My Grandma Taught Me This Trick to Clean a Greasy Baking Sheet Without Scrubbing – Here’s How It Works
If you’ve ever battled with a stubborn, greasy baking sheet that refuses to shine no matter how much elbow grease you use, you’re not alone. I used to dread cleaning them—until my grandma shared her old-school trick that completely changed the game. No scrubbing. No harsh chemicals. Just a simple method that works like magic. Here’s how she does it:
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Hot water
- Aluminum foil
- Dish soap (optional)
The Method:
1. Sprinkle Baking Soda:
Generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the greasy baking sheet. Focus on the areas with burnt-on grease and oil stains.
2. Pour Vinegar Over It:
Slowly pour white vinegar over the baking soda. It will fizz and bubble—that’s the reaction that helps lift the grime.
3. Let It Sit:
Allow the mixture to sit for 30–45 minutes. This gives the natural cleaners time to break down the grease.
4. Scrub With Aluminum Foil:
Ball up a piece of aluminum foil (about the size of a small apple) and use it as a scrubber. Gently rub it across the tray—no hard pressure needed. The foil gives just enough abrasion without damaging the surface.
5. Rinse & Dry:
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. For extra shine, you can wash it once more with dish soap. Dry it completely with a clean towel.
Why It Works:
Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and natural deodorizer, while vinegar cuts through grease and helps loosen baked-on stains. Aluminum foil replaces a scrubber but doesn’t scratch like steel wool might.
Bonus Tip:
If your baking sheet is really grimy, try placing it in a large plastic bag after covering it with a baking soda-vinegar paste and let it sit overnight.
This trick not only saved my baking sheets—it saved my time and sanity. Grandma always said, “Work smarter, not harder,” and now my pans sparkle like new with barely any effort!
