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A Trick To Clean Really Dirty Cookie Sheets

I tried to think of a fun way to title this post, but I kept coming back to the idea of just stating the facts. 

A Trick To Clean Really Dirty Cookie Sheets.

I guess I have to humble myself and show you what I mess I had on my hands.


I'm so embarrassed.

   It all started around the holidays.  Several heavy baking days without scouring them caused a build up
 of. . . I'm not sure what.

My little green scrubby just couldn't handle the job. 

I've been using parchment paper in the mean time so that I'm not cooking on the surface.  I decided that it was time to pull out the big guns. . . yes, my bottle of ammonia and a kitchen garbage bag.  I was waiting for a warm, sunny day to make this trick most effective.


The process is pretty simple.  You put your cookie sheets into the bag, pour 1/2 cup or more into the bag and seal it shut.



Let it sit all day in the sun. 

In late afternoon, carefully open the bag (don't breath in the fumes) and take out the pans.  The ammonia will have softened the grease.  Scrub with a steel wool pad and all of the gunk will come off - even in the corners.  You can use plain steel wool or a Brillo pad.

(yes, they are the same pans - and the backs look great too!)


Hubs had to help me finish the last one as my arms were getting tired, but it only took 10 minutes to scrub all three pans. 

You can also do this trick with glass pans.  I inherited an old glass loaf pan from Hub's Nana.  It was discolored from years of use.  After cleaning off the grime, I discovered it was a beautifully etched glass pan. 

Rules:
1.  Don't breath in ammonia - it's pretty stinky and strong (and dangerous)
2.  Please keep out of the reach of children and pets.
3.  I've only used this on glass and stainless steel.  I've heard it will discolor other metals.  You should probably test a small area first to make sure it won't ruin your item.
4.   To be extra safe, please wear gloves and protective eye wear.

Now that the weather is warming up enough to do "The Trick", what will you be cleaning?
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Comments

  1. Vintage GalMarch 23, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    I thought I was the only one with these gunky cooky sheets. I am definitely going to try this. Thanks ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AlexiaMarch 23, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    I've gotta try this!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JenniferOctober 25, 2013 at 12:42 AM

    Just tried this and it worked like a charm. I tried the pinterest tip with peroxide and baking soda and it didn't touch my gunk. Thanks to you my 4 cookie sheets look brand new. Thanks for sharing this tip! Only problem now is my mom wants me to clean her 7 cookie sheets ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 30, 2014 at 11:55 AM

    hi - what did you do with the ammonia that was used/leftover in the kitchen garbage bag?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tidy Brown WrenNovember 30, 2014 at 3:02 PM

      I poured the leftover ammonia down my sink and then ran cold water until there was no more smell.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 30, 2014 at 3:41 PM

      Thank you! Happy Holidays!

      Delete
  5. UnknownJanuary 13, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    This works fabulously on the stove top burners!!!!! I wish I could attach a pic!! I put it in a Ziploc bag with enough ammonia to cover the bottom part and it practically melted right off!!!!!!!! No elbow grease required!!

    ReplyDelete

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