Last updated on February 10th, 2020
Do your baking sheets look anything like mine? I mean, are they hideously stained with baked-on grease? Stay tuned, my friends. I might have good news for you.
Over the years, I’ve tried certain “easy” methods for cleaning gross-looking, commercial-grade baking sheets. Here’s my experience with 3 such hacks:
Vinegar: Useless.
Baking soda and peroxide: A joke.
Preparation H: Don’t ask.
A few of my readers claimed high-temperature-cleaning was the answer. “Run the sheets through your oven’s self-clean cycle,” they said. “The sheets will come out like new!”
I’ve always poo-pooed the oven idea. Why? Because I’d have to arrange the baking sheets on oven racks. And according to my oven’s manufacturer, the racks must be removed prior to cleaning in order to preserve their shiny coating.
Ha-ha-ha. My oven racks lost their shimmering beauty eons ago. Consequently, on Wednesday night, I arranged 4 grungy baking sheets on 2 dull oven racks. And then I pushed the oven’s “clean” button, and headed up to bed.
And as I slept, I dreamed that I’d landed a role in a hit situation-comedy. As a fun-loving, alcoholic grandmother.
Who are you to judge my dreams?
And speaking of dreams…I found 4 of ’em when I opened the oven door the next morning. The baking sheets looked almost new! The baked-on grease had turned to dust, so my only job was to rinse and dry the sheets and put them away.
Now, I don’t know if this cleaning-technique will work for all baking sheets. I only know that it worked shockingly-well for my own collection of commercial-grade subjects (click here for details). If you are one of the readers who suggested the method, let me tip my hat to you. Also, let me offer you a walk-on role in a certain situation-comedy.
Hugs, Grandma Edna Kevin
Lois Thomas says
Thank You for the tip!
Alyce Grover says
They don’t look warped, and that’s my concern.
Terry Snyder says
Stainless, or aluminum?
Would aluminum discolor even worse?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Terry – My baking sheets — like all “commercial grade” baking sheets — are heavy aluminum.
karen says
BTW, Very nice pic of you, Kevin. Meanwhile, thanks for the baking sheet tip. I’d love to try it — but concerned about my oven racks. they’re not new — but they’re not in bad shape either. What might happen to them? Happy Thanksgiving & Cheers, Karen
Robin says
Caution: despite the existence of a “cleaning cycle” not all ovens can actually withstand it. I guess if the electronics are near the top of the oven, they can get fried. I heard of this method for cleaning really messed up cast iron pans, but I’ve never tried it for this reason.
Tracy says
I’ve done this with an All Clad 3 quart saucepan that I boiled dry once and was seriously discolored. I could not remove the blackish discoloration no matter what I tried. Finally, in desperation, I popped it in my oven, ran the cleaning cycle and presto! Worked a treat.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Tracy – Same thing happened to one of my All Clad pans. Didn’t think to run it through the cleaning cycle. Thanks for the tip!
Karen Thomas says
I’m not picky about how my cookie sheets look. But I definitely love reading your blog/post/column. You always make me laugh! Thanks!
Judy says
Your baking sheets look fantastic. I wonder if this way is more eco friendly than my desperate scrubbing with Bon Ami then rinsing with gallons of water and …
… scrubbing with Bon Ami then rinsing with gallons of water …
… scrubbing with Bon Ami then rinsing with gallons of water … IF they aren’t too dirty.
Jean says
I always put my cast iron grates from the top of the stove in the oven to clean them, too! Long ago decided to just leave the racks in the oven..so, they are not shiny, but they are clean.
Never thought of trying my All Clad!
Rose says
I have an old 1970 Franklin gas stove that has a working oven and six burners, not another thing. No bells and whistles just the basics. But my baking pans look just like yours—any other suggestions?
Peggy Herron says
Fantastic ,you made my day with this info but now I have to decide do make Mexican Wedding cookies today on my grungy cookie sheets or put the really stained sheets in the oven empty and trun on the clean cycle and go have my nails done this morning .
mary ann says
as always, you are a treat….to read, help in garden and now saving pans that were destined for trash pile, will do my cast iron grates also,thank you so much.
Anne in VT says
So where does that leave those of us without the self clean option ? (I know, I know, but that was an extra $2,000 and reduced the oven size. Paul volunteered to clean it and does.) I knew of this tip years ago so was all excited by your headline.
Made the broccoli timbale, the Rustic leek and bacon tart and your Apple onion gravy with a spatchcocked turkey yesterday. All were hits.
