Baking sheets are a kitchen staple, essential for everything from cookies to roasted vegetables. However, not all baking sheets are created equal. They come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, aluminized steel, and non-stick surfaces, each requiring different care and cleaning methods. Understanding the material of your baking sheet is crucial to ensure proper maintenance, longevity, and performance.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most common baking sheet materials and offers practical tips on how to clean and care for them effectively. Whether you're dealing with everyday grime or stubborn, baked-on residue, we've got the solutions you need to keep your baking sheets in top condition.
Understanding Baking Sheet Materials
There is a wide range of materials used for baking sheets, from aluminum, aluminized steel, non-stick, and more. Knowing what your baking sheet is made of is important before you start cleaning it, as not all materials are dishwasher safe, and some may be more reactive than others.
Quick Reference Cleaning Chart
Natural and Effective Cleaning Methods
When you’re trying to clean your cookie sheet, there’s a wide range of cleaning options available to you. Here are some highly effective methods:
1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste is a very effective cleaning method. However, this approach takes time to cut through grime and stains.
- Mix three parts baking soda to one part hydrogen peroxide. Adjust for general consistency as needed.
- Lather the paste on the tray and wait for two to three hours for the mixture to cut through the dirt.
- Wipe away the grime with a paper towel and water, scrubbing at any stubborn stains.
- Wash with soap and water to remove additional residue.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you made a baking soda and vinegar volcano in school, you know that there’s a powerful reaction when these two common household ingredients are combined! And you can use that reaction to help clean your baking pans.
- Using equal parts of baking soda and vinegar, first sprinkle the baking soda in an even layer across the pan.
- Add the vinegar to the tray and allow it to fizz and bubble.
- Submerge the tray in a sink with warm water for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Remove the tray and scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Clean with regular soap and water to remove any residue.
3. Ammonia
Ammonia is very effective for cleaning tough stains and grime, but it takes the longest to complete compared to other cleaning methods and uses harsh chemicals.
- Add your cookie sheets to a thick disposable bag, like a garbage bag.
- Add half a cup of ammonia, seal the bag, and leave in the sun for a day to allow the ammonia to soften the stubborn, burnt-on grime.
- Remove the pans and scrub with steel wool to remove excess debris.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water to ensure no amount of ammonia remains.
Pro Tip: When handling ammonia, ensure that you use proper protection, such as gloves and a face mask, and work in a ventilated area. Breathing in this chemical or getting it on your skin can be dangerous to your health.
4. Aluminum Foil
Using a small, wadded-up ball of aluminum foil can be a great way to clean cookie sheets and re-use clean pieces of foil.
- Soak the baking sheet in hot water with a few drops of soap and a teaspoon of baking soda overnight.
- Remove the pan from the water mixture and dry thoroughly.
- Use balled-up aluminum foil to scrub at burnt-on food.
- Wash with soap and water to remove any caked-on residue.
5. Washing Soda and Cream of Tartar
Washing soda is used to remove greasy buildup on cooking equipment. It is similar to baking soda but much harsher and can cause skin irritation. To protect your skin yet ensure an effective clean, it’s best to handle this solution with gloves.
- Sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar on the baking pan.
- Add a small amount of hot water to the pan and mix all ingredients together into a paste. Spread the paste evenly across the pan.
- Let it stand for 15 minutes.
- Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cleaning pad.
- Wash the paste off with soap and water.
6. Baking Soda and Water
This simple mixture is most effective for regular baking sheet maintenance but not for stubborn or baked-in stains.
- Create a paste with warm water and baking soda. Use three parts baking soda and one part water, and adjust based on consistency.
- Cover the cookie sheet with the paste.
- Let it stand for 30 minutes.
- Gently rub with a nylon scrubber.
- Wash and dry thoroughly.
7. Salt and Lemon Scrub
A salt and lemon scrub is an effective cleaner with the added benefit of a fresh scent. The acidity of the lemon and the abrasive texture of the salt effectively lift grime.
- Sprinkle coarse salt over the baking sheet.
- Halve a lemon and use that to scrub across the salt.
- Rinse with water thoroughly.
8. Dishwasher Detergent Soak
A dishwasher detergent soak can do the trick for a deep clean using the same cleaning agents you use for the rest of your cooking equipment.
- Fill your sink with hot water and add a few tablespoons of dishwasher detergent.
- Soak the baking sheet for a few hours or overnight if possible.
- Scrub with a sponge and rinse with water.
