High performance bakeware is essential for expertly-baked pies, delicious cakes, roasts and more. But as a keen home chef, you'll be aware that the way you clean and care for your bakeware is important. Using the wrong cleaning techniques can damage a non-stick or hard anodised surface and reduce the longevity of your bakeware.
In this guide, we'll look at the best ways to clean and care for your non-stick and hard anodised baking tins and trays.
Cleaning and Caring for Bakeware
Keeping your bakeware clean and well-cared for is the best way to ensure consistent, high-quality results every time you bake. Without proper cleaning, grease and food residue can begin to carbonise on the surface of your tins and trays, causing your bakes to stick. This means that unfortunately your once-gleaming bakeware no longer performs to the standards you expect.
Fortunately, some gentle elbow grease and careful maintenance will quickly restore your baking trays and pans to their former glory, ensuring years of flawless performance.
Before you use your bakeware
Good care and maintenance begins when you use your bakeware for the first time. Start by removing all packaging and gently rub away any label adhesive residue.
Next, wash each piece in warm, soapy water and allow it to dry before storing carefully in your baking cupboard.
Cleaning Non-stick Bakeware
Non-stick bakeware is hugely popular for a reason. The non-stick coating makes it easy to release food after baking, and easy to clean up. Health-conscious cooks also appreciate the fact that food doesn't stick without the need for additional oil. However, your bakeware needs to be cleaned correctly to ensure the non-stick coating doesn't peel, scratch or warp.
We recommend you hand-wash your bakeware, even if it's labelled dishwasher-safe. High temperatures and harsh detergents can break down the surface over time, so washing in a sink of warm soapy water is the best care option for extending the life of your bakeware. Wait until your bakeware has cooled to room temperature before submerging in hot water.
Never be tempted to scrub the surface of your bakeware with a scouring pad or stiff brush, as this will damage the coating. Instead, wiping with a cloth, sponge or nylon scrubbing pad suitable for non-stick should be enough to clean your tins and trays. Any stubborn food residue should respond to being soaked in warm water for a few hours.
Once you're satisfied your bakeware is clean, rinse thoroughly and dry each piece well with a clean tea towel.
Cleaning Hard Anodised Bakeware
Featuring a surface that is four times harder than steel, hard anodised bakeware is designed for high temperatures with oven, grill and hob use. This bakeware transfers the oven heat directly to the contents giving your cakes, chips or tarts crispy edges with moist centres. Its incredibly hardwearing surface will not rust, peel or warp making it the perfect investment for the passionate and adventurous baker.
This professionally designed bakeware is not dishwasher safe and must be hand-washed. Dishwashing will degrade and remove the hard anodised surface. Before cleaning, remove any food residue from the bakeware then plunge into warm soapy water. For tougher cleans of roasting trays and baking sheets, while the bakeware is still hot pour in boiling water with a dash of washing up liquid. Leave for a minute to soak then scrub with a nylon brush before leaving to soak for a few minutes more then rinsing. You can then hand wash as usual.
Featuring a surface that is four times harder than steel, hard anodised bakeware is designed for high temperatures with oven, grill and hob use. This bakeware transfers the oven heat directly to the contents giving your cakes, chips or tarts crispy edges with moist centres. Its incredibly hardwearing surface will not rust, peel or warp making it the perfect investment for the passionate and adventurous baker.
This professionally designed bakeware is not dishwasher safe and must be hand-washed. Dishwashing will degrade and remove the hard anodised surface. Before cleaning, remove any food residue from the bakeware then plunge into warm soapy water. For tougher cleans of roasting trays and baking sheets, while the bakeware is still hot pour in boiling water with a dash of washing up liquid. Leave for a minute to soak then scrub with a nylon brush before leaving to soak for a few minutes more then rinsing. You can then hand wash as usual.
Caring for your Bakeware
Never use metal utensils with your non-stick bakeware. Instead, opt for silicon, nylon or wood. You should also never use a knife to cut into a cake or tray bake while still in the pan, as this could cause damage to the surface. It’s safe to use metal utensils on hard anodised bakeware due to its highly durable coating.
Avoid using cooking sprays that can burn at lower temperatures and damage your bakeware. Instead, use oil or butter that won't build up over time to avoid leaving a sticky residue that deteriorates the non-stick coating. With hard anodised bakeware, use baking parchment when cooking foods such as chips and cakes that are likely to stick to the surface. This makes it easier to remove your food and clean up afterwards.
Take the time to store your baking pans and trays properly. For non-stick bakeware, that means placing a soft cloth between each piece or stacking vertically, so the surface doesn't get scratched or damaged. Hard anodised pieces can be safely stacked together.
Take the time to clean and care for your non-stick and hard anodised bakeware, and you'll be rewarded with years of high performance. Try the Stellar range of bakeware today for exceptional results with your every recipe.