Carlene says
Self cleaning over works great for cast iron too BUT I learned the hard way. Don’t put to many in the oven. I put 4 in it and it took 2 days for the oven to cool enough to open it!! LOL
My DH collects Griswold cast iron and we always put them in the oven to clean.
Jim Symington says
I have done that with my enamel ,ceramic and cast iron pots. Works like a charm but you need to re-season cast iron.
Jayedee Dewitt says
Don’t forget the grungy old racks from your wood grill and smoker!
Its’ amazing! Dont’ try it with porcelain racks though…i don’t think they’d be able to stand up it it
Bernadette says
That is a great idea, I would like to add that the self cleaning feature on ovens can produce toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide which can be especially dangerous to pets. I usually only clean my oven when I can open the windows during the whole cycle. Thanks for the idea none the less!
Edna says
Kevin, thanks for the reminder and the chuckles!
One day while I was at work, my husband decided to use the self-cleaning cycle on our oven. He neglected to remove the things I store in there: cast iron skillets, baking sheets and baking stone! He said it smelled horrible! But I was not there so it didn’t bother me! However I came home to shiney clean baking sheets and “like new” cast iron skillets and the baking stone looked pristine!
I thanked him appropriately! Then I seasoned those skillets. BTW I used your gluten free stuffing ball recipe for Thanksgiving and my daughter was very happy with then. I also made a vegan version of the leak, bacon, onion tarte. Very yummy! Thanks for great recipes and the chuckles!
Pat Mulligan says
I’ve used the self-cleaning technique for years. Yes, you need to re-season some pans but it’s such a joy to see the ‘new’ pans when the cleaning cycle is done. Your dirty sheet looked like a non-stick one, rather than a heavy-duty aluminum one (I have both,;works well on them, too but you need to re-season the coated ones). Happy holidays!
Lisa C says
What a helpful blog! I was glad to see the post about the iron grates from the stove top and the cookie sheets. I accidently left my pizza stone in the oven for a clean cycle and it was brand new when I opened the oven door!!! I often wondered what would happen with other mediums. Now I know! Happy holidays everyone ~
Peace
Cheryl Black says
Your posts are like sunshine on a grey day!! Ty
Sue Rewerts says
THANK YOU FOR THIS TIP!! My baking sheets are an embarrassment and I wasn’t sure what to do about them. This is my goal for tonight! I have an upcoming “kitchen” event at my house this week and the oven needs to be cleaned anyway. Perfect timing!
Gina says
Thanks, Gram!
Rosann says
Easiest way to clean oven racks to keep them shiny is to put them in a large plastic bag. I lay them in my bathtub. Insert a bowl……maybe a cup….of ammonia in the bag and securely close the bag with a tie tie.
Voila…….the next morning take them out and wash. The baked on dirt comes right off!
Works in non self cleaning ovens too…..
Marlene Benett says
I don’t have a cleaning cycle on my stove. It isn’t very old. Any suggestions as to cleaning my dirty pans???
Teresa says
🙁 Wish I had a self cleaning oven, mine’s an antique…could have been Grandma’s 😉
Joy Windle says
I would never have thought to clean the All-Clad in the oven! It’s easy to keep the cooking side sppotlesswithan old fashioned ‘curly’ metal scrubber, but the cooked of gunk on the flame side is a real killer. I shall try this tonight. Thanks so very much!
Diane Hoik says
I put my cast iron grates in the dishwasher! Fabulous!
Robin says
Since my earlier comment regarding the danger of self cleaning cycles, I’ve been thinking about it more, and wondered if anyone else here had any experience with this issue. No one else has commented, so I re-googled and found a blog post which covers the problem pretty well for anyone who’s curious. Looks like it’s a problem for electric ovens. Unfortunately, I’m renting and stuck with one. Yes, I know, the horror! The post also gives instructions for the “Ammonia Method” to clean an oven, which I’d never heard of before, if you don’t want to risk the self cleaning cycle.
http://www.thekitchn.com/why-you-should-almost-never-use-the-self-cleaning-function-of-your-oven-175110
If the link doesn’t work, just google “Why You Should (Almost) Never Use Your Oven’s Self-Cleaning Function”
Marie says
Sweet!
Barbara Eylers says
NEVER TURN ON YOUR OVEN TO SELF CLEANING AND GO TO BED. THAT IS VERY HIGH HEAT, YOU WANT TO REMAIN IN THE HOUSE WHILE THAT IS TAKING PLACE. BETTER SAFE THEN SORRY.
Kathy B says
Kevin, It does work on cast iron pans. I forgot and left one in the oven on cleaning cycle and it, too, was full of ash and looked brand new. Who knew?
