What's the best way to clean your baking tray? Your baking tray goes through a lot in the kitchen, from crispy cookies to juicy veggies. But after a few cooking sessions, grime and grease can build up, which can affect the taste of your dishes and even cause uneven cooking. In this blog, we’ll share some easy and effective ways to get your baking tray sparkling clean again.
The 5 best ways to clean your baking tray
Depending on how dirty your baking tray is, you can choose from different methods that suit the material of your tray:
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Warm water and dish soap are perfect for lightly soiled baking trays. Let the tray soak for a bit in warm water with some dish soap, then use a soft sponge to clean it up.
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Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the dirty spots. Let it sit for a bit, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Baking soda works great as a natural scrub for tougher, stuck-on messes.
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Sprinkle lemon and salt over the baking tray and rub it with half a lemon over the surface. The combination of salt and citric acid is super effective for removing grease.
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Use a special oven cleaner for stubborn stains. You can use a dedicated oven cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear gloves for protection.
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Use ammonia for extremely dirty baking trays. Place a small bowl of ammonia in the oven overnight along with the baking tray. This loosens the grime, making it easy to wipe off the next day.
Make sure to rinse the baking tray thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to remove any leftover cleaning products. And dry the baking tray well to prevent rust.
Also good to know…
Cleaning your baking tray right after use can save you a lot of time and prevents food scraps and grease from sticking. Start by removing the biggest bits and excess grease with some kitchen paper while the tray is still warm. This makes cleaning much easier later on. Let the tray cool down afterwards. Cooling it quickly under cold water can warp the tray. Once the tray is warm to the touch, make a mild soapy solution with warm water and a bit of dish soap. The leftover heat from the tray will help loosen up grease and food residue 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 is easy with everyday household items like vinegar and baking powder. Here’s a quick and simple step-by-step guide:
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Prepare your mixture: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the baking tray.
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Activate it: Fill a spray bottle with lukewarm water and add a generous splash of vinegar. Then spray this mixture over the baking soda until it forms a paste that starts to fizz gently.
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Let it soak: Leave this mixture on the baking tray for at least an hour, or even overnight for really stubborn grime.
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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 grime.
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Rinse and dry: Rinse the baking tray thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the cleaning mixture, then dry it completely.
Cleaning a stainless steel baking tray
Stainless steel is super easy to clean. Just use warm water with a mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could cause scratches. For stubborn stains, you can use a mix of baking soda and water to gently loosen them before scrubbing them away.
Cleaning an aluminum baking tray
Aluminum is prone to scratches and can react with acidic foods. Clean it with a soft cloth and a mild dish soap. For stubborn stains, a solution of vinegar and water can help. Make sure to rinse and dry the baking tray thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
Cleaning a coated non-stick baking tray
For non-stick baking trays, it's best to use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners and hard brushes, as these can damage the non-stick coating. You can safely use a baking soda paste to tackle more stubborn dirt.
Cleaning a cast iron griddle
Cast iron needs a different approach. Never wash it with soap, as this can strip away the natural oil layer. Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush. After cleaning, lightly oil the pan to prevent rust and keep the seasoning intact.
Cleaning a glass baking tray
Glass baking trays are pretty easy to clean and can handle a bit more scrubbing than metal ones. Just use a mix of dish soap and warm water. For stubborn, baked-on messes, try a paste of baking soda and water or a special glass cleaner. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to get rid of any soap residue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Baking Trays
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What's the best way to clean a lightly soiled baking tray?
For light dirt, a solution of warm water and dish soap Usually that's enough. Let the baking tray soak for a bit and use a soft sponge to loosen and wipe away the dirt.
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What should I do if my baking tray is really caked with residue?
Make a paste of baking powder with a little water, apply it to the dirty areas, and let it sit for a while. 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 when combined with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the baking tray, then spray a mixture of water and vinegar over it with a spray bottle and let it fizz. After it soaks 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 it should be used with care. Apply it to the baking tray, place it in a garbage bag, and let it sit overnight. Make sure to ventilate the area well and wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.
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How can I keep my baking tray from getting dirty again so quickly?
Use baking paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent direct contact between food and the baking tray. This also helps cut down on cleaning time after baking.
Your baking tray can get really dirty after several cooking sessions. This can lead to uneven cooking. and a bad taste in your dishes. We've listed the top five solutions based on how dirty your baking tray is. From warm water and dish soap for light messes to stronger options like special baking cleaners and ammonia for tougher grime.
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