Learn How to Properly Clean Cake Pans, Muffin Tins, and More

Courtesy of Nordic Ware

Whether you own a beautiful Bundt pan that's been passed down for generations or you're just starting to build your collection of baking essentials, every home baker wants to preserve their pieces for years to come. From nonstick to aluminum, basic brownie pans to intricate baking plaques, we're sharing how to properly clean bakeware so that it lasts a lifetime.

Related: How to Salvage a Stained Baking Sheet

Prepping Your Pans

Easy cleanup starts with proper prep. "When using a muffin pan, grease the top edge of the pan so that any overflow easily cleans off the pan. When baking in a cake pan, use parchment paper to line the pan before adding batter. It makes cleanup simple and preserves the pan," says Anne Boyer, content marketing specialist for NordicWare.

Sunipa Kreuzer, senior kitchen merchant for Crate and Barrel, says that it's important to use enough of a coating before baking to ensure that you get a good release; she prefers Baker's Joy instead of cooking spray, which leaves a sticky residue that is "next to impossible to get off." If you must use spray, only use one that is formulated specifically for baking and contains flour, says Boyer. Of course, you can also grease a pan with a layer of softened butter and sifted flour.

Skip the Dishwasher

The high heat produced by a dishwasher can cause your pans to breakdown more quickly, says Kreuzer. "While many of them technically can go in the dishwasher, you are more likely going to need to replace [them] faster," she says. Before washing your bakeware, always let it cool completely before immersing it in water; this can help you avoid unnecessary warping or shattering. Kreuzer also recommends using a soft scrubbing sponge and mild dish soap to avoid scratching the pan.

If you have a nonstick baking pan, don't let it soak in the sink for hours. "Water gets through the tiny pores and makes contact with the metal surface underneath the coating, which begins to cause corrosion over time and can lead to nonstick bubbling or flaking," says Boyer. If you put natural uncoated aluminum pans in the dishwasher, their performance will not be affected but they will become etched and discolored.

How to Clean Bundt Pans

This type of cake pan has lots and lots of nooks and crannies. While the Bundt cake is always stunning, what do you do if your cake leaves some crumbs behind in small crevices? "Add a few drops of soap and fill up the pan with lukewarm water for a good soak. Once all the crumbs have softened up (generally a few hours), use a soft brush or nylon sponge to scrub thoroughly and rinse. Lastly, be sure to dry well with a towel to avoid water spots," says Kreuzer.