Elaine R says
I’ve had electric self cleaning ovens almost as long as they have been around. I use the feature several times a year with no problem, even when I have wished the oven would die. I’ve broken down and traded them in for other reasons . I once forgot my baking stone and was surprised to see it come out clean! But what about non-stick ? I thought they are not safe at high temps,nor are most non metal pot handles.
Marjie says
I think it would be better to try a closed lid barbecue grill on high. At least the odors and high heat are outside.
Paula Beattie says
Could you supply some information on your baking sheets? You said they are commercial grade; so you know what makes them that grade? Are they aluminum? Do you know the gauge?
Thanks.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Paula – My commercial baking (or “jelly roll”) sheets are made of uncoated aluminized steel. More details about the sheets at this online source.
Justine M says
Hi Kevin,
How did your racks do? Or did you remove those and just set the sheets on the floor of the oven? We bought a house with a used Wolf stove and recently used the self cleaning option. The oven is sparkling clean thanks to the self-clean option… now my focus is on the racks. The manual stresses not to include the racks so I dutifully removed them. The manual recommended a product called Carbona for the racks which I finally tracked down but haven’t yet used (involves a large plastic bag for overnight soak with heavy duty liquid). Thanks for sharing your tips! Now I’ll be checking your site for tips on cleaning the outside of ss pots!
Laura says
My concern would be going to bed with it running. I know a couple who came downstairs the next morning and they couldn’t step on the kitchen floor it was so hot. Something went wrong with the oven. It probably was an old stove that had seen its best days.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Justine – Oven racks were left in place (see 2nd and 3rd paragraphs beneath photo of my oven). Hint for exterior of stainless steel pots: rub the outside with isopropyl alcohol — it will make them shine!
Kgriff says
In our last house we had a built in he electric oven. The first time I ran the cleaning cycle the electronics died. Expensive repair as they aren’t standard size. Repair guy advised not doing that again. It was most likely around a 1998 model as that is when the house was built
Lorrie Taylor says
Good tip! You’re the best! Go for the role Tutu!!
Alexis says
I usually line my baking sheets with foil to avoid this. I think the self-cleaning oven idea is a great one, but in the past when I left the racks in they became nearly impossible to slide in and out. Those can be cleaned with spray-on oven cleaner.
Ebeth says
Thank you, thank you , thank you! You have saved me (and my husband) from so many kitchen arguments about my ‘gross’ baking sheets! I immediately put all of mine (commercial grade as well) into the oven that experienced a pecan pie explosion over Thanksgiving. Four hours later, everything is now clean and ready for the next round of holiday baking.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Ebeth – Pecan Pie explosion? Sounds scary…and delicious! So glad your baking sheets cleaned up nicely in the ‘self-clean’ oven!
Frani says
I discovered this last year and love cleaning our baking sheets this way! What a time saver!!!
Megan Black says
Oven racks in a big black garbage bag overnight – OUTSIDE!! – with a small bowl of ammonia and they wiped off easily the next morning. GONE was the sugary, buttery burned-on mess.
Patil says
You can prevent them from ever getting that way again by lightly scrubbing with a Brillo pad when you wash them after each use. I’ve had my jelly roll pans for so many years, and they still look brand new- and I use them multiple times a week!
Julia says
Your posts always make me happy…
Laura says
I clean them with baking soda and vinegar together, just a coffee cu of baking soda or less, and a coffee up of pure white vinegar. They frizz, and after the frizz I add a bit of hot water to cover them completely. Next day, they look awesome, and if they don’t shine yet- which is rarely- I clean them with some cleaning powder for pans, and they look as new. Truly as new.
Julie says
I have always wondered how you and other food demonstrators have new looking pans all the time! Representatives from both the gas and electric companies would come every year to talk to my home ec students about range and oven safety and demonstrate recipes that related to their units of study. Never was it mentioned to put a sheet pan in…bless the one who tried it and shared the discovery! Can’t wait to try it!
Dori says
Wow! What a lot of ways to clean baking ware! I don’t have a self clean oven so these are mostly of academic interest to me. I do, however, have a very easy way to clean oven racks, without ammonia or any other chemicals. I have not tried it with pans, but after reading these comments I will, as soon as I mess up a pan. How I clean racks: I put them outside on the lawn over night. Maybe longer if I forget about them. When I bring them in, all wet with dew, the baked on crud wipes right off. My oven is old (1980) and my racks are shiney.
