How to Restore Stubbornly Dirty Sheet Pans

Sheet pans are essential in every kitchen, but they can easily become caked with burnt-on grime. Scrubbing and soaking don’t always do the trick. Instead of giving up, try these proven methods to tackle those persistent stains and residue before throwing in the towel.

Give Baking Soda and Vinegar a Try

This technique utilizes common household items to help break down stubborn residue and keep your sheet pans spotless.

1. Fill your sink with hot water and mix in equal amounts of baking soda and white vinegar (around half a cup of each).
2. Submerge the pans in the solution and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
3. After soaking, scrub the pan vigorously with the rough side of a sponge in a circular motion to prevent noticeable scratches (though minor scratches may still happen).
4. Once cleaned, wash the pan with soap and water to remove any vinegar odor, then dry thoroughly to prevent rusting.

Give Dryer Sheets a Shot

It may sound strange, but dryer sheets are surprisingly effective at loosening stubborn debris on sheet pans.

1. Place your dirty sheet pan in the sink or on a countertop. Add one or two dryer sheets along with some dish soap, and fill the pan with warm water. Let it sit for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
2. When you come back, discard the dryer sheets and empty the water. Then, scrub the pan with soap, water, and a sponge.

Try Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Grab some hydrogen peroxide from your first aid kit, because this method turns cleaning dirty sheet pans into a simple task. Just a heads-up: this technique may be too abrasive for nonstick-coated pans.

1. Begin by combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the pan's surface and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Use a sponge to wipe away the paste—no need for vigorous scrubbing!

How to Maintain Clean Sheet Pans?

Once your pan is spotless, keep it that way! The easiest way to maintain cleanliness is by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil while cooking. Also, remember that scratches and stains are just signs that your pans are well-used—and that’s not a bad thing at all.