Cleaning Sheet Pans: Removing Stubborn Burned Residue

Burnt pans are a common problem, but there are many ways to clean them. Some methods include using baking soda, vinegar, dryer sheets, dishwasher tablets, boiled lemons, aluminium foil, salt, coarse Kosher salt, cream of tartar, dish soap, club soda, store-bought soda, ketchup, Bar Keeper's Friend, Bon Ami, Carbon Off, oven cleaner, cream of tartar, scouring pads, and hot water.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a burnt sheet pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the sheet pan

Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil vinegar in the pan

Pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar on the bottom of the pan. Heat the diluted vinegar on the stove and allow it to come to a boil.

Step 3: Add baking soda

After the vinegar has boiled for a minute, remove the pan from the heat. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the pan. Do not be tempted to add the vinegar to the baking soda, as this will create a fizzy volcano! The two cleaning agents work independently here. Baking soda is abrasive and will help lift the staining.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

Use a scouring pad to massage the baking soda onto any remaining burn marks on the pan.

Step 5: Rinse the pan

Rinse the pan clean.

Step 6: Repeat if necessary

If some stains remain, repeat the process.

Boiled lemons

First, quarter two or three lemons and place them in the pan. Then, fill the pan with a few inches of water and bring the water to a boil. Allow the lemons to boil for five to ten minutes, or until you start to see food particles floating to the surface.

Remove the pan from the heat and discard the water and lemons. Rinse the pan with water and use a scouring pad or brush to remove any leftover bits.

The acid in the lemons will help to break down the burnt food and remove any lingering odours, leaving your sheet pan clean and smelling fresh.

While this method is effective for removing burnt residue, it may not be the best option for addressing discolouration. If your sheet pan is discoloured, you may need to try a different cleaning method or accept that the discolouration is permanent.

Additionally, if you are looking to clean a non-stick pan, be cautious when using lemons as the acid could potentially damage the non-stick coating. Instead, you may want to try a milder cleaning method first, such as using hot water and a soft utensil to scrape away burnt particles.

Dishwasher tablet

If your sheet pan is covered in burnt-on stains, a dishwasher tablet can be an effective way to clean it. This method is simple and requires minimal effort.

First, cover the bottom of the pan with a small amount of water and warm it up on low heat. Remove the pan from the heat source and, wearing gloves, rub a dishwasher tablet over the burnt areas. The tablet will act as a scouring pad, breaking down the burnt-on food. Rinse the pan with warm soapy water and scrub with a sponge if needed.

This method is most effective when used on stainless steel pans. If your sheet pan is made of aluminium, it is not recommended to use a dishwasher tablet as it may discolour the pan.

While dishwasher tablets can be a quick and easy solution, they may not be able to remove all burnt-on marks, especially on certain types of pans. For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method.

Bar Keepers Friend

To use Bar Keepers Friend on a burnt sheet pan, start by wetting the surface of the pan. Then, sprinkle on the cleanser and make a paste with a little water. You can also add the cleanser to the pan first and then wet the surface.

Use a soft, wet cloth or sponge to rub the paste into the burnt areas of the pan. For tougher stains, let the paste sit for up to one minute. Do not let the paste sit for longer.

Rinse the paste off with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.

For very dirty or greasy pans, you can start by scrubbing with steel wool before switching to a soft sponge or cloth. Always wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin when using this product, as it is abrasive.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Step 1: Rinse the Sheet Pan

Rinse your burnt sheet pan with hot water to remove any loose food particles and grease. This will help prepare the pan for the cleaning process.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the sheet pan. Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is a mild abrasive that helps to loosen and lift burnt-on residue. It also has alkaline properties that can neutralise acidic burnt foods.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan. The water will react with the baking soda to form a paste. The paste will help to further loosen burnt-on food and grime.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Take a sheet of aluminium foil and wad it up into a ball. Use this foil ball as a scrubber sponge. Work in circular motions, scrubbing the foil all around the surface of the pan. The aluminium foil acts as an effective, reusable scrubbing tool that can reach into the corners of the pan.

Occasionally reposition the aluminium foil to ensure that you are using a fresh, clean surface for scrubbing. Continue scrubbing until all the burnt debris is lifted off.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you're satisfied with the cleaning, rinse the pan with warm soapy water to remove any remaining residue. Wash the pan as you normally would, ensuring that it is thoroughly cleaned and ready for its next use.

Tips and Tricks:

• If needed, repeat the process for a deeper clean.
• For tougher burnt-on stains, let the baking soda and water paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• Use a fresh piece of aluminium foil for the best results.
• Be sure to crumple the aluminium foil in a way that keeps any food stuck to the foil on the inside of the ball, so you don't spread more gunk onto the pan.
• Always test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the pan to ensure it won't damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions