Cleaning Cookie Pans: Removing Burned Residue Easily

Burnt cookie pans are a common problem, but there are several easy solutions to remove the residue and make them look brand new. The best method depends on the type of pan you have, as using the wrong technique can ruin the finish on aluminium or non-stick pans. Before attempting to clean your pans, it's important to determine what they are made of. Common materials include aluminium, non-stick, and aluminized steel. Once you know the material of your pan, you can choose the appropriate cleaning method. Some effective methods include using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and vinegar, or a specialised cleaning product such as Bar Keepers Friend.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

To clean burned residue from your cookie pans using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the paste

First, pour about 1/4 cup of baking soda into a bowl. Then, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, stirring as you go. Keep adding the liquid until a thick paste forms. If you accidentally add too much liquid, just thicken the mixture with some more baking soda.

Step 2: Apply the paste

Place your dirty cookie sheet on a flat surface, such as in the sink, in a washtub, or on a large towel on your kitchen counter. Using a spoon, generously apply the paste you've just made to the baking sheet, covering it completely.

Step 3: Let the paste sit

Leave the paste-covered pan to sit for about 2 hours. If your pan is particularly dirty, you may need to let it sit for longer to loosen the grime.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

Dampen a household sponge with warm water and gently scrub the pan, applying extra effort to tough spots. Then, rinse the pan with warm water.

Step 5: Dry the pan

Finally, dry the pan thoroughly. This step is important as it will help prevent rust or corrosion.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side (if needed)

If the back of your cookie sheet is also stained, simply repeat all of the above steps on the other side.

Tips for keeping your pans in good condition

To keep your pans in tip-top condition, always set a timer when baking, and consider using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat instead of a thin coat of cooking spray or grease.

Baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning a burnt cookie sheet with baking soda and vinegar is a simple and effective method that doesn't require harsh chemicals. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by removing as much of the burnt food and debris from the pan as possible. You can use a spatula or scraper to get rid of the bulk of the residue.
• Fill your kitchen sink with hot water. The water temperature is important as it needs to be high enough to help loosen the burnt residue.
• Pour equal parts of baking soda and vinegar into the sink. A good starting point is 1/4 cup of each, but you can adjust the amount depending on the size of your sink and the severity of the burnt residue.
• Place the cookie sheet in the sink and let it soak. The recommended soaking time is between 30 and 60 minutes. During this time, the baking soda and vinegar will react with each other, creating a fizzing action that helps to break down the burnt food.
• After soaking, use a basic kitchen sponge, a nylon brush, or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to gently scrub away the residue. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive tools, especially if your cookie sheet has a non-stick coating.
• Once you've removed the burnt residue, wash the cookie sheet with mild dish soap and warm water to get rid of any remaining vinegar or baking soda.
• Finally, dry the cookie sheet thoroughly.

This method is safe for cleaning aluminium or aluminised steel baking pans. It's important to note that you should avoid using vinegar and baking soda on cast iron pans as it can create rust.

Ammonia

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Sheets and Ammonia

Place your cookie sheets inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag. Add 1/2 cup of ammonia to the bag. Seal the bag shut.

Step 2: Let the Cookie Sheets Soak

Take the sealed bag outdoors and place it in a sunny spot. Let the bag sit in the sun for 24 hours. This gives the ammonia enough time to soften and react with the grease and food particles on the cookie sheets.

Step 3: Remove the Cookie Sheets from the Bag

After 24 hours, open the bag while wearing a protective mask and gloves. Be careful not to breathe in the ammonia fumes. Remove the cookie sheets from the bag.

Step 4: Scrub the Cookie Sheets

Use steel wool or a scrubber of your choice to scrub the cookie sheets and remove any remaining residue. Rinse the cookie sheets with cold water to get rid of any ammonia residue.

Step 5: Dry the Cookie Sheets

Thoroughly dry the cookie sheets. This step is important to prevent rust or corrosion. Now your cookie sheets should be looking brand new!

Aluminium foil

To clean your cookie sheets with aluminium foil, follow these steps:

• Soak the cookie sheets in water for an extended period.
• Ball up a sheet of aluminium foil and use it to scrub the burned spots and stuck-on food. Be sure to crumple the sheet in a way that keeps any food stuck to the foil on the inside of the ball so you don't end up spreading more gunk onto the pan.
• Wash and rinse the cookie sheets with soap and water.

Note: Do not use this method on aluminium or non-stick baking sheets as it will cause scratches.

Cream of tartar and vinegar

Cream of tartar is a by-product of the winemaking process and is often used in baking. However, it can also be used as a cleaning agent when mixed with washing soda. This method is safe for all types of baking sheets, regardless of the material.

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning mixture

Create a paste by mixing cream of tartar, washing soda, and hot water. The cream of tartar will act as an acidic cleaning agent, while the washing soda will help to boost its cleaning power. Be sure to wear gloves during this process, as washing soda can cause skin irritation.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the cookie pan

Using a spoon or a brush, apply the paste evenly to the surface of the cookie pan. Make sure to cover all the burned residue and areas that need cleaning.

Step 3: Let the mixture sit

Allow the cream of tartar and washing soda paste to sit on the cookie pan for up to eight hours. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burned residue. This extended time also helps to loosen the residue, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Rinse and scrub the pan

After the waiting period, rinse the pan with warm water to remove the paste. Then, use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge to gently scrub the pan. If necessary, you can add a small amount of mild dish soap to help with the scrubbing process.

Step 5: Dry the pan thoroughly

Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all excess water is removed to prevent the formation of rust or corrosion.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove burned residue from your cookie pans using cream of tartar and vinegar. This method is safe and effective for all types of baking sheets and will leave your pans looking clean and ready for your next baking project.

Frequently asked questions