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#### 1. **Prepare Your Baking Sheet**
Start by placing your baking sheet in the sink or on a flat surface. Make sure the baking sheet has cooled down before you start cleaning.
#### 2. **Apply Baking Soda**
Sprinkle a generous amount of **baking soda** over the greasy areas of your baking sheet. The more stained and greasy, the more baking soda you’ll want to use. For a large sheet, about 2 tablespoons should be sufficient, but feel free to add more if necessary.
#### 3. **Add Vinegar**
Pour the **white vinegar** directly over the baking soda. You’ll see the mixture begin to fizz and bubble, which is a good sign! This reaction helps to break down the grease and food particles. Allow the mixture to sit and fizz for about 5-10 minutes to really lift the grime.
#### 4. **Scrub Away the Grime**
After the fizzing has subsided, take your **scrub brush** or **sponge** and gently scrub the surface of the baking sheet. Focus on the areas that are most stained, but be sure to cover the whole surface. The baking soda will work as a mild abrasive, helping you to scrub away the grease without scratching the surface of your baking sheet.
#### 5. **Rinse with Hot Water**
Once you’ve scrubbed away the stains, rinse your baking sheet with **hot water** to wash away the baking soda and vinegar mixture. You may need to repeat the scrubbing for particularly tough stains, but usually, this method works wonders with just one round of cleaning.
#### 6. **Dry and Inspect**
Finally, use a clean cloth or paper towels to wipe your baking sheet dry. If any stains remain, repeat the process. Your baking sheet should now be shiny, clean, and grease-free!
### Tips for Extra Tough Stains:
– **For Heavier Stains**: If your baking sheet is particularly greasy or has built-up stains from multiple uses, you may need to apply a thicker layer of baking soda and vinegar, allowing it to sit longer (up to 20 minutes) before scrubbing.
– **Soak the Sheet**: For even tougher stains, fill your sink with hot water, add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda, and let the baking sheet soak for 30 minutes before following the steps above.
– **Use Aluminum Foil**: For large stains or grime, you can use crumpled aluminum foil as an abrasive scrubbing tool, which will help dislodge any tough buildup.
### Benefits of This Cleaning Method
– **Non-toxic and Safe**: Unlike harsh commercial cleaners, baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients that are safe for you, your family, and the environment.
– **Cost-effective**: Baking soda and vinegar are incredibly affordable and can be used for a wide range of cleaning tasks beyond just your baking sheets!
– **No Scratching**: The combination of baking soda and vinegar cleans your baking sheets without the risk of scratching or damaging the surface, making it perfect for aluminum, stainless steel, or nonstick sheets.
### Conclusion
Say goodbye to scrubbing endlessly or using expensive cleaners that may damage your baking sheets. This easy **2-ingredient method** using **baking soda** and **vinegar** is a simple and effective way to clean your baking sheets and remove grease and grime without all the hassle. The next time your baking sheets look a little worse for wear, give this method a try, and watch them shine like new again!
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