Ina Garten Just Shared the Controversial Dishwashing Trick She Swears By (It’s So Easy!)
Recently, while browsing Ina Garten’s Ask Ina site, I spotted a question that immediately raised my brows. A fan asked Ina how she cleans her baking sheets, and in her response, the Barefoot Contessa casually mentioned that she often tosses them right into the dishwasher: “I use Brillo pads to clean my sheet pans thoroughly, and then I wash them in the dishwasher. Lining the pan with parchment paper before baking or roasting is also an easy way to keep them spotless!”
But is it considered safe to clean baking sheets in the dishwasher? Here’s everything you need to know.
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Can Baking Sheets Go in the Dishwasher?
In short, yes, it’s fine to do this for most types of baking sheets, with one caveat: Over the long run, you’ll likely shorten the lifespan of your baking sheets, no matter what they’re made of. While it’s quick, easy, and convenient, regular exposure to the high heat and agitation of the wash cycle can impact the protective coating on your baking sheets, making them less effective.
That said, not all baking sheets are created equally. There are different types of baking sheets, and care instructions can be slightly different for each. Find the best way to clean each type below.
The Best Ways to Clean Baking Sheets
Although Ina might disagree, the best way to take care of a baking sheet, regardless of what type it is, is to wash it by hand with dish soap and water. For tough, cooked-on stains and bits of food, there are a few gentle techniques you can try:
Boiling water. Pouring about a half-inch of boiling water onto your baking sheet can be a good way of loosening caked-on food particles, allowing you to scrub it clean more easily.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Make a paste with these two powerful natural cleansers, then scrub the baking sheet using the paste for shiny results.
Baking soda and vinegar. Similarly, this combination is a gentle but effective way to clean tough kitchen messes, including baking sheets.
How to Clean Every Type of Baking Sheet
Stainless steel. Stainless steel can be washed in the dishwasher, as they’re able to withstand high heat, can handle repeated exposure to water, and resist agitation. But over time, you might notice a bit of minor warping of the baking sheet (similar to what happens when you put them in the oven).
Copper. Copper baking sheets are beautiful and durable, but they should never be put in the dishwasher. Doing so can quickly cause them to tarnish due to the high heat and prolonged exposure to water. Copper also scratches easily.
Glass. Like most glass cookware, glass baking sheets are fine to add to the dishwasher without having to worry about them being damaged. Look for the dishwasher safe symbol on the bottom of glass dishes to be sure.
Silicone. The best way to wash a silicone baking sheet in the dishwasher is to lay it flat on the top rack. This can help reduce wear and tear on the sheet and keep it from warping.
Ceramic. Beautiful and durable, ceramic baking sheets are some of the most expensive you can buy. It’s best to hand-wash these to keep them in top condition as long as possible.
In a busy kitchen like Ina’s, and perhaps yours, too, oftentimes convenience is king, like popping your baking sheet directly into the dishwasher. But like many things in life, it’s a trade-off between price and ease. While it’s great to be able to clean your baking sheets quickly, it could mean having to replace them more often. Follow her advice with caution!
Do you put your baking sheets in the dishwasher? Let us know in the comments below!
Further Reading
The “Beautiful” $3 Flower Tumblers at Walmart People Are Buying 2 at a Time
The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About
