How to Clean
Baking Sheets

When you learn how to clean baking sheets and cookie sheets correctly, you can make your bakeware last longer, and your baked goods taste delicious. Before we get started, it’s important to set realistic expectations. No matter how good you get at cleaning cookie sheets and other bakeware, you’re not going to get them looking new again. And that’s okay!

The goal is to learn how to clean baking sheets, mats, and the rest of your bakeware to get a smooth surface without buildup, stains, and odors. Whether you want to learn how to clean baking sheets made of metal, silicone, or stoneware, we’ve got you covered. So grab your grimy bakeware, and let’s get to work!

How To Clean Cookie Sheets Made of Aluminum and Stainless Steel

The first step in learning how to clean cookie sheets is to know what material you’re cleaning. If you’re not sure what your cookie or baking sheet is made of, but it appears to be a lighter-weight metal, it’s probably aluminum. Affordable, durable, and easy to clean, aluminum bakeware conducts heat quickly and uniformly. Aluminum is a great heat conductor, but it can react with certain foods that contain acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, citrus, vinegar, etc. Skip washing your aluminum bakeware in the dishwasher and use our cleaning guide below instead.

If you’re dealing with a relatively heavy cookie sheet, you’re likely working with stainless steel. When you’re cleaning baking sheets made of stainless steel, avoid cleaning them with abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and harsh chemicals. Scrubbing stainless steel with metal scrubbers can leave particles that can rust and stain the cookware. The below cleaning methods can help you keep your stainless shine.

All you need to clean baking sheets made from aluminum or stainless steel is baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, a spray bottle, and a plastic scraper.

• Start with a clean baking sheet
• Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the baking or cookie sheet
• Fill an empty spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray the sheet until the baking soda is thoroughly wet
• Allow the pan to sit overnight if possible. The paste should sit on it for at least four hours
• Use a plastic scraper to scrape away the paste and baked-on gunk
• Wash the baking sheet in the sink with soap and water
• Dry the baking sheet with a soft cloth, and store it

How to Clean a Silicone Baking Mat

Silicone baking mats are becoming more popular for cookware; this includes baking sheets and cookie pans. Bakeware made with silicone can be used thousands of times, and when you learn how to clean a silicone baking mat correctly, you can make them last longer and prevent permanent staining. All you need to clean silicone baking mats is dish soap, water, baking soda, lemon juice, and a plastic scrubber. Important note: Only use plastic or cloth cleaning tools when you wash a silicone baking sheet to avoid damage.

• Wash the silicone baking sheet in the sink with dish soap and water
• Sprinkle baking soda on the baking sheet while it’s wet
• Let the sheet sit for 10 minutes
• Use a plastic scrubber or dishcloth to scrub the baking sheet
• To get rid of lingering odors or stubborn stains, add lemon juice to the mix
• Rinse the baking mat
• Let it air dry before you put it away

How to Clean Non-Stick Cookie Sheets

Non-stick coatings on bakeware can make cleaning cookie sheets easier. Plus, it makes them less likely to end up with baked-on grime while the coating is intact. You can easily damage these protective coatings if you scrub them too hard or use harsh chemicals. To properly clean your non-stick bakeware, you need baking soda, water, dish soap, and a plastic scrubber.

• Mix baking soda and water to make a thick paste
• Cover the non-stick surface with the paste and leave it to break down grease and grime for about an hour
• Use a plastic scrubber to gently scrub away stains and buildup
• Wash the cookie sheet with dish soap and water.
• Let it air dry before putting it in storage

How to Clean Stoneware Baking Sheets

Stoneware, like cookie sheets and baking pans, can stand high heat and distribute it well. Additionally, it is typically resistant to chipping. For many, the most attractive feature of stoneware is that after frequent baking, especially with high-fat dishes, the surface develops a non-stick coating, often referred to as seasoning.

Seasoning makes stoneware impervious to baked-on grime and creates a wonderful surface for baking cookies or anything else that tends to stick. Since stoneware is designed to be seasoned, it’s best to skip the dishwasher or hand washing with soap and water. Instead, use this cleaning method from Pampered Chef to get the most out of your stoneware.

• Let the stoneware cookie sheet cool down
• Soak the sheet in a sink full of hot water for 10 minutes to loosen buildup
• Use a plastic scraper to remove the grease and grime
• For nasty stains or buildup, make a paste combining baking soda with water and spread it across the surface
• Let the baking soda work on the stains for 15 minutes
• Scrape away the paste and grime
• Rinse the stoneware with warm water
• Let it air dry and store

Now that you know how to clean baking and cookie sheets, check out our oven cleaning guide for an even better baking experience. Need help getting the rest of your kitchen clean, or need to tackle your entire home? Whether you use our professional cleaning guides or one of our popular residential cleaning services, The Maids is on a mission to make your home a cleaner place to live. We offer flexible, affordable cleaning services for every room in your home.

Get your free estimate online and learn more about how we can make your home beautifully clean, more often.