Cleaning Blackened Sheet Pans: Easy Tips For Sparkling Results

Baking sheets and sheet pans are some of the most frequently used items in a kitchen, and they tend to develop a dark patina of baked-on oils, grime, and stains over time. While some people prefer to preserve this seasoning on their pans, others may want to restore their cookware to its original luster. This can be done using a variety of cleaning methods and supplies, such as baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, salt, and dish soap. The process may involve soaking, scrubbing, or a combination of both, depending on the severity of the stains and the type of pan.

Soak in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

To clean a blackened sheet pan, one of the best methods is to soak it in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This method is particularly effective for aluminium pans, which can become discoloured from exposure to high heat, or from burnt-on food and oil residues.

To clean your sheet pan using this method, start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the pan. Then, cover the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. You can also add another layer of baking soda on top. Leave the pan to soak for up to two hours—the longer it soaks, the easier it will be to remove the baked-on residue.

After soaking, use a plastic scraper to remove the paste, scraping it into a pile and then discarding it. Next, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a scrubby sponge to remove any remaining residue. If there are still some stains, simply repeat the process.

This method is a great way to deep clean your sheet pans without the need for harsh chemicals or lots of scrubbing. It's also a good option if you want to avoid using abrasive scouring pads or steel wool, which can scratch the surface of your pan.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean a blackened sheet pan using baking soda and vinegar, start by filling your sink with hot water. Next, pour in equal parts of baking soda and vinegar—about half a cup of each. Place your sheet pan in the sink and let it soak in the mixture for 30 to 60 minutes.

After soaking, use the abrasive side of a basic kitchen sponge to scrub the pan in a circular motion. This will help to avoid noticeable scratching, although some scratching may still occur. Once you're done scrubbing, wash the pan with mild dish soap and give it a good hand wash with soap and water to remove the vinegar smell. Finally, dry the pan immediately to prevent rust.

While this method may require some elbow grease, it's an effective way to remove tough messes, grime, and baked-on residue from your sheet pan without using harsh chemicals.

Try cream of tartar and vinegar

If your sheet pan is looking worse for wear, it might be time to give it a good clean. While a sponge with warm, soapy water won't do the trick, there are several methods you can try to get your pans looking good as new.

One method involves cream of tartar and vinegar. First, sprinkle cream of tartar evenly across the baking sheet. Next, spritz the cream of tartar with enough vinegar to soak through and activate it. Let the mixture dry for at least eight hours. Finally, scrub away the paste with a scrubby sponge and warm water, and rinse with soap and water.

This method is surprising because cream of tartar is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of powerful kitchen cleaning agents. However, when this acidic byproduct from the wine-making process mixes with vinegar, it breaks down grime and makes scrubbing a lot easier.

The longer you let the mixture sit, the less time you will spend scrubbing your pans. If any stains persist, you can always repeat the process.

Apply Easy Off and scrub with a Brillo pad

If your sheet pan is blackened and you want to get it looking as good as new, one method you can try is using Easy Off and a Brillo pad. This oven cleaner can be sprayed all over the surface of the pan and left to sit for 20 minutes. You can leave the pan in the oven or outside if you're concerned about the fumes. After 20 minutes, put the pan in the sink and run warm water. Use the Brillo pad to scrub away any remaining grime. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

This method is impressive because it quickly loosens grime and requires minimal scrubbing. However, it does involve using a lot of chemicals, which may be off-putting to some. If you want to try this method, be sure to follow up with a thorough rinse and wash of the pan.

It's worth noting that there are other methods you can try to clean a blackened sheet pan. For example, you can make a paste with baking soda and vinegar, or cream of tartar and vinegar, and let it sit on the pan before scrubbing. You can also try using baking soda and aluminium foil to scrub away the blackened areas. Soaking the pan in a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide overnight is another effective method.

Soak in boiling water and baking soda

To clean a blackened sheet pan, one method is to soak it in boiling water and baking soda. This is a no-scrub method that is easy and effective.

First, pour boiling water over the sheet pan. Then, add a few tablespoons of baking soda. Once the bubbling stops, let the solution sit for about an hour. After this, wipe away any debris with a soft cloth and finish by hand-washing the pan with mild dish soap.

For more stubborn scorch marks or burnt-on messes, you can try a variation of this method. Soak the sheet pan in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, a few drops of dish soap, and hot water. Leave it to soak for at least an hour or even overnight. After soaking, scrub away any remaining debris or stains. This method works well for non-stick pans as it provides gentle abrasion and grease-lifting power.

This method is a great way to restore your sheet pan without having to scrub heavily or use harsh chemicals. It is simple, effective, and uses common household supplies.

Frequently asked questions