How to clean a baking sheet – the homemade solution professionals use

Maintaining a functioning kitchen comes down to several factors – whether you make use of its self-cleaning feature or replace damaged burners as you go. And while it may seem relative, knowing how to clean a baking sheet is one of the most beneficial things you can do to encourage your oven to remain problem-free. 

A clean baking sheet will make your cooking process simpler (and likely lead to tastier results), but the method is simple. As well as cleaning a kitchen and cleaning an oven, it is worthwhile learning how to clean essentials, like baking sheets, to expand their lifespan. This oven essential is also one of the many things you can clean with baking soda – and you can achieve spotless results in a few short minutes.

How to clean a baking sheet 

'Cleaning baking sheets is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your oven,' says Maria Ivanova, the founder of Master Maid. Sharing her cleaning tips, the expert shares what the process involves. 

1. Spray white vinegar onto a damp baking sheet

The process begins by removing the rack from your oven and placing it on a folded towel. Maria then recommends wiping off the top of the baking sheet with a damp cloth. 

'Pour one cup of white vinegar into a spray bottle [such as this one on Amazon] and mist the baking sheet with it until it is wet or sprayed over it evenly,' she says. You should then wipe off any excess that has dripped down into crevices.

2. Repeat and degrease 

Your baking sheet may now look clean, but Maria urges you to follow the process once again. She suggests using two cups of water and one cup of white vinegar in separate spray bottles until you have used all of them up – though some of which may be used to remove stubborn stains on your baking sheet. 

'Then place your baking sheet on its side and spray down each side with a degreaser until it is thoroughly clean, then wipe off the excess,' the expert says. 

Melissa Oleary, a cooking expert, and owner of Keeping it Simple, similarly agrees that this white vinegar method is effective against even the toughest stains. However, she adds that you can pair the vinegar with another pantry staple and clean with baking soda alongside.

'For tougher stains and to remove grime on sheet pans and roasting pans, using a combination of baking soda and white vinegar will help them look like new,' Melissa says. 

To do so, you should sprinkle a light layer of baking soda onto your sheet pan before spraying the vinegar onto the sheet pan to moisten the baking soda. For the most effective results, you should let the solution sit overnight before wiping the dirt away with a sponge and rinsing it clean. 

'I also recommend people not placing the sheet pans in the dishwasher since the chemicals used in many dishwashing detergents can stain the pans. Hand washing is best,' the expert adds. 

How do you make a baking sheet look new again?

Cleaning your baking sheet with vinegar (or a combination of vinegar and baking soda, in particularly bad cases) is an effective way to make the metal look new again. However, before cleaning, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any lasting damage.

'I highly recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning oven sheets,' says Robert Johnson, the marketing director at Coast Appliances. 'Sheet pans may have different materials, wherein some require special care.'

In many cases, appliance manufacturers may advise cleaning sheet pans with liquid dishwashing soap and water, so if it's not too stained, this simple solution will work well.