Cleaning Sheet Pans: Removing Gummy Grease

Gummy grease on your sheet pan? Don't fret! There are several ways to tackle this issue. First, let's identify the type of pan you're working with. For non-stick pans, it's best to avoid heavy-duty or abrasive scrubbing. Instead, opt for a gentle scrubber like a soft sponge, non-scratch brush, or washcloth. You can also try using a plastic putty knife to scrape off the gummy residue, followed by a soak in hot water. If you're working with a stainless steel pan, a soft cloth or sponge with vinegar and baking soda will do the trick. Glass or stone pans are a bit more challenging to clean, but a mixture of vinegar and water can help cut through the grease. For silicone baking pans, a paste of baking soda and water can be used to remove the residue. Finally, cast iron pans should be wiped down with paper towels to remove excess grease, and then scrubbed with salt or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you'll have your sheet pan looking good as new!

Soak in a baking soda and vinegar solution

So, you've got gummy grease on your sheet pan, and you want to get it off. One way to do this is to soak it in a baking soda and vinegar solution. Here's how to do it:

First, fill your sink with hot water. Plug the drain, and then add in half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction between these two ingredients will cause the mixture to bubble up. Next, place your dirty sheet pan in the sink and let it soak. You can leave it for anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more the gunk will loosen.

Once your sheet pan has soaked, scrub off the grime with a scouring pad, the rough side of a scrubby sponge, or steel wool. Be aware that steel wool may leave some scratches on your baking sheet. If this is a concern, scrub in even, circular motions to make the marks less noticeable. After scrubbing, wash the baking pan with dish soap and warm water, then dry it off.

And that's it! Your gummy grease should now be gone, and your sheet pan should be looking much cleaner.

Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off

If you're looking to get gummy grease off a sheet pan, a plastic putty knife is a great tool to use. They are inexpensive, often under $2, and will effectively remove stuck-on grease without damaging the surface of your pan.

To start, spray the gummy grease with warm water to soften it. Then, take your plastic putty knife and begin to scrape off the grease. The fine edge of the knife will easily lodge under the grease, and the long, flexible handle will give you leverage and keep your hands clean.

Once you've removed most of the grease, let the pan soak in hot water and soap for 30-60 minutes. Then, scrub off any remaining residue with a scouring pad, the rough side of a scrubby sponge, or steel wool. Finally, wash the pan with dish soap and warm water, then dry.

It's important to note that you should not use the same putty knife for scraping your dishes as you do for other purposes, such as spackling. A brand new plastic putty knife will only cost you a few dollars and is a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.

Soak in hot water and dish soap

Soaking your gummy grease-covered sheet pan in hot water and dish soap is a great way to loosen the baked-on gunk and make it easier to scrub away. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your sheet pan looking like new again:

Step 1: Fill Your Sink with Hot Water and Dish Soap

Plug your sink and fill it with hot water. Add a generous amount of dish soap to create a soapy solution. The hotter the water, the better, as this will help to break down the grease and grime. If your sheet pan is particularly greasy, you may want to add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the water as well, as this will boost the grease-cutting power of your cleaning solution.

Step 2: Soak Your Sheet Pan

Place your gummy grease-covered sheet pan in the hot, soapy water and let it soak. The longer you can let it soak, the better. Aim for at least an hour, but if you can leave it overnight, that's even better. This will give the hot water and dish soap a chance to work their magic and loosen the baked-on grease.

Step 3: Scrub Away the Grease

After your sheet pan has soaked, it's time to scrub away the grease. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface of the pan. You may need to put in a little elbow grease, but the soaking should have loosened the grease, making it easier to remove. Be careful not to use anything too abrasive, especially if your sheet pan has a non-stick coating. You don't want to scratch or damage the surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once you've scrubbed away the grease, rinse your sheet pan with warm water to remove any remaining soap or residue. Then, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water to ensure it's completely clean. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wash the pan, being careful not to scratch the surface.

Step 5: Dry and Enjoy

After washing, dry your sheet pan with a soft towel or cloth. Now, your sheet pan should be looking much cleaner and ready for your next baking adventure! Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your sheet pan in good condition and prevent a buildup of gummy grease.

Use a solvent like Bar Keepers Friend

If you've got gummy grease on your sheet pan, Bar Keepers Friend can help! This powdered cleaning product has been around since 1882 and is known for its ability to remove tough stains and grease from most surfaces. It's especially useful for stainless steel items, but can be used on other surfaces too, like enameled cast iron.

Here's how to use Bar Keepers Friend to remove gummy grease from your sheet pan:

• First, make sure your sheet pan has cooled down. You don't want to risk burning yourself!
• Remove any food remnants from the pan using a soft washcloth or paper towel.
• Wet the surface of the pan. You can do this by simply running a damp sponge over the pan or filling your sink with hot water and submerging the pan.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend powder onto the wet surface of the pan. You can also add a few drops of water to the powder and mix it into a paste before applying it to the pan.
• Let the powder sit on the pan for about 10 seconds or up to one minute. Don't leave it on for too long, as this can cause discoloration and scratches.
• Start scrubbing! Use a soft sponge or rag to scrub the pan in circular motions. For very greasy pans, you may want to start with steel wool and then switch to a softer sponge.
• Rinse the pan well with water.
• If necessary, repeat the process until all the gummy grease is gone.

When using Bar Keepers Friend, it's important to wear gloves to protect your skin. The product contains oxalic acid, which can be irritating if it comes into contact with your skin. Also, be sure not to mix Bar Keepers Friend with other cleaning products, especially bleach or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.

Soak in Simple Green

If you're looking to remove gummy grease from your sheet pan, Simple Green is a great option. It's a spray cleaner and degreaser that can be found in the automotive or household cleaner section of a store.

To use Simple Green, follow these steps:

• Spray Simple Green onto the affected areas of your sheet pan.
• You don't need to let it sit for too long, but it will help to melt the grease.
• Using a regular pot scrubber, scrub the sheet pan gently.
• Rinse the sheet pan with water to remove any remaining grease and Simple Green residue.

This method is particularly useful if you have arthritis or carpal tunnel and want to avoid harsh scrubbing. Simple Green will help you easily remove the gummy grease without causing pain or discomfort.

Frequently asked questions