Easy-Off: The Best Way To Clean Baking Pans?

Baking pans are a kitchen staple, but they can be a hassle to clean. While some people may prefer to use caustic chemicals like Easy Off Oven Cleaner to clean their pans, others opt for more natural methods like baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Soaking pans in a mixture of these ingredients can help loosen gunk, making it easier to scrub away. Other methods include using a magic eraser sponge, fabric softener sheets, or even tea tree oil. For burnt-on messes, filling the pan with water and boiling it on the stovetop or in the oven can help loosen stuck-on food. However, it's important to note that different types of pans require different care, and some methods may damage non-stick or coated pans.

Easy-Off and Brillo pads

This method is effective at removing even tough, old stains from baking pans. However, it does involve using a lot of chemicals, which may be a concern for some people, especially if the pan is going to be used for cooking organic food.

Brillo pads are also useful for cleaning up greasy messes on grills, pots, pans, and baking sheets. Their iconic square shape helps to reach tough grime in corners.

There are alternative methods for cleaning baking pans that use more natural ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. These methods may take longer and require more scrubbing, but they are still effective and do not leave any chemical residue on the pans.

For non-stick pans, it is important to avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools or agents, as these can damage the coating. Instead, a gentle abrasive like baking soda combined with a grease-lifting agent like dish soap is recommended.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by removing as much food residue and debris from the pan as possible. This can be done by scraping off any large pieces of food or wiping away excess grease.

Step 2: Apply Vinegar

For a heavy-duty clean, cover the bottom of the pan with at least 0.5 inches of vinegar. Place the pan on the stove and bring the vinegar to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add baking soda. You will need enough baking soda to cover the bottom of the pan. The amount may vary depending on the size of your pan. For a standard-sized pan, use about 1 cup of baking soda. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will create a fizzing reaction, so it is best to do this step in the sink.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. This may take a few minutes. During this time, the vinegar and baking soda will work together to break down any burnt-on food and grime.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Once the fizzing has stopped, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring pad. Add more baking soda if needed to help with the scrubbing process. Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining residue.

Additional Tips:

• For extremely tough messes, you can fill your kitchen sink with hot water and equal parts baking soda and vinegar (approximately 0.5 cups each). Soak the baking pan in this solution for 30-60 minutes before scrubbing.
• For non-stick pans, avoid heavy-duty scrubbing. Instead, cover the pan with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Then, wipe away the stuck-on food and wash the pan with mild dish soap.
• Always rinse and dry your pan thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residual baking soda or vinegar.

Cream of tartar and vinegar

Cream of tartar is a dry white powder that is generally used in baking recipes. It can also be used as a substitute for baking soda. When mixed with vinegar, it becomes a powerful cleaning agent.

How to Clean Baking Sheets with Cream of Tartar and Vinegar

To clean baking sheets with cream of tartar and vinegar, sprinkle cream of tartar evenly across the baking sheet. Then, spritz the cream of tartar with enough vinegar to soak through. Let the mixture dry for at least eight hours, then scrub away with a scrubby sponge and warm water. Finally, rinse with soap and water.

Other Ways to Clean Baking Sheets

There are several other ways to clean baking sheets, including:

• Soaking it in a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide overnight, then scraping off the gunk with a plastic scraper before washing with warm soapy water and a scrub sponge.
• Filling your kitchen sink with hot water and pouring in equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Place the cookie sheet in the sink and let it soak for 30-60 minutes, then scrub with the abrasive side of a basic kitchen sponge.
• Using a copper cloth or even a rolled-up sheet of aluminum foil to scrub away burnt-on stains.
• Placing your ruined baking sheets in the oven and turning on the self-cleaning cycle.

Non-stick pans require different care

• Wash and season non-stick pans before using: Before using a brand-new non-stick pan, wash it with hot, soapy water and thoroughly dry it. Then, season the pan by lightly rubbing cooking oil over the surface and heating it on the stove over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Once it cools down, wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel before storing.
• Use the right cooking utensils: Avoid using metal utensils with non-stick pans. Wooden spoons and silicone utensils are safer options and shouldn't have any sharp edges.
• Don't overheat non-stick pans: Stick to low and medium heat when cooking with non-stick pans. High heat can damage the coating over time. At extremely high temperatures (usually around 600 degrees Fahrenheit), Teflon can release potentially dangerous fumes.
• Don't use non-stick spray: Non-stick cooking spray can actually make food stick and create a residue that builds up over time, ruining the non-stick surface. Instead, use oil or butter to help with browning.
• Handwash non-stick pans: Many non-stick pans are labeled dishwasher-safe, but it's best to handwash them. The hot temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers can break down the non-stick surface.
• Remove stubborn messes and reseason: For burnt oil or food residue, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the pan. Lightly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse, dry, and reseason your pan with a swipe of cooking oil.

By following these tips, you can keep your non-stick pans in top shape and make them last for years.

Bleach cleansing powder and hot water

However, it is important to note that not all pots and pans can be exposed to bleach without damaging the surface. Before cleaning your pots and pans in a bleach and water solution, it is recommended to read the manufacturer's care instructions. To clean pots and pans with bleach, fill the sink with hot to warm water, ensuring that it is not so hot that it burns your skin. Add two tablespoons of chlorine bleach to the water and put on a pair of sturdy rubber kitchen gloves. Mix the bleach thoroughly into the water. Lower the pots into the water one at a time and clean them with a soft washcloth or plastic scrubber. It is important to immerse them one at a time, as many pots and pans may tarnish if allowed to soak too long in the bleach and water mixture. Finally, rinse the pots completely and allow them to air dry.

Frequently asked questions