9. Commercial Oven Cleaner
Commercial oven cleaners can also be used to effectively clean a baking sheet. Simply follow the product instructions for how long it should rest and scrub with a sponge before rinsing thoroughly.
While this method is effective for heavy stains, it’s paramount that you take the proper precautions. Ensure that you wear gloves and have proper ventilation while cleaning with a commercial oven cleaner.
10. Denture Tablets
Denture cleaning tablets have more than one use case. In a pinch, they can be handy for getting rid of stubborn cookie sheet stains!
- Dissolve the denture-cleaning tablets in warm water.
- Soak the baking sheet in the solution for 2 to 4 hours.
- Scrub with a sponge and rinse with water.
11. Bar Keepers Friend
Home mixologists may already be familiar with Bar Keepers Friend, but did you know that it can clean cookie sheets, too? This solution is bleach-free and can tackle rust, mineral deposits, baked-on food, and other stains.
- Sprinkle the Bar Keepers Friend on your baking sheet.
- Add a small amount of water to make a paste.
- Scrub with a sponge and rinse with water.
Advanced Cleaning Techniques
While the above techniques are applicable to a wide range of stains, you might be looking for a solution to a specific type of baked-on residue or debris. Here are a few advanced techniques, depending on the type of stain you are trying to remove:
Removing Baked-On Grease
When you’re stuck with baked-on grease, you’ll have to consider the type of material your cookie sheet is made of before you start cleaning.
Aluminized Steel
- Put your aluminized steel cooking sheet on a range burner with water and just a few drops of dish detergent.
- Turn it to a high heat and bring to a gentle boil for about five minutes.
- Turn off the burner and allow it to cool completely.
- Scrub with a scrubbing or scouring pad to cut through the grease.
Aluminium
- Sprinkle cream of tartar over your baking sheet.
- Place on a range top burner and add water.
- Turn it to a high heat and bring to a gentle boil for about five minutes.
- Rinse away any remaining residue and dry.
Non-stick
- Sprinkle the cookie sheet with baking soda.
- Pour vinegar over it and allow it to fizz.
- Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Scrub any remaining grease.
- Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Removing Rust
Some believe that once a cookie sheet starts to rust, it’s time to get a new one. But that’s not always the case! Here are some tried and true methods to get rid of rust in a few simple steps:
Potato and Baking Soda or Dish Soap
This method works due to the potato's natural oxalic acid, which helps to break the rust down.
- Cut a potato in half.
- Dip the cut end in baking soda or dish soap.
- Firmly rub on the rusted area.
- If the potato starts to get slick, cut off the end and dip it again in baking soda or dish soap.
- Repeat until the rust is gone.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Baking Soda
- Rinse the cookie sheet and shake it dry so that it remains damp.
- Dust the pan with baking soda so that the powder sticks to the water, ensuring that the rust spots are covered.
- Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Gently scrub the pan while the baking soda is still on.
- Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
Burnt-on Residue
To remove burn-on residue, you can use the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide method we mentioned previously. Ensure that you coat the paste specifically in the rusted areas of the pan, and repeat the process as needed.
Tips for Maintaining Your Baking Sheets
There are plenty of steps you can take to maintain your baking sheets and ensure they are providing a consistent bake for all your ingredients:
- Lining pans with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Use a light oil coating to prevent rust.
- Immediately drying after washing.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Maintain a regular cleaning routine, such as washing your baking sheet with mild dish soap and warm water after each use to prevent residue buildup.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Use non-abrasive sponges and cleaners to avoid scratching the surface of your baking sheets, especially for non-stick varieties.
Silicone Baking Mats
Invest in silicone baking mats as an alternative to aluminum foil or parchment paper. They are reusable and provide a non-stick surface, making cleanup easier.
Storing Properly
Store baking sheets in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust. Consider placing a paper towel between stacked sheets to avoid scratches.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
To avoid warping, don’t expose your baking sheets to extreme temperature changes, such as putting a hot sheet in cold water.
Deep Cleaning Schedule
Schedule a deep clean for your baking sheets once a month using one of the more intensive methods, such as a baking soda and vinegar soak or another method mentioned above.
In Search of New Baking Pans?
By following a regular cleaning routine, avoiding abrasive cleaners, and using protective measures such as silicone baking mats and proper storage techniques, you can ensure your baking sheets remain in excellent shape for years to come.
If you’re looking to add a new cookie sheet to your commercial kitchen for better and more consistent baking results, contact us today at Zanduco. We’re here to help you in all your baking endeavours.
