How can you best clean your baking tray? Your baking tray has a lot to deal with in the kitchen, from crispy cookies to juicy vegetables. After several cooking sessions, however, dirt and grease can build up, which can affect the taste of your dishes and even cause uneven cooking. In this blog we talk about effective, simple ways to get your baking tray shiny clean again.
The 5 best methods to clean your baking tray
Depending on how dirty the baking tray is, you can choose from different methods that fit the material of your baking tray:
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Warm water and dish soap is ideal for lightly soiled baking trays. Soak the baking tray for a while in warm water with a dish-soap solution and use a soft sponge to scrub it clean.
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Soda and water you mix into a paste and apply this to the dirty spots. Leave it to work for a moment, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Soda works well as a natural abrasive for more baked-on leftovers.
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Lemon and salt you sprinkle over the baking tray and then rub over the surface with half a lemon. The combination of salt and citric acid is effective for removing grease.
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Special oven cleaner you use for stubborn stains. You can use a special oven cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and always use gloves for protection.
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Ammonia you use for extremely dirty baking trays. Place a small dish of ammonia in the oven overnight together with the baking tray. This loosens the dirt, so you can wipe it off easily the next day.
Make sure you rinse the baking tray well with clean water after cleaning to remove all leftover cleaning products. And dry the baking tray thoroughly to prevent rust.
Also good to know
Cleaning your baking tray right after use can save you a lot of time and prevents food leftovers and grease from baking on. Start by removing the biggest leftovers and excess grease with some kitchen paper while the baking tray is still warm. This makes cleaning much easier later. Then let the baking tray cool. Cooling it quickly under cold water can warp the baking tray. Once the baking tray is hand-warm, make a mild suds with warm water and some dish soap. The leftover heat of the baking tray will help loosen the grease and food leftovers more easily. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratches, especially on non-stick coatings.
How to clean a burnt baking tray with vinegar and baking soda
Cleaning a burnt baking tray can be simple with household products such as vinegar and baking soda. Here is a short, clear step-by-step plan:
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Prepare your mix: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire baking tray.
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Activate it: Fill a plant sprayer with lukewarm water and add a good splash of vinegar. Then spray this mix over the baking soda until a paste forms that starts to fizz slightly.
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Leave it to work: Leave this mix to work on the baking tray for at least an hour, and for very stubborn dirt even overnight.
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Scrub the baking tray: Use a soft sponge to scrub the baking tray clean. The combination of baking soda and vinegar helps loosen grease and baked-on dirt.
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Rinse and dry: Rinse the baking tray well with warm water to remove all leftover cleaning mix, then dry it thoroughly.
Cleaning a stainless steel baking tray
Stainless steel is simple to clean. Use warm water with a mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasives that can cause scratches. For burnt-in stains you can use a mix of baking soda and water to soften the stains before you scrub them away.
Cleaning an aluminum baking tray
Aluminum is sensitive to scratches and can react with acidic foods. Clean this with a soft cloth and a mild dish soap. For stubborn stains, a solution of vinegar and water can help. Make sure you rinse and dry the baking tray well to prevent corrosion.
Cleaning a coated non-stick baking tray
For non-stick baking trays it is best to use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild dish soap. Abrasives and hard brushes should be avoided, because they can damage the non-stick coating. Baking soda paste can be used safely to remove more stubborn dirt.
Cleaning a cast-iron baking tray
Cast iron needs a different approach. Never wash this with soap, because this can strip the natural oil layer. Use hot water and a stiff brush instead. After cleaning you should oil the baking tray lightly to prevent rust and keep the seasoning in place.
Cleaning a glass baking tray
Glass baking trays are relatively simple to clean and tolerate more abrasion than metal. Use a mix of dish soap and warm water. For baked-on dirt a mix of baking soda and water or a special glass cleaner can be used. Rinse well to remove all soap residue.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning baking trays
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How can I best clean a lightly soiled baking tray?
For light soiling, a suds of warm water and dish soap is often enough. Soak the baking tray for a while and use a soft sponge to loosen the dirt and wipe it away.
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What should I do if my baking tray is badly baked on?
Make a paste of baking soda with a little water, apply this to the soiled areas, and leave it to work for a moment. Then use a plastic scraper or a soft brush to loosen the dirt without damaging the baking tray.
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Can I use vinegar to clean my baking tray?
Yes, vinegar is very effective, especially in combination with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the baking tray, then spray a mix of water and vinegar over it with a plant sprayer and let it fizz. After it has soaked in you can scrub the baking tray clean.
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Is it safe to clean your baking tray with ammonia?
Ammonia is effective for removing stubborn dirt, but should be used with care. Apply it to the baking tray, place this in a garbage bag, and leave it to work overnight. Make sure you ventilate the room well and wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.
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How do I stop my baking tray getting dirty again quickly?
Use baking paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid direct contact between food and the baking tray. This also helps shorten the cleaning time after baking.
Your baking tray can get very dirty after several cooking sessions. This can cause uneven cooking and a poor taste in your dishes. We have given the five best methods based on how dirty your baking tray is. From warm water and dish soap for light soiling to stronger products such as special oven cleaners and ammonia for more stubborn dirt.
