Silicone kitchenware, such as bakeware, molds, and spatulas, is popular for its nonstick properties. Clean silicone after each use keeps it fresh and ensures its nonstick qualities remain effective. So, it is important to know how to clean silicone properly. Simple household cleaners like dishwashing liquid and baking soda are often enough for routine maintenance, but occasionally, silicone pieces can become sticky or stained.
For stains, vinegar or a diluted bleach solution can provide a deeper clean without damaging the material. A more thorough cleaning may require if the silicones have started to feel sticky.
Silicone is dishwasher safe, but you’ll probably need to hand-wash the goods. Here are some easy steps for cleaning silicone cookware.
How to Clean Silicone in case of light dirt
Mix Dish Soap with Hot Water: Start by filling a sink or large bucket with very hot water. Take one teaspoon of a dishwashing detergent that contains a degreaser agent and mix with hot water.
Soak the Silicone Cookware: Place the silicone items into the hot, soapy water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour for tougher residue. This soaking time allows dish soap to break down any grease or buildup.
Scrub Away Residue: After soaking, take the silicone items out of the water. Add a few drops of dish soap to a nonabrasive sponge and scrub the silicone thoroughly.
Rinse the Silicone: Use lukewarm water to rinse the silicone, then either wipe it down with a cloth or let it air dry.
If the silicone still feels sticky or greasy:
Step 1: Make a paste of warm water and a small amount of baking soda. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and helps cut through grease.
Step 2: Dip a sponge or brush in the baking soda paste and scrub the silicone surface properly.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and let the item air dry.
How to Clean Silicone in case of Tough Stains
If light-colored silicone pieces have stains from darker foods, you can use hydrogen peroxide to remove the discoloration.
- Place the discolored item in a bowl or sink and pour on enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the stained area. Let it soak for 24 hours. Rinse well before using it.
Dealing with white powdery residue
The minerals of hard water may leave a powdered white residue on silicone. Although it will affect the nonstick qualities, it is not harmful. To remove this, soak the silicone in white vinegar for 30 minutes. The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits, restoring the silicone’s nonstick properties. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry or wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Dealing with Odors
Silicone sometimes retains odors from foods. In this case, you can follow the steps I mentioned here:
Step 1: Soak the silicone in a mixture of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) for about 30 minutes. The vinegar will neutralize most odors.
Step 2: After soaking, rinse well with water.
How to Clean Silicone in the Dishwasher
Most of the silicone products are dishwasher-safe. Cleaning processes in Dishwasher are:
Step 1: Place silicone items on the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent exposure to high heat at the bottom.
Step 2: Then, run the Dishwasher through a normal cycle on high temperature.
Step 3: Before storing, dry silicone with a soft cloth.
FAQ
What is the best method for cleaning silicone?
Use warm, soapy water with a soft sponge, and for tougher stains, try a baking soda paste or vinegar soak.
What should not be used to clean silicone?
Avoid abrasive cleaners, sharp tools, or strong chemicals like acetone, as they can damage silicone.
Does silicone get damaged by vinegar?
No, vinegar is safe for cleaning silicone and can help remove stains and odors.
Is it possible to clean silicone with alcohol?
Alcohol isn’t recommended for cleaning silicone rubber, as it may cause long-term damage. However, it’s safe for sterilizing medical-grade silicone. Always check with the manufacturer to confirm if your silicone can handle alcohol exposure.
Can silicone be cleaned with soap?
Yes, mild dish soap with warm water is a good, gentle cleaner for silicone.
Is it possible to clean silicone with bleach?
Avoid using strong commercial bleach on silicone, as its harsh chemicals can damage silicone’s properties and reduce its quality.
Is silicone dishwasher safe?
Most silicone kitchen items are dishwasher-safe.
How to clean mold and mildew of silicone?
Use a baking soda paste, scrub gently, and rinse well.
Quick Tips to Keep Silicone in Top Shape
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals. They could degrade nonstick properties and leave scratches that collect food particles and oils.
- Dry your silicone items fully before storing to prevent odors or mildew.
- After each use, wash the silicone properly. This keeps the product free from any dirt, stains, and oil buildup.
- Before boiling the silicone, make sure it can tolerate high heat.
- Never clean silicone products with ammonia, bleach, or alcohol-based cleansers. These are harsh chemicals that could degrade the silicone over time.
- Avoid oil sprays or grease on silicone bakeware.
- Before attempting deep cleaning methods, use regular cleaning procedures with normal water and mild dish soap.