Embarrassed by your grimy baking sheets? You can clean 'em up. To help, we put four popular cleaning methods to the test!
We Tried 4 Methods for Cleaning Baking Sheets and Found the Best
Updated on Nov. 03, 2023
“Put your back into it!”
This is a phrase that should only be heard if you’re in the midst of training for an upcoming Strongman Competition. But if a family member is yelling this at you while you’re cleaning baking sheets, well, then you’re working too hard. Don’t feel bad, though. Like us, you may have forgotten the original color of your well-used baking sheets. What was once shiny and bright is now a mottled blend of black and brown that you have accepted as your pan’s new look.
But there are ways to breathe scrub new life into your baking sheets! We put four of the most popular cleaning techniques to the test on some dirty baking sheets to see which method was truly up to the challenge.
Keep reading as we explain how each method works, along with our results.
How We Tested Each Cleaning Method
In cleaning baking sheets, we wanted to have some semblance of a scientific method. Therefore, we not only tested each cleaning method on an individual baking sheet but also divided a single pan into fourths to test the techniques side-by-side. This allowed us to test each method on a pan from a single brand, made out of the same material/coating and with a common mess cooked into the surface. For testing purposes, we also limited scrubbing time to 15 minutes for each method.
Results were then rated on a scale of one to five. Ratings were awarded based on how long each technique took, how much extra elbow grease was required and the overall ease or difficulty of the cleaning process.
Warning: Before cleaning your pans with any one of these methods, test it on a small, inconspicuous portion of your baking pans to ensure they don’t damage the surface of your pans.
Cleaning Baking Sheets with Baking Soda + Water
Time: 30 minutes of soaking and 15 minutes of scrubbing
Rating: 3/5
Process: In a small bowl, make a paste out of baking soda and a few tablespoons of clean water. Spread the paste onto the pan and let it sit on the surface of the baking sheet for 30 minutes. Then, scrub away using a nylon pad, sponge or brush until clean. Give the pan a final wash using dish soap and warm water.
Results: This method took the least amount of time to see results but also required the most elbow grease. This is probably because baking soda alone is not as caustic as a solution paired with an acid like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. After 15 minutes of scrubbing, there was a visible improvement on the baking sheets we tested but deep, set-in stains were still present. This method may be best for pans with lighter staining or nonstick pans since more abrasive solutions may damage the coating.
Cleaning Baking Sheets with Baking Soda + White Vinegar
Time: 60 minutes of soaking and 15+ minutes of scrubbing
Rating: 4/5
Process: Measure out a 1:1 ratio of baking soda to white vinegar, about 1/4 cup of each. Then, sprinkle the baking soda over the dirty pan and pour the vinegar over the surface. Let the two products begin to react. Meanwhile, fill a sink with hot, clean water. Submerge the pan in the hot water and let it soak for 30-60 minutes. After soaking, use a nylon pad or steel wool to scrub away the grime. Wash again using dish soap and warm water, rinse and dry.
Results: This method really worked well. After a 60-minute soak in hot water and 15 minutes of scrubbing, nearly all the stains and grime were removed. The only reason we docked a point is we did need to use considerable scrubbing power to get the heaviest stains to lift. With that being said, we do think another 3-5 minutes of scrubbing would have probably lifted the remaining stains completely.
Cleaning Baking Sheets with Hydrogen Peroxide
Time: 6 hours of soaking and 15 minutes of scrubbing
Rating: 2/5
Process: While wearing rubber gloves, soak a damp paper towel or dishcloth with hydrogen peroxide. Rub the cloth gently over the surface of the baking pan to saturate the surface, then lay the cloth flat over the pan to cover it. If you’re working on a large pan, you may need to use multiple paper towels or dishcloths to cover the entire surface. Let the pan sit for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for really tough messes. Then, remove the cloth and scrub the pan in hot water using a scouring pad to lift remaining stains. Wash thoroughly with dish soap and rinse in clean water.
Results: Similar to baking soda alone, hydrogen peroxide on its own doesn’t quite have the punch it needs to lift heavy food stains. This method lost points because it not only lacks potency but also took a lot of time to soak. We will say that light stains lifted easier with this method than those involving baking soda solutions. However, once those light stains were gone it didn’t have much impact on the deeper stains.
