Cleaning sheet pans can be frustrating when built-up grease and grime seem impossible to remove. However, with some time and elbow grease, you can get your sheet pans sparkling clean again. Here are some tips for tackling dirty sheet pans:
Start by filling your sink with hot water and dish soap. Let the sheet pans soak in the soapy water for at least 30 minutes to loosen the stuck-on messes. For stubborn stains, make a paste from baking soda and water and apply the paste to the stains before soaking.
After soaking, scrub the sheet pans with an abrasive sponge or scrubber. Pay extra attention to any stained or stuck areas. For tough stains, you may need to scrub with an abrasive scrubber. Rinse the sheet pans with hot water to remove all soapy residue.
For sheet pans with burnt-on messes, make a foil scrubber by crumpling up pieces of aluminum foil into loose balls. Use the foil scrubbers to scour the burnt areas—the foil is very effective at scraping off stubborn burnt bits. Rinse well when done scrubbing.
To sanitize and brighten sheet pans, make a paste from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply the paste to the entire sheet pan and let sit for several hours or overnight. The peroxide will help lift any remaining stuck-on messes and sanitize the pans. Rinse well with water.
For a natural degreaser, sprinkle sheet pans with a mixture of equal parts baking soda and coarse salt. Scrub with the mixture using a sponge or scrubber, then rinse well with hot water. The baking soda and salt provide a gentle abrasive action to lift grease and grime from the pans.
Rinse sheet pans well with hot water to remove all cleaning residue. Dry completely before storing to prevent water spots. For sheet pans with a nonstick coating, avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers and very high heat, which can damage the coating. With regular cleaning after each use, your sheet pans will stay fresh and ready for your next baking adventure.