Restore Old Cookie Pans: Simple Cleaning Hacks For Sparkling Bakeware

Cleaning old cookie pans can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible to make them look new again. The best methods for cleaning cookie pans involve using a combination of household staples such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients can be mixed to form a paste, which is then spread on the pan and left to sit for several hours before being scrubbed away. This process helps to break down the grease and grime that has built up over time. For more stubborn stains, using steel wool or a scouring pad can help to chip away at the grime, but it may leave scratches on the pan. It is important to note that different types of pans, such as non-stick pans, may require special care and gentler cleaning methods to avoid damage. Overall, with the right combination of products and a little elbow grease, even the dirtiest cookie pans can be transformed.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Cleaning your cookie sheets with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to remove baked-on grease and gunk. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Start by pouring about 1/4 cup of baking soda into a bowl. Slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and stir the mixture as you go. Adjust the amounts as needed until a thick paste forms. If you accidentally add too much liquid, simply thicken the mixture with some extra baking soda.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Cookie Sheet

Place the dirty cookie sheet flat in your sink, a washtub, or on a large towel on your kitchen counter. Generously spoon the paste onto the baking sheet, covering its entire surface. There is no need to scrub or work the paste into the pan at this point.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Let the paste-covered pan sit undisturbed for about 2 hours. For especially dirty pans with lots of baked-on grease and grime, consider extending the soaking time to loosen the stubborn grime.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse the Cookie Sheet

After the paste has worked its magic, it's time to scrub and rinse the pan. Dampen a household sponge with warm water—avoid using an abrasive pad, as it can scratch non-stick surfaces. Gently scrub the pan, applying extra elbow grease to those stubborn spots. Once you're done, rinse the cookie sheet with warm water.

Step 5: Dry the Cookie Sheet

Thoroughly drying the cookie sheet is an important final step. Skipping this step may lead to rust or corrosion issues. If the back of the cookie sheet is also stained, repeat the entire process for that side as well. Now your cookie sheet is ready for your next baking adventure!

Tips for Maintaining Cookie Sheets

To keep your cookie sheets in tip-top condition, consider the following tips:

• Always set a timer when baking to prevent excessive burning.
• Use parchment paper instead of cooking spray or grease to minimise baked-on residue.
• Clean your cookie sheets regularly with mild dish soap and a no-scratch scrubber.
• Avoid putting aluminium pans in the dishwasher, as harsh detergents can cause discolouration.
• For non-stick pans, avoid using metal utensils, rough cleaning brushes, or harsh scouring pads, as they can scratch the coating.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean old cookie pans with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the cleaning mixture

Measure out equal parts baking soda and white vinegar—about 1/4 cup of each. The mixture should start to bubble and fizz, which is a sign that the cleaning solution is working.

Step 2: Apply the mixture to the pan

Sprinkle the baking soda over the dirty pan and pour the vinegar over the surface. You can also make a paste with the two ingredients and spread it on the pan.

Step 3: Soak the pan

Fill your kitchen sink with hot water and place the cookie sheet in it. Let the pan soak for 30-60 minutes. The longer soak time will help loosen tough, baked-on stains.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

After soaking, use a basic kitchen sponge, a nylon pad, or steel wool to scrub away the baked-on residue. For non-stick pans, skip any vigorous scrubbing to protect the coating. Instead, use the abrasive side of a sponge and scrub in circular motions.

Step 5: Rinse and wash the pan

After scrubbing, rinse the pan with water and wash it with mild dish soap to remove any remaining residue.

Tips:

• For extra tough messes, cover the baking pan with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. This will help release stuck-on food so it can be easily wiped away.
• Always dry your pans immediately after washing to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots.
• Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, oven cleaners, bleach, or strong abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch your cookware.

Ammonia

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Sheets

Place your cookie sheets inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate the pans and can be sealed shut.

Step 2: Add Ammonia

Pour about 1/2 cup of ammonia into the bag. Be careful not to spill any, and avoid breathing in the fumes.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Seal the bag shut and let it sit outdoors in direct sunlight for a full day (24 hours). The heat and sunlight will help the ammonia soften and react with the grease and food particles on the pans.

Step 4: Open the Bag

After 24 hours, open the bag. Be very careful not to breathe in the ammonia fumes when opening the bag. It's best to do this step outdoors, and you can hold your breath as you open the bag to avoid inhaling the fumes.

Step 5: Remove the Pans

Take the cookie sheets out of the bag. Be cautious as the pans will have been sitting in harsh chemicals, and the grease and food particles may have softened.

Step 6: Scrub the Pans

Use steel wool or a scrubber of your choice to scrub the pans clean. The ammonia should have loosened the grease and grime, making it easier to remove.

Step 7: Rinse and Wash

Rinse the pans with cold water to remove any remaining ammonia residue. Then, wash the pans with soap and water to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Step 8: Dry the Pans

Finally, dry the pans thoroughly. This step is important to prevent rust or corrosion.

Aluminium foil

This method can also be used in conjunction with baking soda. First, sprinkle the pan with baking soda and add enough water to make a paste. Then, wad up a sheet of aluminium foil and scrub the pan in a circular motion until clean. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

It is important to note that aluminium foil should not be used on aluminium or non-stick baking sheets as it will cause scratches.

Washing soda and cream of tartar

To clean your cookie sheets using washing soda and cream of tartar, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar onto the cookie sheet.
• Pour a small amount of hot water onto the sheet.
• Mix the ingredients into a paste.
• Spread the paste evenly across the pan.
• Let the paste sit for up to 8 hours. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be.
• Rinse the pan and gently scrub it using a microfiber cloth.
• Dry the pan thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions