Restore Rusty Sheet Pans: Remove Burn Marks Easily

Burnt-on, rusty sheet pans are a common problem for cooks, but there are several ways to clean them. One method is to use a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This involves making a paste out of the two ingredients, spreading it on the pan, and letting it sit for several hours before wiping it away. Another approach is to use baking soda and vinegar. This method involves creating a paste, spreading it on the pan, and letting it sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing it off. For aluminium pans, a ball of aluminium foil can be used to scrub burnt spots. For severe cases of rust, taking the pan to a machine shop to have it sandblasted and restored to raw cast iron may be necessary.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste

To clean burned-on rusty sheet pans with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste, follow these steps:

Start by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda over the sheet pan. Then, cover the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. Next, sprinkle another layer of baking soda on top. Let the paste sit for 2-3 hours. The longer it sits, the more the food particles and grime will loosen. After letting the paste sit, wipe the mixture away with a paper towel and water. If there are any remaining sections with stuck-on food, scrub them with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Finally, clean the sheet pan with regular soap and water to remove any remaining residue.

This method is ideal for aluminized steel pans. If you are looking to clean aluminum pans, try using a combination of baking soda and vinegar, or a potato and baking soda or dish soap.

Baking soda and vinegar paste

To clean a rusty sheet pan using baking soda and vinegar paste, follow these steps:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. You can do this by sprinkling baking soda on the pan and then adding vinegar, or by mixing them together and spreading the paste on the pan. The ratio should be 1 part baking soda to 1 part vinegar (for example, 1/4 cup of each).
• Let the paste sit on the pan for 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight.
• Scrub the pan with a damp sponge, nylon brush, or non-stick surface safe sponge. You may need to add more baking soda while scrubbing.
• Rinse the pan and wash with warm, soapy water.

This method works because baking soda has mild abrasive properties and an alkaline pH that can help neutralize acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Ammonia

What you will need:

• A durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag
• Ammonia
• Protective gloves, eyewear, and a mask
• Steel wool or a scrub pad
• Dish soap

The Process:

• Place your rusty sheet pan inside the plastic bag.
• Add about half a cup of ammonia to the bag.
• Seal the bag shut and let it sit out in the sun for a day. The ammonia will soften and react with the grease and food particles on the pan.
• After 24 hours, open the bag in a well-ventilated area. Be careful not to breathe in the ammonia fumes.
• Remove the pan from the bag.
• Using steel wool or a scrub pad, scrub the pan to remove the rust and any remaining grease or food particles.
• Rinse the pan thoroughly and wash it with dish soap to remove any residual ammonia.

Steel wool

To clean a sheet pan with steel wool, start by covering the rusty spots on the pan with baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for about 30 minutes. Then, gently scrub the pan with steel wool while the baking soda is still on the spots. Finally, rinse the pan well to remove any remaining residue.

Another method that uses steel wool is cleaning cookie sheets with ammonia. Place your cookie sheets inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag, and add 1/2 cup of ammonia. Seal the bag and let it sit in the sun for a day. The ammonia will soften and react with the grease and food particles on the pan. Open the bag and remove the pans, being careful not to breathe in the ammonia. Then, scrub the pans with steel wool and wash them thoroughly.

It is recommended to test steel wool on a small section of your sheet pan before using it to clean the entire pan, especially if your pan has a non-stick coating.

Baking soda and water paste

To clean burned-on rusty sheet pans, one method is to create a paste with baking soda and water. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste. The paste should be thick enough to stick to the pan. You can adjust the consistency by adding more baking soda or water as needed.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Sheet Pan

Use a spoon or spatula to spread the paste evenly across the surface of the sheet pan, ensuring that all the rusty areas are covered. You may need to use more paste for larger pans or those with extensive rust.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the sheet pan for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will work to loosen the rust and lift it from the pan's surface. For best results, let the paste sit for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at removing the burned-on rust.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, use a nylon scrubber or non-abrasive sponge to gently rub the stains and rust spots. You may need to apply some elbow grease, but the baking soda paste should help lift the rust and make it easier to remove. Be careful not to use a scouring pad or steel wool, as these can scratch the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once you have removed the rust and stains, thoroughly rinse the sheet pan with water to remove any remaining baking soda paste. Dry the pan immediately with a towel to prevent water spots and ensure it is ready for its next use.

This method is ideal for aluminum, aluminized steel, and non-stick baking sheets. It is a gentle yet effective way to remove rust and burned-on residue without damaging the finish of your sheet pans.

Frequently asked questions