Cleaning Half Sheet Pans: Easy And Effective Methods

Cleaning half sheet pans can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with burnt residue and tough stains. However, with the right techniques and some elbow grease, it is possible to make your baking sheets look brand new again. In this article, we will explore different methods for cleaning half sheet pans, including the use of common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. We will also provide tips on how to prevent future stains and build-up, so you can keep your half sheet pans looking their best.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a half sheet pan with baking soda and vinegar, start by filling your sink with hot water. Next, add equal parts baking soda and white vinegar (about half a cup of each). Submerge the sheet pan in this mixture and let it soak for 30 to 60 minutes.

After soaking, use a basic kitchen sponge to scrub the pan with the abrasive side. You can also use the coarse side of a sponge or steel wool and scrub in a circular motion to avoid noticeable scratching. Baking soda is a great lifter, and vinegar is a natural acid, so this combination will help to loosen the residue.

Once you've scrubbed the pan and removed the baked-on residue, wash the pan with mild dish soap and water to remove the vinegar smell. Finally, dry the sheet pan immediately to prevent rust.

Ammonia

Prepare the Workspace:

• Ensure your work area is well-ventilated. Ammonia has strong fumes, so open windows or perform this task outdoors if possible.
• Protect your hands, eyes, and skin. Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask or respirator to avoid direct contact with ammonia.

Clean the Sheet Pan:

• Place the sheet pan inside a durable plastic bag, such as a large garbage bag.
• Pour approximately 1/2 cup of ammonia into the bag.
• Seal the bag tightly and place it in direct sunlight.
• Let the pan soak for about 24 hours. The ammonia will soften and react with grease and food particles, making them easier to remove.
• Open the bag (avoiding inhaling the ammonia fumes) and carefully remove the sheet pan.
• Using steel wool or a non-scratch scouring pad, scrub the pan vigorously to remove any remaining residue.
• Rinse the sheet pan thoroughly with cold water to remove all traces of ammonia.
• Dry the sheet pan completely. This step is crucial to prevent rust or corrosion.

Additional Tips:

• Ammonia should not be used on non-stick or aluminum baking pans, as it may damage the finish. It is suitable for aluminized steel pans.
• Always read and follow the safety instructions on the ammonia container.
• If you are using ammonia in an enclosed space, ensure proper ventilation during and after the cleaning process.
• Do not mix ammonia with other cleaning products, especially bleach, as it can create dangerous fumes.

Baking soda and peroxide

To clean your half-sheet pan with baking soda and peroxide, start by sprinkling baking soda liberally all over the surface of the pan. Then, spray or pour a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda until all the powder is damp. Let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

After letting the mixture sit, use a plastic scraper to scrape the dried paste into a pile and dump it into the trash. Then, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and a scrubby sponge to remove any remaining residue.

This method is best for aluminized steel pans and may be too harsh for non-stick coatings. It's important to note that peroxide can have a bleaching effect and is not a food-grade product, so be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot on your pan before applying it to the entire surface.

Oven's self-clean cycle

Ovens with a self-cleaning cycle use either high temperatures or steam to remove residue and leftover food from the oven. Steam cleaning is designed for light soils and is a "between" cleaning, while high-temperature self-cleaning is meant to reduce heavier soils with varying cycle lengths.

• Prepare the oven for self-cleaning: Remove everything from your oven, including racks, pots, pans, and aluminium foil. Wipe the interior, frame, and door seal with a damp cloth, avoiding the gasket (the inner seal of the oven door).
• Select a self-clean option: Choose a cleaning setting based on the level of soil in your oven. Some ovens have settings for light, moderate, or heavy soil.
• Start the self-clean cycle: Close the oven door to initiate the cycle. The oven will lock and heat up to a very high temperature, reducing stuck-on food and grease to ash. The cycle can last anywhere from 1.5 to 6 hours, depending on the level of soil and the oven model.
• Wait for the cycle to complete: The oven will remain locked and a fan will run until it cools down. You should be able to stop the cycle at any time, but the oven will remain locked until it is safe to open.
• Wipe down the oven: Once the oven has cooled, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residual water and ash. The special enamel coating on self-cleaning ovens should make it easy to wipe clean.

Some additional tips for using a self-cleaning oven:

• Keep the kitchen well-ventilated during the cycle by opening windows and turning on the exhaust fan.
• Do not leave the oven unattended during the self-cleaning cycle. Stay close by and keep children and pets out of the kitchen, as the oven will reach extremely high temperatures and may produce smoke and fumes.
• Clean the oven window before the cycle to prevent stains, as the cycle does not effectively clean the window.
• Do not use commercial oven cleaners or oven liner protective coatings, as these can harm the oven's interior.
• Run the self-clean cycle before soil levels become heavy. It is nearly impossible for the self-cleaning feature to remove thick layers of burnt-on food in a single process.

Bar Keepers Friend and aluminium foil

To clean a half sheet pan with Bar Keepers Friend and aluminium foil, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not put aluminium pans in the dishwasher. This is because dishwashers will discolour and dull aluminium pans, and cause oxidation and rust over time.

Now, to begin cleaning, wet the baking pan. Then, shake on some Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) powdered cleanser and sprinkle on a little water to make a paste. Cover the stain you are trying to remove with this paste. Using a soft rag, rub the paste firmly until the stain is removed. Rinse the pan and rub away any remaining stains.

It is important to note that you should not use abrasive scrubbers, scouring pads, or steel wool, as these will scratch your pan.

Once your pan is clean, you can keep it that way by lining it with aluminium foil or parchment paper when cooking with it.

Frequently asked questions