A crumpled ball of aluminum foil can clean a grimy baking sheet just as effectively as a steel wool pad, according to Southern Living.
The technique works because aluminum foil is hard enough to scrape off burnt food residue but generally softer than the metal used to make most baking sheets. That balance allows it to clean without being too abrasive.
Southern Living explained that when foil is scrunched into a loose ball, the raised edges and ridges create a texture that helps lift dirt. Add a little dish soap, the publication said, and the result is a simple but effective cleaning combination.
For more stubborn buildup, soaking the pan in hot soapy water for 10 to 20 minutes beforehand can make the job easier, the publication noted.
How to do it
- Rinse or soak the baking sheet in warm soapy water.
- Tear off a piece of aluminum foil and scrunch it into a ball.
- Gently scrub the surface, paying extra attention to areas with burnt residue.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
For extra cleaning power, Southern Living suggested sprinkling a small amount of baking soda on the sheet before scrubbing.
