Deep Cleaning Baking Pans: Tips For Sparkling Results

Keeping your baking pans clean can be a challenge, especially when dealing with stubborn, baked-on stains and burnt food. While it may seem tempting to reach for harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, these can often do more harm than good. So, what's the best way to deep clean your baking pans without causing damage? Well, there are several methods that can help you tackle even the toughest grime and leave your pans looking brand new again.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste

This "miracle mixture" can be used to deep clean your baking pans and remove dirt, grease, and grime.

Step 1: Create the paste

Mix a quarter of a cup of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.

Step 2: Apply the paste

Using your fingers, rub the paste onto the baking pan, covering all the areas that need to be cleaned.

Step 3: Let it sit

Leave the paste on the pan for about 5 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at removing baked-on residue.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

After letting the paste sit, use a sponge to scrub the pan. If necessary, use the scrubby side of the sponge for more stubborn areas.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue and then dry it off completely with a towel before putting it away.

Additional tips:

• For more heavily soiled pans, you can repeat the process as needed.
• For an even deeper clean, you can try soaking the pan in the paste for a few hours before scrubbing.
• If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, you can try using vinegar instead. Combine equal parts baking soda and vinegar to make a paste, scrub it onto your pan, and then rinse.

Soak in bleach cleansing powder and hot water

Soaking your pans in bleach cleansing powder and hot water is a great way to deep clean them and remove baked-on crud. This method has been passed down through generations and is a tried-and-true way to make cleaning your pans a breeze.

First, as soon as you are done using a pan, fill it with hot water. Make sure the water is hot, but not boiling, as you don't want to scald yourself. Completely cover the interior surface of the pan with hot water.

Next, add a generous amount of bleach cleansing powder to the water. You can use any brand of bleach cleansing powder, such as Comet, Bon Ami, or Ajax. Sprinkle the powder liberally all over the pan, ensuring that it is well-distributed and covers all the baked-on gunk.

Let the pan soak. This is the key to the success of this method. Allow the pan to sit undisturbed for about 30 minutes. During this time, the bleach powder will work its magic, breaking down the tough, baked-on residue.

Finally, after the soaking period, simply wipe away the residue. You will be amazed at how easily the gunk comes right off. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe away the loosened crud, revealing a clean pan that looks as good as new.

This method is an excellent, low-effort way to deep clean your baking pans and keep them in optimal condition. It is a simple, yet highly effective technique that has been proven to work by many generations.

Boil with water and baking soda

Boiling water and baking soda is an effective way to deep clean your baking pans. This method can be used for stainless steel, ceramic, and even cast iron pans.

First, fill your pan with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. You can also add a splash of vinegar to help neutralise odours and loosen baked-on food. Bring the water to a boil.

Next, add in your baking soda. The amount of baking soda you add will depend on the size of your pan and the severity of the stains. For tougher stains, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda. You can also add more water if you are boiling the entire pan.

Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and water will create a foam that will help to remove stains and burnt-on food.

Once the pan has cooled, scrub the pan with a non-stick-safe nylon brush or a sponge. If there are any remaining stains, create a paste or slurry with more baking soda and water and scrub the pan again.

Finally, rinse and wash your pan as normal.

This method is a great way to deep clean your baking pans without using harsh chemicals. The baking soda and water mixture is mild and non-toxic, yet effective at removing even the toughest stains.

Clean with vinegar and water

To deep clean your baking pans with vinegar and water, start by filling your sink with hot water. Add equal parts baking soda and white vinegar (about half a cup of each) to the water. Submerge your pans in the mixture and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour. After soaking, use a nylon pad, steel wool, or the coarse side of a sponge to scrub away the grime. Be sure to scrub in a circular motion to avoid noticeable scratching. Once you're done scrubbing, wash the pan with soap and water to remove the vinegar smell, and dry it immediately to prevent rust.

Alternatively, you can make a paste with baking soda and vinegar and spread it on the surface of the pan. Let it sit for 30-30 minutes, then scrub it with a damp sponge. Rinse the pan and wash it with warm soapy water.

You can also try using cream of tartar with vinegar. Sprinkle cream of tartar evenly across the baking sheet, then spritz it with vinegar so that it is soaked through. Let the mixture dry for at least eight hours, then scrub it with a scrubby sponge and warm water. Rinse the pan with soap and water.

Use a magic eraser sponge

Magic Erasers are a great way to deep clean your baking pans, especially if you don't want to leave your pans to soak for hours. They are made from condensed melamine foam, which is formed into a sponge shape. The "magic" happens when you add water, as this softens the sponge and activates its cleaning power.

However, it's important to note that Magic Erasers should not be used on non-stick cookware. The grit from the sponge can scrape off the non-stick coating, damaging the pan and allowing microscopic particles to enter your food. This coating is not healthy if ingested, so only use the Magic Eraser on untreated pans.

If your untreated baking pans are caked with dried-on food, the Magic Eraser is a great option. First, wet your pan and the Magic Eraser. Squeeze the eraser to activate the soap inside. Then, scrub the Magic Eraser steadily and vigorously across the pan, starting with the largest, toughest areas and working your way to the smallest spots. Ensure all food particles are removed, then rinse the pan thoroughly.

With the Magic Eraser, you can say goodbye to crusty, dried-on foods and old grease spots on your baking pans!

Frequently asked questions