Can Muffin Pans Go In The Dishwasher?

Figuring out whether certain kitchen items are dishwasher-friendly can be tricky sometimes. Do you want to put a muffin pan into the machine but don't know if that's a good idea? Well, we've done some research and have the answer for you. Let's discuss.

Typically, you are okay to run a muffin pan through the dishwasher. Although this will depend on its material, it's most likely dishwasher-friendly if your pan is silicone, glass, or metal. That said, not all muffin pans are the same, so make sure to read your product's cleaning instructions.

As we begin, we will cover all things muffin pans and discuss how to clean them. Whether you are just getting into baking or have just switched brands, we're here to help. With that said, let's jump right into this post!

Should I Put A Muffin Pan In The Dishwasher?

As long as a muffin pan says it is dishwasher-friendly, there is no reason you can't run it through your machine. Silicone, glass, and certain metal cookware can often go into your dishwasher, but this depends.

Your muffin pan will usually have an online or physical set of cleaning instructions, which will tell you whether it's okay to put them in the dishwasher.

Does Putting Pans In The Dishwasher Ruin Them?

Regardless of what a pan is used for, many brands recommend hand washing your bakeware. Unless you use silicone or glass muffin pans, putting your bakeware into the dishwasher can corrode and warp them, which essentially makes a pan unusable.

Certain metals like stainless steel should be okay to go into your machine, although we don't recommend doing this too often. Even high-quality stainless steel pans can rust in the dishwasher, so try to limit how often you do this.

How Do You Know If Something Is Dishwasher-Safe?

Generally, bakeware/cookware will come with instructions on how to clean them. Your pan might also have a symbol on it that looks like a plate or glass with a water drop above it, which indicates it is dishwasher safe.

If you cannot find either of these indicators, we recommend checking the item's brand website for further care and cleaning instructions.

What Happens If You Put Something In The Dishwasher That Isn't Dishwasher Safe?

Expect problems if you put an item into the dishwasher that isn't supposed to go in there. Especially with certain metals, the detergent and water pressure in a dishwasher can cause them to rust, essentially destroying your cookware.

Running non-dishwasher safe items through the machine can also strip them of valuable seasoning oils, which in turn can break them down.

What Happens If You Put Aluminum In The Dishwasher?

Putting aluminum into the dishwasher will usually cause it to darken, most times giving your pan a blackened look. This discoloration usually happens because of the high water temperature inside your machine. But certain detergents can also trigger the reaction.

Although you don't need to throw away a darkened aluminum pot or pan, repeatedly dishwashing one can make it unsafe to use over time. Remember, aluminum is a highly reactive metal, so it's best to hand wash it.

Is It Safe To Use Discolored Aluminum Cookware?

Like we said, yes, you can still use aluminum cookware once it discolors. On the other hand, exposing a discolored/darkened aluminum pan to extreme heat isn't always safe, so try not to use it in temperatures above 350-400 degrees.

You also shouldn't use an aluminum pot or pan for cooking highly acidic foods, as this can cause it to break down, so keep that in mind.

Can I Put A Cast Iron Muffin Pan In The Dishwasher?

For those using cast iron muffin pans/bakeware, avoid putting them into the dishwasher. Cast iron items, in general, can't handle the heat or pressure of a dishwasher and tend to rust if you run them through the machine.

As we mentioned earlier, the dishwasher can strip metal of its natural oils, which will cause degradation. Even if your cast iron pan doesn't seem to look bad after the dishwasher, it could be unsafe to use, so we suggest handwashing.

How Do You Wash A Cast Iron Muffin Pan?

If you have a cast-iron muffin pan, washing it shouldn't be too hard. To start, do the following:

1. Grab mild dish soap and a non-abrasive scrub brush/pad.
2. Turn your water on hot and begin scrubbing your pan.
3. Moving your brush/pad in circular motions, repeat this until any food is gone.
4. Once your pan is clean, rinse it off, and dry it with a soft towel or cloth.

One thing to note, cast iron is easily scratchable, so make sure to be gentle while cleaning it.

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Can I Put A Silicone Muffin Pan In The Dishwasher?

Generally, yes, silicone bakeware is safe to go in the dishwasher. As we said, silicone muffin pans are very dishwasher friendly and won't warp or melt in hotter temperatures.

Although silicone bakeware can go into the machine, it is relatively easy to hand wash, so you might not need to use your dishwasher each time you bake.

Is It Good To Put Silicone Bakeware In The Dishwasher?

For the most part, putting silicone bakeware into the dishwasher won't negatively affect it. As we covered above, silicone does well in the machine and won't melt or warp in hotter temperatures, so running it through the dishwasher is completely fine.

That said, dishwashers can be rough on bakeware and won't always fully clean them, so if you can hand wash yours, we recommend it.

What Are Some Items That Can't Go Into The Dishwasher?

A few kitchen items to keep out of your dishwasher include:

• Sharp knives
• Non-stick pots/pans
• Cast iron
• Antique cookware
• Hand-painted cookware
• Aluminum
• Wood
• Acrylic cookware

Although these are just some items to keep away from a dishwasher, try to check a product's cleaning instructions before putting them in the machine.

What Items Can Go In The Dishwasher?

When it comes to items you can put into your dishwasher, these include:

• Everyday china/ceramic dishes
• Hard plastic
• Drinking glasses
• Stainless steel
• Glass/stone bakeware
• Silicone and metal utensils

Of course, the list is endless, but it's always a good idea to look for a dishwasher-friendly symbol on your cooking/baking supplies to prevent them from getting damaged.

Is It Better To Hand Wash Dishes?

Although opinions vary, using a dishwasher will always be the more sanitary option. Dishwashers are also more water-efficient than handwashing, making running a full load better for the environment.

With that said, if you only have a few dishes to clean, hand washing is probably a better idea, so don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves! Regardless, make sure to rinse off your dishes before machine/hand washing, and don't forget to double-check their cleaning instructions.

What Is The Healthiest Way To Wash Dishes?

Depending on how you plan to wash your dishes, this can vary. You want to use hot water and a disinfecting soap to clean them by hand, while the dishwasher doesn't require more than a pod or tablet.

Bleach is also one of the better ways to truly sanitize dishware, although it can be abrasive to certain materials.

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To Wrap It Up

Whether you always run your muffin pan through the dishwasher or prefer to hand wash, it's essential to know how you should be cleaning it. From what we found, silicone, glass, and certain metal muffin pans are safe to put in the dishwasher, although it's best to check their cleaning instructions.

When it comes to machine washing stainless steel, this should be fine as long as it isn't too often. If your muffin pan is cast iron, we recommend only hand washing it to prevent rusting. Regardless of your muffin pan's material, check it for a dishwasher-safe symbol, and don't be afraid to hand wash it every once in a while.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts below!

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