Over time, even the best baking pans can start to look worn out.
Dark brown spots, baked-on grease, burnt residue, and stubborn stains can build up after countless meals. You may scrub them repeatedly, yet the marks seem determined to stay.
Before you throw an old baking sheet away, however, there are several simple cleaning methods worth trying.
Why Baking Pans Become So Stained
Baking pans are exposed to high temperatures, oils, sauces, and food particles.
With repeated use, grease can become baked onto the surface. Once that happens, ordinary dish soap may not be strong enough to remove it completely.
The result is a pan that looks permanently dirty—even when it has been thoroughly washed.
Start With the Gentlest Method
Before reaching for an aggressive cleaner, begin with warm water and dish soap.
Let the pan soak for a while to soften the residue.
Then use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber appropriate for the material of the pan.
For many lightly stained pans, patience and soaking can make a bigger difference than aggressive scrubbing.
Baking Soda for Stubborn Residue
Baking soda is a popular household cleaning ingredient because its mild abrasiveness can help loosen stuck-on grime.
Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
