How to Clean Baking Sheets So They Look Brand New

Baking sheets are a workhorse in the kitchen. They're used for making everything from sheet pan dinners to your favorite desserts. Because of how frequently they're used, baking sheets often build up with grease and grime that can become difficult to get rid of over time. If this grime isn't adequately removed, it can make your baking sheets unsafe to cook or bake on. To help, we spoke to experts who shared their tips for how to clean baking sheets with common household ingredients.

Materials Needed

The materials you need to clean baking sheets will depend on the method you choose, but here are some things to keep on hand.

• Baking soda
• Hydrogren peroxide
• Vinegar
• Cream of tartar
• Water
• Aluminum foil
• Dish soap
• Small bowl
• Non-abrasive sponge
• Microfiber towels

How to Clean Baking Sheets With Hydrogen Peroxide

The combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide helps break down grease and grime and lifts stuck-on residue from baking sheets, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the baking sheet. 
2. Pour hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda so it forms a paste.
3. Sprinkle more baking soda on top of the paste on the baking sheet. 
4. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 hours.
5. Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
6. Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.

How to Clean Baking Sheets With Vinegar

Vinegar is an acidic ingredient that can cut through grease and lift stains. When used with baking soda, it can be an effective way to clean baking sheets, according to Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

1. Sprinkle about a 1/4 cup of baking soda over the surface of the baking sheet.
2. Pour vinegar over the baking soda and let the mixture fizz.
3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes or overnight for tougher stains.
4. Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
5. Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
   

How to Clean Baking Sheets With Aluminum Foil

Scouring tools like aluminum foil or copper sponges can remove tough grime from baking sheets. However, you shouldn't use this method on baking sheets that are non-stick as it can damage the surface, says Sokolowski.

1. Take a piece of aluminum foil and crumple it into a loose ball. 
2. Apply dish soap directly to the baking sheet. 
3. Use the aluminum foil ball to scrub the baking sheet.
4. Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.

How to Clean Baking Sheets With Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is an acid that's often used in baking and cooking, but it can also be used for cleaning and lifting stains.

1. Mix cream of tartar with a small amount of water to create a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the baking sheet's surface.
3. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes to an hour. 
4. Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
5. Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.

How to Clean Baking Sheets With Baking Soda and Water

While baking soda will be most effective when paired with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, it is also heavy duty enough to clean your baking sheets on its own by following these steps outlined by Mock.

1. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to create a paste.
2. Spread the paste over the baking sheet and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Scrub the baking sheet using a non-abrasive sponge.
4. Rinse the baking sheet thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.