Cleaning Baking Sheets with Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
Time: 6 hours of soaking and 15 minutes of scrubbing
Rating: 4/5
Process: Using a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, form a paste by mixing the two together in a small bowl. Spread the paste evenly over the surface of the baking sheet. Let the paste sit on the pan for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for bigger messes. After time has elapsed, wipe away the mixture from the baking pans using a paper towel and water. Scrub any remaining residue away using a nylon pad, sponge or brush and then give the pan a final wash with dish soap and hot water to thoroughly clean.
Results: This method was just about as effective as the baking soda and vinegar solution. While the vinegar-based solution lost a point because it required heavier scrubbing, this method loses a point because of how much time it requires. Stains lifted easily with this method, requiring only a light hand to scrub. However, those results were only possible due to the longer soaking time, which may not always be convenient.
Final Thoughts
Overall, all four methods were effective at lifting grime and giving new life to the baking sheets. While none of the methods received a perfect score, we still think each method has its merits depending on how much time you’re willing to invest. Ultimately, it comes down to investing either time or effort.
Personally, we’ll stick with a baking soda and vinegar solution to deep-clean our baking sheets if we’re short on time, and reserve a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution for big messes that require extra time to lift set-in stains.
Warning: If, after reading this, you’re wondering why we also didn’t try a solution combining baking soda, vinegar AND hydrogen peroxide, it’s because that combination is dangerous. When mixed together, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide create what’s called peracetic acid, which is potentially toxic and can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
Now that your baking pans are clean as a whistle, there’s only one thing to do: make ’em dirty again. Use your clean pans to roast these tasty sheet pan dinners!
Baked Chicken ChimichangasI developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, too, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
Sheet-Pan Pork SupperI created this pork tenderloin sheet-pan dinner to suit our family's needs. It's so quick and easy to clean up since you use one pan for everything! Use any variety of small potatoes—fingerlings or other colored potatoes are a fun and delicious option. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Potato and Pepper Sausage BakeWhen my family smells this dish baking in the oven, they know they are in for a treat! If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or switch the mild Italian sausage to hot Italian sausage. —Ashli Claytor, Chesapeake, Virginia
Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan SupperThis is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Crunchy Chili Lime ShrimpEasy, quick and family friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe is dairy free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright flavor-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Smoked Gouda Spinach PizzaMy daughter actually created this savory gouda and spinach pizza recipe as an appetizer. There's never a crumb left! —Marie Hattrup, Sparks, Nevada
Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry DinnerThis sheet-pan chicken curry is a quick way to get a meal on the table without fuss. Everyone loves it, and it's healthy to boot! Serve it with a side of jasmine rice. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Caesar ChickenOur tasty baked Caesar chicken recipe translates all the flavors of Caesar salad into a delicious, easy-to-make chicken dinner.
Roasted Kielbasa & VegetablesI like this dish featuring kielbasa and veggies for two reasons: It's so hearty, and it’s a one-pan meal. That’s a win-win dinner! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Mediterranean TilapiaI recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio
Santa Fe Chicken Pizza PieGive your pie a southwestern twist when you slather on the taco sauce and top with black beans, green chiles and kicked-up chicken strips. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Sliced Ham with Roasted VegetablesTo prepare this colorful, zesty oven meal, I "shop" in my backyard for the fresh garden vegetables and oranges (we have our own tree!) that spark the ham's hearty flavor. It's my family's favorite main dish. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona
Baked Chicken FajitasThese baked chicken fajitas are one of our top-rated chicken dinners for a reason. Cooks rave about the easy prep, robust flavor and effortless cleanup—everything we want in a weeknight dinner!
Shrimp-Stuffed Poblano PeppersI created this dish for my mother when she moved back to our hometown. Since she really enjoys shrimp and slightly spicy food, I decided to create a shrimp-stuffed poblanos to surprise her. She was delighted.—Tina Garcia-Ortiz, Tampa, Florida
Turkey Lattice PieWith its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish looks as good as it tastes. It's easy to make, too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough. —Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Sheet-Pan Tandoori ChickenThis tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas
Rosemary Salmon and VeggiesThis rosemary salmon is a favorite, thanks to the savory herb that adds unbelievable flavor to the fish as it bakes. Cooked with asparagus and red peppers, it's a healthy and quick dinner option that pulls in rave reviews too.
