Cleaning Nordic Ware Sheet Pans: Easy And Effective Methods

Nordic Ware's aluminium sheet pans are a popular choice for home cooks and professionals alike, but how do you clean them? The pans are non-stick and easy to clean, but some foods can leave a residue that's hard to remove. To prevent this, it's recommended to line the pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner. However, if your pan already has some stubborn stains, there are a few methods you can try to clean it. Firstly, you can try handwashing the pan with warm, soapy water and a non-scratch sponge or dishcloth. For tougher stains, you can fill the pan with hot water and dish soap and let it soak for 30 minutes before scrubbing. Alternatively, you can make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or Bar Keepers Friend and apply it to the stains, letting it sit for an hour or two before scrubbing. It's important to note that you should avoid using harsh scrubbers or steel wool as these can scratch the non-stick coating and damage the pan. With proper care and maintenance, your Nordic Ware sheet pan will last for years!

Soak in hot water, scrub with a brush

So, you've decided to take the plunge and give your Nordic Ware sheet pans a good scrub. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting them clean as a whistle using hot water and a brush:

Step 1: Fill the Sink with Hot Water

Start by filling your sink with hot water. The hotter the water, the better it will be at loosening any stubborn grease and grime that has built up on your sheet pans.

Step 2: Add a Cleaning Agent

To make the most of your hot water soak, add a cleaning agent to the water to boost its cleaning power. You have a few options here:

• Dish Soap: A squirt of regular dish soap will help to cut through grease.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: This dynamic duo creates a fizzing chemical reaction that will help to shift stuck-on food. Add 1/2 cup of each to your hot water.
• Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: Alternatively, you can mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. Sprinkle the baking soda directly onto the sheet pan, then spray with hydrogen peroxide until damp. Leave for two hours or overnight, and the chemical reaction will break up the gunk, which you can then wipe away.
• Bar Keepers Friend: Sprinkle a little of this powerful cleaning agent into the hot water or directly onto the sheet pan.

Step 3: Soak Your Sheet Pans

Now it's time to soak your sheet pans in the hot water. Fully submerge them and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you're using Bar Keepers Friend, you can start scrubbing straight away, but for other methods, it's best to let the pans soak for up to an hour.

Step 4: Scrub with a Brush

Once your sheet pans have had a good soak, it's time to break out the brush. You can use a soft-bristled dish brush or a sponge with a scouring pad. Start scrubbing in a swirling motion, applying only as much pressure as necessary to remove the stains. Focus on those crusty, stubborn spots, and watch as the grime starts to lift off.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

After you've given your sheet pans a good scrub, rinse them with hot water and take a look at your progress. If there are still some stubborn stains, don't be afraid to repeat the process. This time, let the sheet pans soak for a little longer, and apply a little more elbow grease to your scrubbing.

Tips for Next Time

To make cleaning easier in the future, there are a few things you can do to maintain your Nordic Ware sheet pans:

• Always hand wash your sheet pans with warm, soapy water after use.
• Avoid using the dishwasher, as this can cause discolouration due to the cleaning agents in dishwasher detergent.
• Line your sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent food from sticking.
• Use nylon, wood, or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the surface of your pans.

Remember, your sheet pans don't need to look brand new. A well-seasoned pan with a dark patina can actually improve heat conductivity and lead to better browning when roasting. So, embrace those badges of honour and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Avoid dishwashers

While it may be tempting to put your Nordic Ware sheet pans in the dishwasher, this should be avoided. Dishwasher use is not advised for Nordic Ware sheet pans as the cleaning agents used in automatic dishwasher detergent will cause discoloration. This is due to the oxidation of the aluminum pans. Although this discoloration is merely cosmetic and will not affect the baking properties or safety of the pan, it is still something to be avoided if you want to keep your pans looking pristine.

Instead, hand-washing is recommended. Before initial use and after subsequent uses, hand wash your Nordic Ware sheet pans with warm, soapy water. This will help to prevent food or oils from baking onto the pan and causing discoloration. If you are very concerned about appearance, you can also line your sheet pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper before use.

If your Nordic Ware sheet pans have already been through the dishwasher and are looking etched and matte, you can use a metal polish such as Weiman Cookware and Sink or Bar Keepers Friend to bring back some of the shine.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean your Nordic Ware sheet pans with baking soda and vinegar, start by filling your sink with hot water. Next, pour in equal parts baking soda and vinegar (approximately 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup each). The mixture will begin to bubble and fizz, so plug your sink beforehand. Once you've added the baking soda and vinegar to the hot water, place your sheet pan in the sink and let it soak for 30 to 60 minutes.

After soaking, you can begin to scrub off the grime with a scouring pad, the rough side of a sponge, or steel wool. If you're concerned about scratching your sheet pan, opt for a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. After scrubbing, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water, then dry.

Not only is this method effective, but it's also safe to use on non-stick pans. The baking soda and vinegar combination is also useful for cleaning out your sink drain!

Use a nylon scrubber

To clean your Nordic Ware sheet pans, it is recommended to hand wash them with warm, soapy water. Avoid using a dishwasher as the cleaning agents used in automatic dishwasher detergent may cause discolouration.

If you are looking to remove stubborn stains from your Nordic Ware sheet pans, a nylon scrubber is a great option. Nylon scrubbers are gentle yet effective, and can help lift off stuck-on food without damaging the pan's surface. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a nylon scrubber to clean your Nordic Ware sheet pans:

• Fill the pan with hot water and add a small amount of dish soap. Let the pan soak for about 30 minutes.
• Using a nylon scrubber, gently scrub the pan in a swirling motion. Avoid using a back-and-forth motion as it can cause scratches. Only use as much pressure as necessary to remove the stains.
• Rinse the pan with warm water and repeat the process if needed.
• For heavily soiled pans, create a paste by mixing Bar Keepers Friend or baking soda with a small amount of warm water. Apply the paste to the pan and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the pan with the nylon scrubber and rinse thoroughly.

It is important to note that while nylon scrubbers are safe to use on Nordic Ware sheet pans, metal scrubbers are not recommended as they can scratch the surface. Additionally, always ensure you dry your pans after washing to prevent water spots and maintain their appearance.

By following these steps and using a nylon scrubber, you can effectively clean your Nordic Ware sheet pans, removing stubborn stains and maintaining the longevity of your bakeware.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Nordic Ware sheet pans are made of pure aluminum, which is a highly reactive metal. This means that the pans are susceptible to harsh chemicals and can be easily discoloured and corroded.

To avoid discolouration, it is recommended that you hand-wash your Nordic Ware sheet pans with warm, soapy water. Do not put them in the dishwasher as the cleaning agents used in automatic dishwasher detergent will cause discolouration. If you have already put your Nordic Ware sheet pan in the dishwasher and are unhappy with the discolouration, you can use a metal polish such as Weiman Cookware and Sink to bring back some of the shine.

To avoid corrosion, avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar and other acidic ingredients. Instead, opt for mild dish soap and warm water. You can also use a paste made from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove tough stains. Simply apply the paste to the stains and let it sit for an hour or two before scrubbing it off.

If you want to avoid scratching your Nordic Ware sheet pan, do not use metal scouring pads. Instead, use a soft sponge or a nylon scrubber. You can also try a product such as Bar Keepers Friend, but be aware that this product is intense and may damage or discolour your pan if left on for too long, so always wear dishwashing gloves when using it.

Frequently asked questions