We all recognize the signs of a heavily used oven tray: greasy, sticky, and covered with burnt food residue. Restoring it to its original shine can feel nearly impossible, even after long scrubbing sessions. The good news is that there are easier and more effective methods to save you the effort. Here are practical tips and techniques to help your oven trays look brand new again.
Know Your Tray Material First
When learning how to clean baking sheets, the tray’s material plays an important role in choosing the right method. Each type has specific cleaning needs and considerations.
How to Clean Everyday Baking Trays
For trays used daily that don’t have heavy grease or burnt food (such as cookie or simple cake trays), a quick routine clean is usually enough.
Steps:
Soak the tray: If there are light residues, soak it in warm water for 10–15 minutes to loosen food particles.
Wash with dish soap: Add a small amount of dish soap and gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth.
Rinse well: Rinse with warm water to remove all soap. Repeat if necessary.
Dry properly: Dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.
Don’t Throw Away Dirty Oven Trays Yet
If your trays have been dirty for a long time, you might think they’re beyond saving. Before discarding them, try restoring them first.
A slightly unusual but effective method involves using a coin:
Cover the tray with hot soapy water and leave for 30 minutes.
Rub the surface gently in circular motions using a coin.
Rinse and clean as usual (you can place it in the dishwasher).
⚠️ Note: This method may damage non-stick surfaces, so avoid using it on those trays.
Natural Cleaning Method (Baking Soda)
Burnt food buildup can be difficult to remove with regular soap alone. Baking soda is a natural and powerful solution.
Steps:
Remove loose debris using a paper towel. Avoid heavy scrubbing at this stage.
Fill the sink with hot or boiling water and add one cup of baking soda.
Place the tray in the solution and let it soak for about one hour.
Drain the water and wipe away the softened residue with a sponge or cloth.
Repeat if necessary, then wash normally or place in the dishwasher.
How to Clean Very Greasy Trays
For trays with heavy grease buildup:
Use a paper towel and an oven or grill cleaner spray to wipe away excess grease.
Fill the sink with hot water and dish soap, then soak the tray for one hour.
Turn it over halfway through if it doesn’t fit fully.
Wipe with a soft sponge (for non-stick trays) or use a scrub pad for tougher surfaces.
For best results, run it through the dishwasher afterward.
Tips to Keep Your Trays Clean All the Time
Maintenance is key to avoiding tough cleaning jobs. Follow these tips:
Use baking paper or liners to prevent spills and burnt residue.
Consider reusable tray liners (more eco-friendly).
Soak trays immediately after use in hot soapy water.
Avoid harsh scrubbing tools on non-stick trays.
Use paper towels to remove excess grease before washing.
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