How To Restore Burnt And Stained Baking Sheets

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to buy new baking sheets. You can restore your old, stained, and burnt pans using simple household ingredients and a little elbow grease. These easy, budget-friendly methods will have your trays looking shiny and new in no time.

🔥 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak

Best for: Medium to heavy stains and burnt residue.

You’ll need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hot water
• A scrubbing pad or sponge

Steps:

1. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the baking sheet.
2. Pour white vinegar over the baking soda. Let it fizz and bubble — that’s the magic happening!
3. Fill the tray with hot water just enough to cover the bottom.
4. Let it soak for 30–60 minutes.
5. After soaking, scrub with a sponge or scouring pad. The grime should lift off more easily.
6. Rinse and dry.

🧼 Tip: For really tough spots, repeat the process or let it soak overnight.

💪 Method 2: Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Best for: Deep-set stains and serious discoloration.

You’ll need:

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• A bowl and spoon
• Scrubbing pad or brush

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a thick paste (think toothpaste consistency).
2. Spread the paste generously over the stained or burnt areas of the pan.
3. Let it sit for 2 to 4 hours — or longer if needed.
4. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or pad.
5. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

🔥 This method is powerful — great for restoring older pans that seem beyond saving.

🧽 Method 3: Aluminum Foil Scrub

Best for: Baked-on bits and sticky grime.

You’ll need:

• Aluminum foil (rolled into a ball)
• Dish soap
• Warm water

Steps:

1. Wet the baking sheet and apply a few drops of dish soap.
2. Scrub using the balled-up foil like a scouring pad.
3. Rinse and dry.

⚠️ Avoid using this method on non-stick or coated pans — it can damage the surface.

 

🍋 Bonus Natural Cleaner: Lemon and Salt

Best for: Light stains and odor removal.

You’ll need:

• 1 lemon
• Coarse salt

Steps:

1. Cut the lemon in half and sprinkle coarse salt onto the pan.
2. Use the lemon like a scrubber, rubbing it over the surface.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.

🍋 It smells great and leaves a natural shine!

🧼 Maintenance Tips to Keep Baking Sheets Clean

• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent messes.
• Don’t use cooking sprays directly on pans — they often leave sticky residue.
• Wash immediately after use to prevent buildup.
• Avoid steel wool or harsh abrasives on coated pans.

Conclusion: Don’t Throw It — Restore It

With just a few simple ingredients from your kitchen or medicine cabinet, you can bring your stained and burnt baking sheets back to life. These DIY cleaning hacks are not only effective, but they’ll also save you money and reduce waste.