How to Clean Cookie Sheets

The luster of aluminum cookie sheets fades relatively quickly. Once your cookie sheets have brown or even black grime on them that won’t come off in the dishwasher, you may be inclined to replace your cookie sheets. However, removing the grime is easy to do, and it can save you money on replacement cookware over the years. So, how do you clean cookie sheets?

Why Cookie Sheets Get Grimy Over Time

Whether you use your cookie sheets to make dinner rolls, frozen pizzas, cookies or something else, one thing is certain. They will get dirty.

Running them through a dishwasher cycle will get rid of some of the burnt-on mess, but it won’t leave your cookie sheets sparkling with a like-new sheen. Grease, sugars, sauces and other food remnants are baked onto cookie sheets at very high temperatures.

In some cases, these remnants are baked on for 30 minutes, an hour or longer. When they are not completely removed before the cookie sheet is used again, they will be exposed to additional heat and potentially another layer of baked-on grime. Plus, when aluminum is not immediately dried, it will rust.

Best Ways to Keep Cookie Sheets Clean

To keep cookie sheets clean, use parchment paper. This is a non-stick material that eliminates the need for cooking spray. It’ll also keep food remnants off of the aluminum.

In addition to using parchment paper, ensure that the cookie sheets remain dry as much as possible. To prevent rust, it’s best to wash them by hand and immediately towel dry them.

Quick Cleaning After Every Use

To prevent grime layered over last week’s grime, it’s smart to clean the cookie sheet after each use. This is a quick and easy process. While the cookie sheet is still hot from the oven, cover it with hot water.

Then, sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface. After the water cools, use a mildly abrasive scrubber to remove the grime. Remember to complete dry the cookie sheet before returning it to the cabinet.

Deep Cleaning for Burnt or Stained Sheets

If your cookie sheets have seen better days, rest assured that you can still restore them with a deep cleaning session..

Fill your kitchen sink with hot water and dish soap. Immerse the cookie sheet in the sink. Then, pour a half-cup of white vinegar and a half-cup of baking soda into the sink. After an hour, use a mildly abrasive scrubber to remove the burnt-on grime.

How to Remove Rust Spots

Aluminum is unfortunately prone to rusting, but a rusted cookie sheet isn’t ruined forever. When the baking sheet is cool, sprinkle baking soda on the rusty areas.

After 30 minutes, scrub the rusty spots with a mildly abrasive scrubber until the rust is gone. Remember to thoroughly clean the cookie sheet using soap and water after removing the rust.

Tips to Keep Cookie Sheets Clean Longer

You can see that removing burnt-on grime and rust is possible, but it takes time and some elbow grease. Understandably, you want to keep your cookie sheets cleaner for longer. Use these tips for the best results:

• Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper, aluminum foil or a silicon mat for every use.
• Don’t use a cookie sheet that is grimy from previous use. Always start with a clean cookie sheet.
• Don’t let the cookie sheet remain wet for longer than necessary. After cleaning the cookie sheet, always dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
• When rust begins to form, take steps to remove it right away rather than allowing the rust spots to linger and grow.
• While a mildly abrasive scrubber will help you remove grime, avoid using a very abrasive scrubber. Never use excessive pressure when scrubbing cookie sheets.

Stubborn kitchen messes are more than eyesores. They can impact your health food flavor and more. If keeping your kitchen clean is more of a challenge than you’re up for, the Cleanzen team is ready to help. We provide customizable home cleaning services to meet all of your needs. Contact us today to schedule service for your home.