Let’s be honest—cleaning baking sheets is one of the most dreaded kitchen chores. They’re big, greasy, and awkward to scrub. But skipping this step can lead to more than just ugly pans—it can affect the taste of your food and how evenly it bakes.
We asked two experts—Jennifer Behar, baker and founder of Jennifer’s Homemade in Miami, and Missy Stefanik, senior product manager at GoodCook Bakeware and Food Storage—for their best tips on how to clean baking sheets properly.
Why Baking Sheets Get So Dirty
- Food safety & flavor: “Old oil can go rancid and will make your food taste bad,” says Behar. A clean pan means safer, better-tasting meals.
- Uneven heating: Stefanik warns that leftover residue can create hot spots, leading to burnt or unevenly baked food.
- Pan type matters:
- Aluminum pans — not dishwasher-safe; must be handwashed.
- Nonstick pans — can go in the dishwasher, but harsh detergents can degrade the coating faster.
Pro tip: For longer-lasting bakeware, Stefanik recommends handwashing with warm, soapy water and towel drying every time.
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Scour pad
- Clean towel or paper towels
- Small bowl
- Gloves (optional)
3 Best Methods for Cleaning Baking Sheets
Method 1: Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
- Rinse baking sheet to remove loose food.
- Dry with towel.
- Mix ½ cup baking soda + 2–3 tbsp hydrogen peroxide into a paste.
- Spread paste evenly across pan.
- Let sit 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub with scour pad.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry thoroughly.
Method 2: Baking Soda + Vinegar
- Rinse and dry sheet.
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the surface.
- Spray or pour vinegar on top—let it fizz!
- Rest 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub with scour pad.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry completely.
Method 3: Baking Soda + Dish Soap
- Rinse and dry sheet.
- Sprinkle baking soda.
- Add a few drops of dish soap (or mix into a paste first).
- Let sit 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub with scour pad.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry with towel.
How Often to Clean Baking Sheets
- After every use: Quick wash with dish soap and warm water.
- Every few months: A deep clean using one of the methods above.
Behar’s rule of thumb: “A clean pan makes better food.”
FAQs:
How do you get baked-on grease off baking sheets?
Use a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a scour pad before rinsing.
Can you put baking sheets in the dishwasher?
Nonstick baking sheets can technically go in the dishwasher, but harsh detergents degrade the coating faster. Aluminum pans should always be handwashed.
What’s the fastest way to clean a baking sheet?
For quick cleaning, sprinkle baking soda, add dish soap, let sit briefly, and scrub. For heavy-duty grime, baking soda + vinegar or hydrogen peroxide works best.
