Baking sheets go through a lot in the kitchen. From roasted vegetables and sheet pan dinners to cookies and pastries, they often end up covered with grease, burnt bits, and stubborn baked-on stains. Before you give up on an old pan, there are several simple methods you can try to bring it back to life.

Here are six easy ways to clean baking sheets, along with a few tips on when it is time to replace them.

1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

This is a popular method for loosening tough grime.

What you need:

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• A coarse sponge or cloth

How to do it:
Sprinkle baking soda over the pan, then pour a little hydrogen peroxide on top. Add another light layer of baking soda and let everything sit for about 2 hours. After that, wipe the surface clean with a sponge or cloth. If needed, repeat the process for tougher stains.

Tip: Test this on a small area first, especially if your pan has a coating.

2. Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil

This method works well for stuck-on residue.

What you need:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Aluminum foil

How to do it:
Wet the baking sheet, then sprinkle baking soda over the surface. Add a little water to form a paste. Crumple aluminum foil into a loose ball and use it to scrub the stained areas. Once the grime lifts, wash the pan with warm soapy water.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak

A soak can help loosen buildup before scrubbing.

What you need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hot water
• A nylon pad or scrubber

How to do it:
Fill your sink with hot water and add equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Place the baking sheet in the mixture and let it soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then scrub the loosened grime away and wash the pan with soap and water.

4. Oven Cleaner

For very stubborn messes, oven cleaner may help.

What you need:

• Oven cleaner
• Steel wool or a heavy-duty scrubber

How to do it:
Spray the baking sheet evenly with oven cleaner and let it sit for about 15 minutes in a well-ventilated area. Scrub away the residue, then rinse thoroughly with warm soapy water.

Important: This method is harsher than the others and may not be suitable for every pan, especially aluminum or coated surfaces.

5. Cream of Tartar and Vinegar

This is another useful paste for lifting stains.

What you need:

• Cream of tartar
• White vinegar
• Sponge or cloth

How to do it:
Mix equal parts cream of tartar and vinegar to form a paste. Spread it over the stained areas and let it sit for at least an hour, or until dry. Then use warm water and a sponge to scrub the paste away.

6. Dishwasher Tablet

This cleaning trick has become very popular online.

What you need:

• Dishwasher tablet
• Hot water

How to do it:
Wet the pan with hot water. Using the tablet, gently scrub the dirty areas. Rinse well with warm water when finished.

How to Keep Baking Sheets Cleaner Longer

Once your baking sheet is clean, a few habits can help prevent heavy buildup:

• Line the pan with parchment paper or foil before baking
• Wash it soon after use
• Avoid harsh metal tools on nonstick surfaces
• Dry it thoroughly after cleaning

When to Replace a Baking Sheet

Even with good care, baking sheets do not last forever. It may be time to replace yours if:

• The pan is warped and no longer sits flat
• A nonstick coating is peeling
• Deep scratches or damage are visible
• Stains and buildup no longer come off safely

A well-used baking sheet can last a long time, but the right cleaning method makes all the difference. Before throwing one away, try one of these simple techniques and see if it can be saved.