How to Clean Baking Pans
Cleaning bakeware like baking pans and sheets can be a daunting task. Because they’re often used regularly and can be utilized for baking and roasting, they have a habit of becoming quite dirty. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to easily lift stains and cut through grease that utilize common kitchen items. Learn how to effectively clean your baking pans with three easy methods below.
Take a look through our selection of cleaning supplies to get the job done.
Baking Soda & Water
A simple yet effective method for cleaning baking sheets, using baking soda and water is a great option for all types of pans–including non-stick.
- Step 1–Mix water and baking soda to create a paste-like consistency (don’t use too much water).
- Step 2–Spread the paste onto the pan or on tough stains and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- NOTE–If you need a bit more cleaning power, add around a teaspoon of mild dish soap to the paste mixture.
- Step 3–Using a nylon sponge, nylon scrub brush or a sponge, scrub the paste away.
- Step 4–Wash and rinse the pan and dry.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
A tried and true cleaning duo, vinegar and baking soda can be used in various methods to help remove food residue and grime from your baking sheets. Below are two of the most common methods.
Baking Soda & Vinegar–Method 1
- Step 1–Start by filling your sink with hot water, then add ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar.
- Step 2–Place your dirty pan(s) into the sink and let them soak for around 30-60 minutes.
- NOTE–If your baking pans don't fit all the way in your sink, rotate them 180° halfway through the soaking process. This will allow each side of the pan soak properly.
- Step 3–After time’s up, scrub away any remaining residue with the abrasive side of a sponge.
- Step 4–Once all the tough residue is off, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water.
Baking Soda & Vinegar–Method 2
This method for cleaning a baking sheet with vinegar and baking soda is ideal for non-stick pans as it avoids heavy scrubbing. This helps preserve the non-stick coating on your baking pans.
- Step 1–Sprinkle about 2 tsp. baking soda over the surface of the baking pan. If needed, sprinkle more onto the pan, but do not exceed an amount that’ll be more than the amount of vinegar you’ll be adding.
- Step 2–Take 1 cup of vinegar and pour over the baking soda. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes.
- Step 3–After soaking, take the pan to your sink and wipe away any residue. Use a sponge, paper towel or dishcloth to do so.
- Step 4–Once all the tough residue is off, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water.
Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide
A more unconventional cleaning ingredient, hydrogen peroxide can be used to lift tough stains and debris from baking sheets. Though we don’t recommend using this cleaning hack on non-stick baking sheets and pans, it’s a great method for standard baking trays. But be sure to test this solution in a non-conspicuous spot as there’s a chance it can cause a bleaching effect.
- Step 1–Mix a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide until it forms into a paste. Be sure to wear rubber gloves while doing so.
- Step 2–Spread the paste mixture onto the baking pan evenly.
- Step 3–Let the paste sit for 2-8 hours depending on the condition of your baking pan.
- Step 4–Using a paper towel or nylon scraper, remove the paste and dump in the trash.
- Step 5–Thoroughly rinse the baking pan, then wash with warm water and a mild dish soap.