Cleaning Large Baking Pans: Easy Tips For Sparkling Results

Baking pans are versatile cookware tools that can be used for baking, roasting, chilling, and decorating. While they are durable, they do need to be cleaned and maintained properly to ensure their longevity. The best way to deep clean a baking pan is to soak it in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide overnight, which loosens the gunk, making it easy to scrape off with a plastic scraper before a final wash with warm soapy water and a scrub sponge. It is important to note that different materials require different cleaning techniques, so it is essential to know the material of your pan before cleaning. For example, stainless steel pans are more susceptible to warping from rapid temperature changes, so it is recommended to avoid rinsing a hot pan in cold water.

Soak in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

To clean your baking pans, you can use a paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This method is particularly effective on aluminized steel pans.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl until it forms a paste. The exact measurements aren't crucial, but aim for a 1:1 ratio. You can adjust the quantities as needed depending on the size of your pan and the extent of the stains.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Baking Pan

Take the paste and spread it evenly across the surface of the pan, ensuring that all stained areas are covered. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the paste.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

This step is crucial, as it allows the paste to work its magic. Leave the paste on the pan for at least 2 hours, or even overnight for tougher stains. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at loosening and lifting the stains.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, use a paper towel or a damp cloth to wipe away the paste from the pan. You may need to use a little water to help with this step. Most of the gunk should come off easily at this point.

Step 5: Scrub any Remaining Stains

If there are still some stubborn stains or residue, use a nylon pad, sponge, or brush to scrub them away gently. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, especially if your pan has a non-stick coating, as these can scratch and damage the surface.

Step 6: Final Rinse

Once you've removed all the stains, give the pan a final wash with regular dish soap and warm water to ensure it's completely clean and free of any residue. Dry the pan thoroughly, and your baking pan will be good as new!

Use a non-abrasive scrubber

Using a non-abrasive scrubber is an essential step in cleaning your baking pans without damaging them. The type of scrubber you use will depend on the material of your pan, as some scrubbers can scratch and discolour certain pan types.

For example, when cleaning stainless steel pans, it's important to use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid scratching the surface, which can make the pan vulnerable to corrosion. Suitable scrubbers for stainless steel include sponges, soft cloths, and scouring pads.

Similarly, non-stick pans require a non-abrasive, nonstick-safe nylon scrubbing brush to prevent damage to the coating.

For aluminium pans, a non-abrasive scrubbing pad or sponge is suitable, but avoid steel wool as it may leave small scratch marks.

Cast iron pans should be cleaned with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad, but never with soap, as this can destroy the pan's seasoning.

By choosing the right type of non-abrasive scrubber for your specific pan, you can effectively remove stuck-on food and stains without damaging the finish or integrity of the baking pan.

Avoid harsh chemicals

To avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your baking pans, you can use natural ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and cream of tartar. Here are some methods to effectively clean your baking pans without resorting to harsh chemicals:

Baking Soda and Water

Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a few tablespoons of clean water. Spread the paste onto the pan and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the pan using a nylon pad, sponge, or brush. Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water. This method is suitable for pans with light staining or non-stick pans, as more abrasive solutions may damage the coating.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Mix equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar, about 1/4 cup of each. Sprinkle the baking soda over the dirty pan and pour the vinegar over it. The mixture will react and bubble up. Fill your sink with hot water and submerge the pan for 30-60 minutes. After soaking, scrub the pan with a nylon pad, steel wool, or the rough side of a scrubby sponge. Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water, then rinse and dry.

Cream of Tartar and Vinegar

Sprinkle cream of tartar evenly over the baking sheet. Activate it by spritzing it with vinegar until it is thoroughly soaked. Let the mixture dry for at least eight hours, then scrub the pan with a scrubby sponge and warm water. Rinse the pan with soap and water. Cream of tartar is a powerful kitchen cleaning agent, as it is an acidic byproduct of the wine-making process, and it breaks down grime effectively.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Soak a damp paper towel or dishcloth with hydrogen peroxide and gently rub it over the surface of the baking pan. Cover the pan with the cloth and let it sit for at least two hours or up to eight hours for tough messes. Remove the cloth and scrub the pan with hot water using a scouring pad to lift remaining stains. Finally, wash the pan thoroughly with dish soap and rinse with clean water. Hydrogen peroxide is a household cleaning agent and can be effective for light stains.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix equal parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Spread the paste evenly over the surface of the baking sheet and let it sit for at least two hours or overnight for bigger messes. After the allotted time, wipe away the mixture using a paper towel and water. Scrub any remaining residue with a nylon pad, sponge, or brush, then wash the pan with dish soap and hot water. This method is particularly effective for lifting set-in stains but requires a longer soaking time.

Dry immediately after washing

Baking pans, especially those made of aluminium, are susceptible to damage and discolouration if not dried immediately after washing.

Aluminium pans are prone to water spots, which can be prevented by thoroughly drying the pans right after washing. To remove water spots, you can dampen the pan and rub it with a moist sponge and baking soda.

Leaving water to sit on the pan can also cause rusting to occur, especially if the water is full of salt and minerals, which can break down the steel coating. This is true even for stainless steel knives, which are not immune to rusting.

To prevent rusting and water spots, it is important to dry baking pans immediately after washing.

Hand-wash for best results

To clean your 18" x 26" baking pans, hand-washing is the best option to ensure that the aluminum stays in the best working order. If you decide to clean the pans in a dishwasher, it is recommended to use metal-safe detergents and sanitizers to eliminate any flaking or tarnishing that could occur from harsher cleaners.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Create a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and spread it on the surface of the pan. Let it sit for 2-3 hours, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and warm water. Finally, clean the pan with regular soap and water to remove any remaining residue.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar and spread it on the pan. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a damp sponge. Rinse the pan and wash with warm soapy water.

Washing Soda and Cream of Tartar

Sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar onto the pan and pour a small amount of hot water to make a paste. Spread the paste evenly across the pan and let it sit for 15 minutes. After that, scrub the stains with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad and wash the pan with water and soap.

Ammonia

Place the pans inside a durable plastic bag and add 1/2 cup of ammonia. Seal the bag and let it sit in the sun for a day. Open the bag and remove the pans. Scrub them with steel wool and wash thoroughly.

Aluminum Foil

Soak the pans in water for an extended period. Then, ball up some aluminum foil and scrub the burned spots and stuck-on food. Finally, wash and rinse the pans with soap and water.

It is important to note that you should always dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent the build-up of bacteria and rusting.

Frequently asked questions