By Charlotte Reid 
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are a great combination for removing grime from baking sheets. Bar Keepers Friend is another solution for getting rid of stains, rust, and stuck-on foods. Cleaning your baking sheets soon after using prevents food from getting stuck for good.
Baking sheets often feel like magnets for splatters and stuck-on foods, but don’t let this deter you from taking on a culinary challenge. While these may be some of the greasiest items in your kitchen, you can remove burnt grease without superhuman strength.
We spoke with two baking experts who shared their best methods for getting grease off your baking sheets. Here are their best recommendations and tips for keeping these kitchen workhorses in mint condition.
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
You’ve likely heard it before: Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are a superstar cleaning combination.
But before you start mixing, take a plastic scraper or silicone scraper to your sheets first to remove any excess grease. Baking expert Bianca Fernandez says this is a great first step for getting easy-to-remove residue off.
“Then, I mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste and spread that over the burnt areas,” she says. “I let the baking sheet sit in my sink overnight to really let the mixture break down all of the grime.”
She says this is the most effective way she’s found to remove caked-on gunk from baking sheets.
After letting it sit overnight, the burnt bits should come off with ease, and after rinsing, your sheets will be sparkling clean.
Try Bar Keepers Friend
Head chef Jessica Randhawa says Bar Keepers Friend is a handy cleaning agent to have around for both stainless steel and aluminum baking sheets, regardless of whether you’re dealing with grease or stains from baked goods.
“Wearing rubber gloves, I sprinkle the Bar Keepers Friend directly over the stains and add just enough water to make a paste,” she says. “Then I let the paste sit for a few minutes, or more if it’s really bad, and then I use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub off all that baked-in gunk.”
This specific cleaning formula has an acidic pH, so it helps to slough off rust and mineral deposits if you live in an area with hard water.
Combine Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar isn’t an effective cleaning method in all scenarios, but when it comes to removing burnt food from baking sheets, it’s worth trying.
Fernandez notes that hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are the best combo that requires the least amount of effort; and if you don’t have hydrogen peroxide on hand, vinegar is a great substitute.
Mix the two together to form a foamy paste, then scrub it into the stains on your baking sheet. Allow it to sit for several minutes, then rinse with warm, soapy water.
Use Oven Cleaner
As a last resort, Fernandez says you can use oven cleaner, so long as it’s used on uncoated metal sheets. This trick can work wonders on sheet that’s discolored with grease and stains that refuse to budge.
“Make sure you wear gloves, work in a well-ventilated space, and follow all of the safety directions on the label,” she says.
You can scrub the solution into your trays, or leave it to soak in a well-sealed bag to loosen up grime.
Signs Your Baking Sheet Is Ready to Be Retired
Randhawa says that with a good cleaning method, you shouldn’t need to retire your baking sheet. But there are some signs that it has seen better days.
“I only retire baking sheets when they are badly warped or pitted, as that usually leads to food cooking unevenly,” she says.
Fernandez adds that if you notice rust or that the nonstick coating is beginning to peel off, these are flags that indicate it’s time to recycle your baking sheet.
Tips for Caring for Your Baking Sheets
To extend the life of your baking sheets, here are a few expert-approved tips:
- Line your sheets. Fernandez says that by doing so, you should only have to rely on soap and water to clean them.
- Clean them ASAP. Wash your baking sheets as soon as they’re cool enough to touch. This will prevent grime from hardening.
- Dry thoroughly. This prevents rust from developing on the surface or in the nooks and crannies.