How to Clean and Care for Silicone Tableware
22 Mar 2025
If you are reading this blog, you’ve probably discovered the magic of baby silicone tableware by now. Those soft, colorful plates, bowls, and spoons are practically indestructible—perfect for surviving the chaos of mealtime with a toddler or a curious baby just starting solids. I’ll admit, when I first swapped out flimsy plastic bowls for silicone ones, I was sold. No more cracked dishes after a dramatic floor drop, and no more worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into my little one’s food. But here’s the catch: even the toughest, safest gear needs proper care to stay that way.
In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for baby silicone tableware—whether you’re a hand-washing enthusiast or a dishwasher devotee. From safe temperatures to the best detergents you can grab in Hong Kong, I’ve got you covered. Plus, I’ll share some tricks I’ve learned along the way (because let’s face it, parenting is a learning curve!). Ready to keep your baby’s dishes spotless and safe? Let’s dive in.
Why Silicone Tableware is a Parent’s Best Friend
Silicone is a superstar material for baby gear. It’s heat-resistant, freezer-friendly, and free of nasties like BPA, phthalates, and PVC. It’s soft enough not to hurt little gums, yet tough enough to handle daily use (and abuse). Whether you’re reheating leftovers, freezing homemade purees, or just surviving the mess of self-feeding, silicone has your back. But to keep it performing at its best—and safe for your baby—it needs a little love and attention.
Let’s start with the basics.
Safe Temperatures: What Can Silicone Handle?
One of the best things about silicone is its versatility, but you’ll want to know its limits to avoid any mishaps. Here’s the rundown:
- Heat Resistance: Most silicone tableware can take temperatures up to 220°C or 428°F. That’s plenty for warming up a bowl of porridge in the microwave or even popping it in the oven for a quick reheat (if the label says it’s okay). But here’s a pro tip: always double-check the manufacturer’s specs. Some brands might cap it a bit lower, and you don’t want to risk melting your baby’s favorite plate!
- Cold Resistance: It’s freezer-safe down to -40°C or -40°F, making it a dream for batch-prepping purees —no cracking, no fuss.
- Microwave Safe: Yes, it’s generally microwave-safe unless the packaging says otherwise. One caveat: be cautious with high-fat or sugary foods (think buttery purees or fruit compotes). They can heat unevenly and get hotter than the silicone’s limit, so keep an eye on them.
- Dishwasher Safe: Absolutely! Stick it on the top rack for the safest wash. The bottom rack can get too hot in some machines, and we don’t want any warping.
Understanding these limits means you can use your silicone tableware confidently, whether you’re heating, cooling, or cleaning. Now, let’s talk about getting it ready for that first bite.
Before First Use: A Clean Start
When you unbox your shiny new silicone tableware, it might look pristine, but don’t be fooled—there could be dust or manufacturing residue hiding out. Here’s how to prep it for your baby’s debut meal:
- Wash Thoroughly: Grab some warm water and a mild, baby-safe dish soap. I use a soft sponge to give it a gentle scrub—nothing abrasive, just a little TLC to wipe away anything lingering from the factory.
- Rinse Well: This step is key. Rinse it under running water until every last bubble disappears. Soap residue isn’t something you want mixing with your baby’s food (trust me, I learned this the hard way when my son made a face at his first soapy-tasting spoonful!).
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Sterilize (Optional):If you’re a germ-wary parent like me, you might want to go the extra mile. You’ve got options:
- Boiling: Pop it in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then let it air dry on a clean rack. It’s old-school but effective.
- Dishwasher: Run it through a cycle if it’s dishwasher-safe. I stick it on the top rack with a high-heat sanitize setting—done and dusted.
- UV Sterilizer: In Hong Kong, UV sterilizers are a parenting staple. Toss clean, dry items in for a 5-10 minute cycle. Just check the label to ensure your silicone is UV-compatible—some coated versions aren’t.
Inspect: Before you hand it over to your little one, give it a quick once-over. Cracks, tears, or funky spots? Don’t use it. Contact the seller for a replacement. Safety first!
With that, you’re ready for mealtime. But how do you keep it clean day after day? Let’s break it down.
Best Ways to Clean Silicone Tableware
Daily cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore—whether you’re scrubbing by hand or letting your dishwasher do the heavy lifting, there’s a method for every parent.
