Cleaning Stained Baking Pans: Tips For Sparkling Results

Baking sheets are often the most well-loved and well-used items in a kitchen, but they can be difficult to clean. Oil residue and burnt food can leave stubborn stains and residue that seem impossible to remove. However, there are several methods to clean stained baking pans without having to scrub too hard. The most common methods include using baking soda with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or water, or using a scouring tool or product.

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Start by mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. The ideal ratio is 1:1, creating a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the amounts based on the size of your pan and the extent of the staining.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Pan

Take the paste and spread it evenly across the surface of your stained baking pan. Make sure all the stained areas are adequately covered with the paste.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

This step is crucial to allowing the chemical reaction between baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to break down the stains. Let the paste sit on the pan for at least 2 hours. For more stubborn or heavy stains, you can leave it for up to 8 hours. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at lifting the stains.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Paste

After the allotted time has passed, use a paper towel or a damp sponge to wipe away the paste from the pan. You may need to use some water to help remove it completely. Most of the stains should come off easily at this point.

Step 5: Scrub Any Remaining Residue

If there are still some stubborn stains or residue, use a nylon pad, sponge, or brush to scrub them away gently. This step may require some light scrubbing, but the stains should lift off easily.

Step 6: Final Wash and Rinse

Finally, give your pan a thorough wash with dish soap and hot water to remove any remaining residue and the paste completely. Rinse the pan with clean water, and your baking pan should now be stain-free and looking as good as new!

Additional Tips:

• This method is particularly effective for big messes and set-in stains that require extra time to lift.
• Always test the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area of your pan first, as it can have a bleaching effect.
• While this method is safe for aluminized steel pans, avoid using it on non-stick pans, as it may damage the coating.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

After soaking, use a scouring pad, the rough side of a sponge, or steel wool to scrub off the grime. Steel wool will likely leave some scratches on your baking pans, so if you want to avoid this, scrub in even, circular motions. Once you've scrubbed away the stains, wash the pans with dish soap and warm water, then dry them. Not only will your baking pans be clean, but your sink drain will also get a good clean!

Ammonia

Step 1: Prepare the pans and a plastic bag

Firstly, gather the stained baking pans that you want to clean. Then, place them inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate all the pans and can be sealed shut.

Step 2: Add ammonia to the bag

Carefully pour about half a cup of ammonia into the plastic bag. Ammonia is a strong chemical, so handle it with caution and avoid direct contact with your skin. It is advisable to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eyewear, when working with ammonia.

Step 3: Seal the bag and let it sit in the sun

Seal the plastic bag shut and place it in a sunny location. Let the bag sit out in the sun for a full day. The ammonia fumes will react with the grease and food particles, loosening the build-up and making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Open the bag and remove the pans

After a day has passed, carefully open the plastic bag. Be cautious when opening the bag, as you do not want to breathe in the ammonia fumes. Remove the baking pans from the bag and place them on a surface where you can scrub them.

Step 5: Scrub the pans with steel wool

Using a ball of steel wool, scrub the baking pans. You will notice that the grease and gunk will come off easily due to the reaction with the ammonia. Scrub until most of the stains and residue are removed.

Step 6: Wash and dry the pans

After scrubbing, wash the baking pans thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining ammonia and residue. Finally, let the pans air-dry before putting them away.

Aluminium Foil

To use this cleaning method, first, soak the sheet pan in water for an extended period. Next, bunch up the aluminium foil into a ball and scrub the burned spots and stuck-on food. Finally, wash and rinse the pan with soap and water.

Another method that uses aluminium foil involves sprinkling the pan with baking soda and adding enough water to form a paste. Wad up a sheet of aluminium foil and scrub the pan in a circular motion. Keep repositioning the foil as needed until the pan is clean. Finally, rinse and wash the pan with warm soapy water.

Cream of Tartar and Vinegar

To clean stained baking pans with cream of tartar and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make a paste

Combine equal parts cream of tartar and white vinegar to make a paste. The cream of tartar is an acidic byproduct of the wine-making process, and its chemical properties can help in cleaning.

Step 2: Spread it on

Using a coarse sponge or rag, spread the paste on the stained parts of your pan. Let it sit for anywhere from 1 hour to overnight, or just until it’s dry.

Step 3: Scrub away the grime

With warm water, take the same sponge that you used to apply the paste to the pan and remove the dried cream of tartar paste. The burned-on food should come off easily!

Tips:

• If you have scratch marks on your well-used plates, you can buff them out with cream of tartar. Sprinkle a generous amount over the surface of your dish. Then, add a few drops of water and rub gently with a wet dishcloth. Let it sit for a minute or two, scrub, and wash the plate with soap and water.
• Make a paste of cream of tartar and either water or hydrogen peroxide to clean stained aluminum pans. Just dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into it to rub off stains.

Frequently asked questions