🍪🍴 Cookie sheets are essential for baking mouth-watering treats like chewy chocolate chip cookies and roasted veggies. But with frequent use, it’s inevitable that your baking pans will accumulate unsightly stains and residue buildup. Fear not, we’ve got you covered with some easy cleaning methods that’ll keep your aluminized steel, aluminum, and non-stick cookie sheets in top shape and your health inspector satisfied!
🧼 I – HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BAKING SHEETS USING BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR:
For those extra tough messes, try using baking soda and vinegar to scrub your baking sheets. Fill your sink halfway with hot water and add equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar (about half a cup each). Let the baking sheet soak in the solution for 30-60 minutes before scrubbing it with the abrasive side of a regular kitchen sponge. Rinse the pan with mild dish soap to remove any baked-on residue.
If you have a non-stick sheet pan, be gentle when scrubbing to avoid damaging the coating. Baking soda and vinegar can still be used to disinfect a non-stick baking sheet. Let the mixture sit in the pan for 30 minutes with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar to loosen any stuck-on food. Rinse the pan with mild dish soap to finish.
🧼 II – HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BAKING SHEETS USING FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS:
For an effortless way to clean your baking sheets, pour warm water onto the dirty pan and place a fabric softener sheet on top. If the sheet pan has edges, soak it in the sink or washing pan with the dryer sheets laid flat in the water overnight. The next morning, the baked-on residue should be easy to lift off with a spatula or other flat item.
🧼 III – HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BAKING SHEETS USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND BAKING SODA:
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used with baking soda to clean your cookie sheets. Sprinkle baking soda on a scorched pan, followed by hydrogen peroxide and another layer of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for up to two hours before wiping it away with a towel. Repeat the process if necessary to remove stubborn stains. Rinse the baking sheet with mild dish soap when you’re done.
Keep in mind that peroxide has a bleaching effect and is not a food-grade substance. Always test it in an inconspicuous area before using it on your baking sheets. After cleaning, rinse the sheet pan thoroughly and wash it properly.