Silicone tableware, pacifiers, and food molds have become household essentials for many families, especially those with babies, thanks to their non-toxic safety, heat resistance, and easy-release properties. However, few people realize that proper cleaning and maintenance can extend the lifespan of these silicone products by up to 3 years, saving money while ensuring safer use. Today, I’ll share simple and practical cleaning and care tips for silicone items.
Cleaning
First, always use neutral detergent to avoid material corrosion.
Although silicone has a smooth surface, it easily absorbs oil and stains. Clean it with a neutral detergent, such as baby-specific cleanser or mild dish soap, using a soft cloth or sponge. This removes dirt without damaging the silicone surface.
Never use strong alkaline soap, laundry powder, hard brushes, or steel wool — these will scratch the silicone, making it sticky and prone to trapping grime, and shortening its life.
Second, boiling or steam sterilization for thorough disinfection.
For pacifiers and tableware that directly touch food or a baby’s mouth, regular sterilization is essential. Silicone is heat-resistant: you can boil it in water for 5–10 minutes or use a steam sterilizer to kill bacteria without damaging the product.
After sterilization, air-dry it in a ventilated area instead of sealing it immediately to prevent bacterial growth from moisture.
Note: Avoid prolonged high-temperature boiling, as it accelerates silicone aging.
Maintenance
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Keep away from sharp objects to prevent damage
While silicone is flexible, it can be scratched by sharp items. Do not use silicone tableware for sharp foods, and store molds and pacifiers separately from scissors, blades, or other sharp tools. Replace items with small scratches promptly to avoid dirt buildup and bacteria.
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Avoid direct sunlight and prolonged high heat
Even though silicone withstands high temperatures, long-term sun exposure or placement near stoves, heaters, or other heat sources accelerates aging, causing yellowing, stickiness, and loss of elasticity. Store silicone products in a cool, ventilated area after use.
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Prevent long-term oil soaking; clean promptly
Silicone absorbs oil easily. Prolonged contact with greasy food or oil immersion can penetrate the material, making it hard to clean while speeding up aging, stickiness, and odors. Clean silicone tableware and molds right after use with oily foods, and dry them before storage to avoid oil residue.
In short
Caring for silicone products is simple. Just follow these rules:
mild cleaning, high-temperature disinfection, avoid sharp objects, avoid sun exposure, avoid long-term oil contact
This will safely extend their service life by 3 years, lower replacement costs, maintain hygiene, and protect your family’s health.
Regarding liquid silicone rubber, please refer to our website for details:
IOTA Liquid Silicone Rubber