Julie R says
Wow, look at those clean pans, they look like new. Thanks for the great idea. Oh and by the way, Kevin (Grandma Edna), you really made my day with your funny story of your dream. You had me laughing. Always great to start the day with a smile = )
Kip Morrissette says
I have cleaned not only my cookie sheets, but other pans that I thought, I’m going to have to toss this pan etc so what do I have to lose? So I ended up with many NEW looking pans. I don’t care about my racks losing their shine either. Just make sure the handles aren’t plastic or wooden
When you go by a yard sale or junk type sale, keep the size of your racks written down in your cell phone Message pad or purse or wherever, and buy the size you need when wanting to clean up pots and pans. When we were in Alaska I found many ‘smokers’ used to smoke fish etc, used old oven racks. So you know there are such gems around, just have to think outside the box.
Betty-Jean Roppolo says
I’ve had my oven go on fire on two occasions while using the self clean feature, so I would recommend never going out or to bed while it’s on. It was pretty scary!
Marilou Gaw says
Kevin, that is also the way I ocassionally clean the “grill” sections on the top of my gas stove. Like you my oven racks long ago lost their glow. I was tired of the effort, energy and time it took to clean those grids so why not in the oven when I was cleaning it. Works like magic and saves my time more productive and interesting endeavors. Keep the hints coming and the recipes.
Thank you,
Marilou
Vickie Cook says
Kevin, I love your joie devivre! Thanks for sharing your love of food and life!
Maria Elena says
A friend gave me some cast iron pans that were rusted and I’m wondering I put them in the self cleaning cycle would that get r D to f the rust? I’ve tried getting them clean but there’s still some rust.
Maria Elena says
Get “rid of the rust” sorry for the typo
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
HI Maria – I don’t know if this technique will remove rust from a cast-iron pan. I’ve never tried it!
Lori says
For those of us who don’t have self cleaning ovens- would the broiler work? I mean it’s close to 500 degrees. Do self cleaners get hotter than that?
Lynne says
I just discovered this conversation while looking for an easier way to clean cast iron pans. I have been entertained but “preparation H” made me laugh out loud and the image? Holy smokes!!!! I’m a bit hesitant using my selfcleaning oven for my cast iron skillet but may bite the bullet and try it next time I use it. I’m only out 20 bucks (great sale) if it doesn’t work. Carbona oven and grill rack cleaner is amazing. Works like a charm. Thanks to everyone for the chuckles, great tips, etc. Lynne
Grace says
When we were kids and had a wood burning stove in the kitchen for heat, yeah I am old! LOL! My mom would put the cast iron pans in the fire every so often, when they had a lot of burnt on grease, esp on the bottoms. She would leave them in there probably until the fire burnt down. They always came out looking great. I did the same thing when my kids were young and had a campfire. I had them put the cast iron pan in the coals, came out great then too. So putting them in the self- cleaning cycle of the oven, while making me a bit nervous, does sound like a really good idea. I have a whole rack of sheet pans to clean. May have to try them a few at a time. Thanks, and love your articles!
Momof five says
I put my cast iron in the self cleaning cycle and it caught fire and my oven on fire and I could not get the door open to put it out. It had a thick crust on the outside I had tried to scrub off. That’s what caught fire. I guess old grease. I would never do this at night. It worked for my baking pan but no so much for my cast iron.
Rada says
I have been using my oven to clean my pizza stone, my cast iron skillet for many many years. My pizza stone gets dirty quickly, because things leak on it and a pizza stone cannot be cleaned in soapy water only water can be used, so that’s why I clean my pizza stone in the oven, it comes out looking like new. I just wipe up the residue with wet paper towel when the stone gets cold. To clean sheet pans in the oven, the pans should be professional grade so they don’t buckle or turn colors. When I use my baking sheets for baking or cooking I use parchment paper on my baking sheets, this keeps the sheets from burnt on food and easy to clean just lift the sheets up and toss in the garbage. Then wash the sheets in soapy water no scrubbing.
Eve Novak says
WAIT!! BEWARE!!
I liked the clarity of your post so I thought I’d give it a shot.
I placed the pan at the bottom of the oven because I took the racks out to wash while I ran a 2 hour self clean, and I damaged the bottom of my oven!!! 🙁
If you try this, DO NOT leave the pan on the bottom of the oven. The enamel at the bottom of my oven now has a raised crackle pattern that wasn’t there before. Boo Hoo!!
I don’t blame anyone, I just wish I had known that this might happen so I’m sharing my experience, and I hope you’ll add it to your post.
It’s just my assumption that this has something to do with the fact that the pan was directly on the bottom of the oven (not a baking rack). I’m not really sure, but the crackle pattern is only in the spot where the pan was.
Michael says
Beware lost my Dutch oven when it was left in accidently, truly. The cast iron out expanded the porcelain which pop off. Twenty years later and still rue the day.