Burnt-on grease can make a baking sheet look permanently stained, but most baked-on residue can be loosened with a simple soak and gentle scrubbing. Start with dish soap and hot water, then use baking soda for stubborn grease.
What You’ll Need
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Hot water
- Non-abrasive sponge or scrubber
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Clean towel
How to Remove Burnt-On Grease From Baking Sheets
1. Remove Loose Grease
Let the baking sheet cool completely. Wipe away any loose grease or food particles with a paper towel.
2. Soak the Baking Sheet
Add a generous amount of dish soap to the sheet and fill it with hot water. Let it soak for about 20 to 30 minutes.
The warm, soapy water helps soften grease and makes the remaining residue easier to remove.
3. Make a Baking Soda Paste
For grease that remains, drain the water and sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas. Add a small amount of water to make a thick paste.
Spread the paste over the burnt-on spots and let it sit for several minutes.
4. Scrub Gently
Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft scrubber to work on the residue. For corners and edges, a soft brush or old toothbrush can help.
Avoid aggressive scraping that can scratch the surface of the baking sheet.
5. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the sheet thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely with a towel.
If grease is still stuck on, repeat the baking soda treatment rather than immediately using a harsher abrasive.
What About Very Stubborn Grease?
Some burnt-on grease may take more than one treatment. Apply another layer of baking soda paste and give it additional time to soften the residue before scrubbing again.
A plastic scraper can also help lift softened residue, but avoid metal tools on surfaces that can scratch easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using steel wool on delicate surfaces: It can leave scratches.
- Scrubbing a hot baking sheet: Let it cool before cleaning.
- Using harsh cleaners without checking the pan material: Aluminum and coated baking sheets can be damaged by some aggressive cleaners.
- Putting a dirty sheet straight back into storage: Any remaining moisture can contribute to odors or residue buildup.
For everyday maintenance, washing baking sheets soon after use is much easier than trying to remove grease after it has been repeatedly baked onto the surface.