Cleaning stainless cookie sheets

[swd12422]

At least the label claimed they are stainless steel.... But they are HORRIBLE.

After only a few uses, they are sticky and grimy and I can't get them clean. I tried Bon Ami and a nylon scrubber. Nothing came off. Sprayed with vinegar, sprinkled on some baking soda, and let them sit. Nothing. Made a baking soda paste, then added Dawn and HOT water, left them to soak. Still nothing. Threw them into the dishwasher without rinsing all the stuff off -- they're a mess.

Now what do I try? Or do I toss them? And if I toss them, please recommend cookie sheets (preferably made in USA) that won't do this!

[cristeen]

Are you using cooking spray on them?  That's a common effect of cooking spray.  It'll have that effect on any cookie sheet that isn't non-stick.  Some oils will have that same effect when exposed to the heat.  Try sticking to oils that can handle the high heat, like coconut oil, it's less likely to happen.  Although sugars in food can have a similar effect (squash and sweet potato leave a nasty residue). 

To get them clean, you need to soak them in the hottest water possible to soften the oil, and then scrub, and usually a nylon scrubby isn't going to do it - steel wool is the only thing I've found.  I usually do BS and steel wool. 

[swd12422]

Nope. No cooking spray. I had assumed that's what happened to my last set of sheets, so I swore off it, but I did use them for frozen processed foods so whatever fake chemical stuff is in those probably had the same effect. Ick! I'll invest in some steel wool and see how that goes.

[mumkimum]

If they have sides, or if there's any means you have to submerge them in boiling water, it might be worth trying that to lift off whatever sticky stuff is on them (maybe fill the sink with a potful of boiling water and give them some time in there?)  I've had good luck with a lot of weird things doing that for my cookware, followed by a regular scrub down with bon ami and/or baking soda.  

Sometimes I'll also find that using parchment paper will help get rid of old cooking residue that never really cleaned off AND keep the pan relatively clean from whatever I'm making (I'm assuming it'll slightly absorb whatever's under it, and obviously it works out better when cooking something that isn't terribly messy on top at the time - maybe just rolls or biscuits or whatever).

HERE is cleaning info that I've found helpful but I don't think has really new breakthroughs for you to try, but it might so hey, check it out anyway.  

[JollyGG]

I throw mine in the self cleaning cycle of my oven and they come beautifully clean. It never seems to last long before they are gross again, but they sure do look nice right after I've done it.