Whether you're baking gooey cookies or roasting crispy veggies, a cookie sheet is a kitchen essential. But over time, grease stains and baked-on messes start to build up, making your pans look rough and, in some cases, even affecting the taste of your food. Instead of tossing out an old pan, there are a few simple tricks to restore it. With just a handful of common household ingredients, you can lift away stubborn grime and keep your cookie sheets in great condition.
1. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the easiest ways to clean a cookie sheet without spending forever scrubbing. Start by pouring boiling water over the pan, then sprinkle two or three tablespoons of baking soda on top. Let it bubble and work its magic for about ten minutes before turning off the heat. Once the fizzing dies down, let it sit for another thirty minutes. Wipe away loosened residue with a soft cloth, then give it a final wash with dish soap to make sure it’s completely clean.
If you’re dealing with seriously stubborn stains, there’s another approach. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of dish soap, then spread the paste over the pan. Let the whole thing soak in hot water overnight. By morning, any baked-on grime should come off easily. Baking soda has just enough grit to lift stains, while dish soap breaks down grease. If you’re working with a non-stick pan, be gentle—scrubbing too hard can damage the coating.
2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda alone is powerful, but when combined with vinegar, it takes stain removal to the next level. The bubbling reaction helps loosen even the most stubborn messes. Start by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar, then spread the mixture over the pan. Let it soak in hot water for thirty to sixty minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. Once the stains are gone, wash the pan with dish soap and dry it completely.
For non-stick pans, scrubbing too hard isn’t ideal. A gentler method involves sprinkling two teaspoons of baking soda on the pan, pouring a cup of vinegar over it, and letting it sit for thirty minutes. This will loosen stuck-on food so you can wipe it away without damaging the coating. A quick wash with mild soap will leave it spotless.
3. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
If stains won’t budge, hydrogen peroxide is a strong alternative, though it takes a little patience. Start by sprinkling baking soda over the pan, pour hydrogen peroxide on top, then add another layer of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for two to three hours so it can break down grime. After that, wipe everything away with a sponge or paper towel. If needed, repeat the process or gently scrub any stubborn spots.
Because hydrogen peroxide isn’t a food-grade product, it’s important to rinse and wash the pan thoroughly after using this method. If you’d rather avoid it, there are plenty of other ways to get your cookie sheet looking fresh again.
4. Use Washing Soda
Washing soda, a heavy-duty cleaner usually found in the laundry aisle, is another effective option. Mixing it with cream of tartar and a little hot water creates a paste that can break down grime. Spread the mixture evenly over the pan, let it sit for about fifteen minutes, then scrub with a sponge or soft pad. Once the stains lift, wash the pan with dish soap and rinse well.
There are two types of washing soda—food-grade and regular. While they have the same chemical formula, food-grade washing soda is held to a higher safety standard. If you choose this method, make sure you’re using the right kind for kitchen use.
How to Maintain Cookie Sheets
Cleaning your cookie sheets is important, but preventing stains in the first place makes life a whole lot easier. Lining pans with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or silicone baking mats before cooking can help keep messes under control. To prevent rust, rub a thin layer of oil over the surface after each use. Always dry cookie sheets completely after washing—leaving them damp can lead to rust and bacteria buildup. The best way to avoid scrubbing later is to wash them right after using them, before stains have a chance to set.
Final Thoughts
A well-loved cookie sheet can start looking rough after a while, but that doesn’t mean it’s beyond saving. Instead of replacing old pans, you can restore them with simple household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or washing soda. Each method works differently depending on how tough the stains are, but with a little time and the right approach, even the grimiest pans can be cleaned.
Taking care of cookie sheets isn’t just about looks—it also helps food cook more evenly and taste better. Keeping them clean and maintaining them after each use means they’ll last longer, so you can focus on making delicious meals instead of dealing with stubborn stains. Now that you know how to clean them the right way, you’re all set for stress-free baking.
