If your baking sheets have seen better days—covered in stains, burnt marks, and tough residue don’t rush to throw them away just yet. With a few common items from your kitchen and some patience, you can restore your pans so they look and work almost like new again.
Cleaning your baking sheets isn’t just about appearance. It actually helps your baking by making heat distribute evenly and prevents food from sticking. Plus, it saves you money and reduces waste by avoiding buying new pans. Before you start, gather essentials like baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains, a scrubbing powder like Bar Keepers Friend, and some gentle scrubbers or fine steel wool. You’ll also want a microfiber cloth or sponge, plastic wrap for keeping cleaning mixtures moist, and a bit of elbow grease.
One effective way is to create a baking soda paste using about a quarter cup of baking soda and enough water to form a thick spreadable mix. Cover burnt spots with the paste, sprinkle some white vinegar on top, and watch it fizz as it breaks down the grime. Cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist and let it sit for a few hours or overnight for tougher stains. Then scrub gently, rinse with warm water, and dry well.
Another easy method is soaking your pan in hot or boiling water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes to soften the stuck-on residue, then scrub and rinse.
For deep-set, dark stains, mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make a stronger paste. Spread it on, wait 30 minutes, then scrub, rinse, and dry. If all else fails, a little Bar Keepers Friend can help. Just sprinkle some, add water to form a paste, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly. Use caution with nonstick surfaces.
For lighter dirt, a magic eraser is a handy quick fix. Moisten it, rub lightly on stains, rinse, and dry. Avoid using rough steel wool or bleach, as these can damage your pans.
To keep your sheets in good shape longer, line them with parchment paper or silicone mats before baking. This makes cleaning easier and protects the surface. With these simple tips, you can save money, cut down on waste, and keep your bakeware in great condition.
