pans require gentler cleaning methods to avoid damaging the coating. Additionally, some methods may leave scratches on the pans, so it's recommended to scrub in circular motions to make them less noticeable.

Baking soda and vinegar

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar Together:

• Plug your sink, fill it with hot water, and add 1/2 cup of each ingredient. The chemical reaction between them will create bubbles.
• Submerge your dirty pan and let it soak for 30-60 minutes.
• Scrub off the grime with a scouring pad, the rough side of a scrubby sponge, or steel wool.
• Wash the pan with dish soap and warm water, then dry.

Using Baking Soda Alone:

• Create a paste with warm water and baking soda.
• Cover the pan with the paste and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Gently rub stains with a nylon scrubber until they are gone.
• Wash and dry the pan thoroughly.

Using Vinegar Alone:

• Fill the bottom of your pot or pan with water, enough to cover any stuck-on food.
• Add 1 cup of vinegar and bring the water to a boil.
• Once it's boiling, remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Briefly mix, then empty the pan and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Additional Tips:

• For non-stick pans, do not use rough or steel scrubbers. Opt for non-abrasive nylon scrubbers instead.
• To prevent the build-up of food residue and grease, line your pan with aluminium foil or parchment paper before use.
• Dry cookie sheets immediately after washing to avoid a build-up of bacteria and rusting.
• Hand-wash your cookie sheets soon after use when possible.

Ammonia

• Warm your oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit while boiling a pot of water.
• Open the windows to ventilate the area.
• Put 1/2 cup of ammonia into an oven-safe, non-reactive bowl and place it on the top shelf of the oven. Put the container of boiling water on the shelf beneath it.
• Shut the oven door and let the oven sit for 8 to 12 hours.
• After the time has elapsed, open the oven door and let it ventilate for an hour.
• Use a sponge, warm water, and dish soap to wipe away the loosened food particles.

Important safety precautions:

• Never mix ammonia with any liquid that contains bleach, as it could generate a poisonous gas.
• Always read the instructions on the bottle carefully and dilute ammonia correctly.
• Use gloves when cleaning with ammonia, as skin contact can cause redness, pain, irritation, and burns.
• Keep ammonia out of the reach of children, as it can be dangerous if inhaled in high concentrations.

Baker's ammonia is produced through the chemical reaction of ammonia and carbon dioxide. When exposed to high temperatures above 40°C (104 °F), it decomposes into ammonia, water, and carbon dioxide, which contribute to the leavening of baked goods.

It is important to note that baker's ammonia should only be used in small baked goods like cookies and crackers. It is not suitable for cakes and breads, as it can impart an undesirable ammonia-like taste and odour if not fully evaporated.

Aluminium foil

To clean your pans with aluminium foil, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle your sheet pan with baking soda and add enough water to make a paste.
• Wad up a sheet of aluminium foil and use it like a scrubber sponge, working in circles all around the surface of the pan.
• Occasionally reposition the aluminium foil in your hand if it gets too flat, and continue rubbing it all over the pan until the pan is clean.
• Rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

Note that this method should not be used on aluminium or non-stick baking sheets as it will cause scratches.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean your baking pans and make them look brand new. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

In a small bowl, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. The ratio of baking soda to hydrogen peroxide can vary, but it should be roughly 1:1. You can adjust the consistency by adding more baking soda if the mixture becomes too thin.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Baking Pan

Generously spread the paste onto the baking pan, covering all the stained areas. Make sure the paste is at least 1/8-inch thick and reaches the edges of the pan.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the paste sit on the pan for at least 2 hours. For heavier stains or larger messes, you can let it sit for up to 8 hours. The longer the paste sits, the more effective it will be at loosening and lifting the stains.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste

After the desired amount of time has passed, use a paper towel or sponge dampened with water to wipe away the paste from the pan. You may need to use some elbow grease to remove all the paste, especially if it has dried completely.

Step 5: Scrub any Remaining Residue

If there is any residue remaining, use a nylon pad, sponge, or brush to scrub it away. You can also use the abrasive side of a sponge to remove any clinging particles. This step should take no more than 15 minutes of scrubbing.

Step 6: Wash and Rinse the Pan

Finally, wash the pan with hot, soapy water to remove any remaining residue. Rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely. Your baking pan should now be clean and ready to use!

Additional Tips:

• This method is most effective for aluminized steel pans. If you have non-stick pans, be cautious as more abrasive solutions may damage the coating.
• Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of your baking pan first to ensure it does not damage the surface.
• For deeper set-in stains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method, such as using baking soda and vinegar.
• Never mix and store baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a closed container. Mix them right before you are ready to start cleaning for the best results.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend, simply sprinkle the powder onto the surface you wish to clean or onto a damp sponge. Then, use a damp sponge to gently rub the surface. It is important to note that you should not leave the product on the surface for more than one minute. Rinse the cleanser away after one minute and repeat if necessary. Finally, use a soft cloth to buff the surface to a shine.

While some customers have expressed concerns about the product's value for money, overall, Bar Keepers Friend is a highly effective and trusted cleaning solution for tackling stubborn stains and leaving your pans and bakeware looking their best.

Frequently asked questions