Pork Chops and AsparagusThis pork chop and asparagus recipe is a complete dinner (even dessert) cooked on a single sheet pan. Hands-off cooking and simple clean-up make this ideal for busy weeknights.
Chili-Stuffed Poblano PeppersFor an updated version of an old favorite, try these chili-stuffed poblano peppers. They're loaded with hearty meat and chili, plus a few extra tasty ingredients for good measure!
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken FajitasFor our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable MedleyUnlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard ChickenThis sheet-pan chicken is an easy gluten-free, low-carb meal ideal for busy weekdays. The chicken is tender, juicy and so delicious! It's now on the list of our favorite meals. You can substitute any low-carb vegetable for green beans. —Denise Browning, San Antonio, Texas
Fish and Fries"Tuck in" as if you're in a traditional British pub. These oven-baked, moist fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned and also baked, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic ChickenEveryone needs an easy meal. Try this sheet-pan chicken with roasted potatoes for a simple and tasty meal guaranteed to please the whole family. If you use fresh lemon juice, garnish each serving with a little lemon zest for bright flavor. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Sheet-Pan Chipotle Lime Shrimp BakeOur sheet-pan chipotle lime shrimp bake tastes as delicious as it sounds. The pronounced lime flavor and dash of spicy heat infuse the shellfish, potatoes, asparagus and broccoli.
Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan SupperMost nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Cod and Asparagus BakeThe lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Andouille Sausage and PeppersThis tasty sheet pan meal is just what you need when the nights are busy and you have too much to do.
Pepperoni Pan PizzaI've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Chicken in Puff PastryFlaky puff pastry envelops tender chicken and a creamy spinach-artichoke filling, creating a fancy-feeling dish that’s deceptively easy to pull together.
Chicken & Wild Rice StrudelsI wanted the buttery crunch of layered pastry without the sweet filling of strudel. Using rotisserie chicken from the store, I found my savory answer. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Buffalo Chicken PizzaOur easy Buffalo chicken pizza lets you crank up the heat for pizza night! Just add crunchy veggies and your fave dipping sauces.
Horseradish-Crusted Turkey TenderloinsLooking for a low-carb entree ideal for company? Consider this specialty. It won a local recipe contest and was featured on a restaurant's menu. The creamy sauce adds a flavor punch. —Ellen Cross, Hubbardsville, New York
Breadstick PizzaNot only do refrigerated breadsticks lend a fun twist to pizza, but they make this dish a weeknight staple at my house. Feeding kids? Slice pieces into small strips and let the kids dip each strip into marinara sauce. They’ll love it! —Mary Hankins, Kansas City, Missouri
Crab-Stuffed AvocadoA crab-stuffed avocado recipe blends savory and spicy seafood with the creamy luxury of avocado. Broiled and topped with melted cheese, it's an effortless and elegant dish.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Poblano PeppersSince I do not like green bell peppers, I decided to create a filling that would go well with my favorite pepper, a poblano. After a few taste tests with my family, this stuffed poblano peppers recipe is now one of our favorites. I have also added black beans, used Cubanelle peppers and served with cilantro lime rice. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green BeansI'm always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. Even our kids love it. —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina
Sausage and Pepper Sheet-Pan SandwichesSausage with peppers was always on the table when I was growing up. Here's how to do it the easy way: Just grab a sheet pan and the ingredients, then let the oven do the work. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke HeartsI've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Sheet-Pan Chicken and VeggiesOur sheet-pan chicken and veggies recipe features herby chicken thighs, roasted red potatoes and spinach in one no-muss, no-fuss dish. The best part: Cleanup is a breeze!
Shrimp Puff Pastry TrianglesShrimp de Jonghe was invented in Chicago. It is usually baked and served in a casserole dish, but my shrimp puff pastry version is a handheld. The shrimp filling is perfect with crunchy pastry dough. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops & PotatoesSavory, comforting and largely hands-off, this slow-cooker pork chops and potatoes dish is always welcome on the table.
Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio CrustImpress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that's delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York
Baked Chicken ParmesanBaked chicken Parmesan is just as tasty as the original, without the fuss and hassle of frying. This recipe cooks your vegetable side dish right alongside the chicken, in the same pan, for added ease.
Crispy Dill TilapiaEvery week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Tex-Mex Chicken StripsI was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
