Stain Removal Strategies: Eradicating Stubborn Marks From Pan Sheets

Removing stains from a pan sheet can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. The key is to distinguish between grime and seasoning—while grease, burnt-on food bits, and debris need to be washed off, seasoning (layers of polymerised oil) can actually improve pan performance.

To remove stains, you can try a variety of methods, including:

- Soaking the pan in a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.

- Using dryer sheets and dish soap.

- Applying a paste of Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda, then scrubbing.

- Soaking the pan in hot water and dish soap.

- Using a nylon scrubber or the coarse side of a sponge.

Remember to always dry your pan sheets immediately after washing to prevent rust and maintain their longevity.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

To remove stains from a pan sheet using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the sheet pan.
• Cover the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide.
• Add another layer of baking soda on top.
• Leave the pan to sit for up to two hours. The longer it sits, the more baked-on residue will come off.
• Put on dishwashing gloves and wipe the pan off with a sponge.
• If some stains remain, repeat the process.

Note: This method is only suitable for aluminized steel pans.

Baking soda and vinegar

First, fill your sink with hot water and add equal parts baking soda and vinegar (approximately half a cup of each). The chemical reaction between these two ingredients will cause the mixture to bubble up. Place your dirty baking sheet in the sink and let it soak for 30 to 60 minutes.

After soaking, scrub the pan with a scouring pad, the rough side of a scrubby sponge, or steel wool. You can scrub in circular motions to avoid noticeable scratching, but some scratching may still occur. Once you've removed the grime, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water, then dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.

This cleaning method is effective for both aluminum and aluminized steel baking pans. However, it's important to note that this process may not be suitable for non-stick pans as vigorous scrubbing can damage the coating.

Ammonia

Step 1: Prepare the pans and ammonia solution

Place your pans inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag. Add about half a cup of ammonia to the bag.

Step 2: Let the pans soak

Seal the bag shut and let it sit in a sunny spot for about 24 hours. The sunlight will help the ammonia soften and react with grease and food particles, making it easier to remove them.

Step 3: Remove the pans and scrub

Open the bag and remove the pans, being careful not to breathe in the ammonia fumes. Use steel wool to scrub the pans and remove any remaining stains or residue.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pans thoroughly with water to remove any residual ammonia and food particles. Finally, dry the pans completely to prevent rust or corrosion.

It's important to note that ammonia should not be used on non-stick or aluminum pans, as it may damage the finish. Always make sure to wear protective gear when handling ammonia and other harsh chemicals, and ensure proper ventilation during the process.

Aluminium foil

• Sprinkle your pan sheet 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 it comes clean.
• Rinse and wash the pan sheet with warm soapy water.

You can also use aluminium foil to line your pan sheets to avoid burnt-on liquids, grease, and oil.

Washing soda and cream of tartar

To remove stains from a pan sheet using washing soda and cream of tartar, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar onto the pan sheet.
• Pour a small amount of hot water on top of the pan sheet.
• Mix the ingredients into a paste.
• Spread the paste evenly across the pan sheet.
• Let the paste sit for 15 minutes.
• Scrub the stains with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
• Wash the paste and dirt off the pan sheet with water and soap.

Washing soda is a helpful cleaning product similar to baking soda. However, it can cause skin irritation, so it is important to wear gloves when handling it. Cream of tartar, on the other hand, is a common baking ingredient that you likely already have on your shelf. This cleaning method is gentle enough to use on aluminium, aluminised steel, and non-stick pans.

Frequently asked questions