How To Clean Muffin Tins So They Look Brand New

Muffin tins are a staple in the kitchen, and it's not hard to see why. From the obvious — baking muffins — to more savory breakfasts like baked egg muffins and even snack trays for kids, there are so many ways to use muffin tins. There are even innovative ways to repurpose muffin tins inside and outside the house, like this DIY sweet faux bulb planter for adorable decor. But if you're not ready to repurpose yours just yet and you'd like to get it back to its original shine, you can do it using just a couple of cleaning basics that you probably already have in your kitchen — baking soda and vinegar.

There are so many baking soda cleaning hacks that are worth trying because it makes such a great cleaning agent and is something most people have on hand. Baking soda can break down any residual grease on pans, and the acid in the vinegar it's paired with can help clear up any stains left from hard water sources. 

And while you might be excited to get your muffin tin looking brand new again, there are other reasons to clean it beyond aesthetics. The oil left behind from previous baking adventures can go rancid, which can not only make food taste bad but also be bad for your health. So a good cleaning will do wonders all around.

To effectively clean your muffin tin, start by rinsing off the tray with water to remove any obvious food particles that might have been left behind. Wipe down the tray, and sprinkle an even layer of baking soda across the whole pan. Follow that up by applying a layer of white vinegar across the surface of the tray. Using a spray bottle for this part can be helpful so you have more control over application. When the baking soda and vinegar mix, it will create a reaction like fizzing or bubbling.

At this point, you can let the mixture sit on the muffin tin as is for 15 to 20 minutes, or alternatively, you can soak the muffin tin with the baking soda and vinegar mixture still on it in hot water for 30 to 60 minutes. Once the muffin tin has soaked, wipe it down and rinse it with water, or give it a quick wash with dish soap and water as you would normally. Dry the muffin tin off, and then enjoy the squeaky-clean and just-like-new shine.