Daily Cleaning
- Hand Washing: My go-to when I’m short on dishes or just want to stay in control. Use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly and let it air dry on a rack. My go-to when I’m short on dishes or just want to stay in control. Use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly and let it air dry on a rack.
- Dishwasher: For those glorious days when you’ve got a full load, silicone tableware is a breeze. Pop it on the top rack, set a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and let it air dry afterward.
- Stains or Odors: Babies love colorful foods, but those carrots and tomatoes can leave their mark. If you spot stains or a whiff of something off, mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water, soak for 10-15 minutes, then wash as usual. No vinegar? Sprinkle some baking soda, scrub with a damp sponge, and rinse. Works like a charm every time.
These simple steps keep your baby’s gear fresh and ready for the next meal. But what about long-term care? That’s where periodic maintenance comes in.
Periodic Care: Keeping It Like New
Silicone is tough, but it’s not invincible. Every 1-2 months—or if it’s been heavily used—give it some extra attention to ensure it stays safe and hygienic:
- Deep Cleaning: Boil it for 3-5 minutes and air dry, or run a high-heat dishwasher cycle. This zaps any sneaky bacteria that might’ve built up. I do this after a particularly messy week (looking at you, spaghetti sauce phase).
- UV Sterilizer: If you’ve got one—and in Hong Kong, many of us do—it’s a game-changer. Place clean, dry tableware inside, making sure it’s not overcrowded, and run a 5-10 minute cycle. Brands like Philips Avent or 59S are super popular here, and it’s a chemical-free way to sterilize. Just double-check your silicone is UV-friendly—most are, but some coated ones aren’t.
- Inspect: Take a good look every so often. Cracks, stickiness, or fading? Time to toss it. Damaged silicone can harbor bacteria or even break off, and that’s a risk I’m not taking with my little one.
- Store Smart: Keep it in a dry cupboard or drawer, away from direct sunlight or heat sources (like that sunny kitchen window or near the stove). Heat and UV rays can break down silicone over time, and we want it lasting as long as possible.
With these habits, your tableware will stay in top shape for months—or even years—of messy meals.
Detergent Tips: The Best Picks
Here’s where things get personal: the detergent you use matters. Harsh chemicals or strong scents can cling to silicone (it’s slightly porous, believe it or not), and that’s the last thing you want near your baby’s food. Let’s break it down:
What to Look For
You want a detergent that’s mild, baby-safe, and ideally plant-based. Fragrance-free is a bonus—those floral or citrus scents might smell nice, but they can linger on silicone and irritate sensitive little ones. Plant-based formulas use natural ingredients like coconut or citrus extracts to clean without synthetic nasties, making them safer for your baby and the planet.
Why Plant-Based?
Plant-based detergents are my go-to because they skip petroleum-based chemicals, reducing the risk of irritation for my baby. In Hong Kong, where tap water can be hard in some areas, they’re less likely to leave a filmy residue on silicone—keeping it looking and feeling fresh. Plus, they often come in eco-friendly packaging, which feels good when you’re juggling parenting and trying to be a little greener.
Extra Tips for Silicone Success
A few more nuggets of wisdom from my parenting journey:
- Freezer: Let food cool before freezing to avoid shocking the silicone. Stack carefully to keep its shape.
- Microwave: Cover food loosely to avoid splatter (a silicone lid or plate works great), and don't overheat.
- Avoid the Nasties: Skip bleach or abrasive scrubbers—they’ll ruin the surface. Stick to mild cleaners and soft tools.
- Smell Trouble?: If detergent scent lingers (thanks, porous silicone!), rinse for an extra 1-2 minutes, soak in a baking soda mix (1 tbsp per cup of water) for 15-20 minutes, or sun-dry it for a few hours. Problem solved.
- White Residue?: Hard water or leftover soap can leave a film. Wipe with vinegar-dampened cloth, rinse, or soak in a 1:1 vinegar-water mix for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. Good as new.
Wrapping It Up
Caring for baby silicone tableware isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of know-how to keep it safe and lasting. From that first wash to those monthly deep cleans, a little effort goes a long way.
For more information, please check out our page on cleaning instruction of our own cushcush silicone tableware.
Got a cleaning tip or favorite detergent? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you. Happy feeding, fellow parents!