After big holiday meals, the kitchen always seems to deliver one final challenge. For me, it’s the baking trays that look like they’ve been permanently lacquered with roasted fat and caramelized drips. The usual options are not exactly appealing, since scrubbing takes forever and strong cleaners can feel harsh on both hands and surfaces. Luckily, there’s an easier approach that relies on something most of us already keep within arm’s reach.
The secret is plain table salt. It sounds almost too basic, but that’s part of the charm. Salt has a natural grit that helps loosen stuck-on grease without the need for aggressive rubbing. Used at the right moment, it can lift that stubborn layer that makes trays feel impossible to save.
Timing matters here. The trick works best while the tray is still warm from the oven, not piping hot, just warm enough that the residue hasn’t fully hardened. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt over the greasy areas, making sure you cover the worst spots. Let it sit for a few minutes so it can start working on the baked-on film.
Once the salt has had a short break, grab a damp cloth or sponge and wipe. The goal is to sweep the salt along the surface so it can do the gritty work for you, nudging the grease and browned bits free. You may still need a little effort around the corners, but it’s more of a wipe-and-lift than a full-on scrub session. In many cases, you’ll see a noticeable difference after the first pass.
This tip was highlighted by Homes & Gardens, where writer Chiana Dickson called it one of those cleaning shortcuts that feels too simple to be true, yet still makes a real difference. It also has a nice bonus during busy seasons when the sink is already full, because it’s quick and doesn’t require digging out special products. When you’re tackling a stack of cookware, saving even a few minutes per tray adds up fast.
For stains that have really dug in, you can level it up. Mix salt with a small amount of baking soda before wiping for extra polishing power. If the tray has cooled completely and the residue is especially stubborn, a short soak in hot water can soften the mess first, then the salt step becomes much more effective.
Do you have a favorite no-scrub method for rescuing greasy baking trays? Share your best kitchen cleaning trick in the comments.
