Ultimate Guide How to Clean and Care for Silicone Eatware and Highchair Accessories
The guide to removing soap tastes, stubborn stains and keeping baby gear looking new.
Silicone eatware is a parent favourite for good reason. It is tough flexible safe and made to handle real life mess. But if your silicone plate smells like soap or still looks orange after spaghetti night this guide is for you.
Quick Clean Guide
Wash silicone with hot water and fragrance free detergent as soon as possible after use. If it smells or tastes soapy bake it at 120 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes or soak it in equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Wipe highchair parts daily and deep clean weekly.
Silicone lasts a long time but it absorbs oils so gentle cleaning makes a big difference.
How to Clean Silicone Plates Bowls and Bibs
Most silicone baby plates and bowls are dishwasher safe on the top rack but hand washing with hot water helps them last longer.
After washing run your fingers over the surface. If it squeaks it is clean. If it feels slippery wash again.
Choose fragrance free detergents available at Coles or Woolworths such as eco store Ultra Sensitive or unscented castile soap. Avoid strong scents and creamy soaps.
Why Does My Silicone Taste Like Soap?
Silicone is non toxic but slightly porous which means it can absorb fragrance oils from dishwashing liquid. When food is warm those oils release and cause the soapy taste.
How to Remove Soap Taste Fast
Vinegar soak
Soak silicone in equal parts white vinegar and hot water for up to one hour then rinse well.
Bake it out
Bake clean dry silicone at 120 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes then allow to cool.
Lemon rub
Rub with fresh lemon for mild smells then rinse.
How to Remove Tomato and Curry Stains
Leave washed silicone in direct sunlight for three to four hours. The Australian sun works wonders.
For stubborn stains scrub gently with a paste of bicarbonate soda and water or pour boiling water over the item before soaking in vinegar.
Cleaning Highchair Accessories
Wipe silicone mats straight after meals. Ours at Nibble and Rest are dishwasher safe.
Soak highchair straps weekly in a gentle oxygen soak such as Nappy San. Avoid bleach as it weakens the fabric.
Wipe wooden footrests only. Do not soak. Plastic footrests can be washed with warm soapy water.
Sterilising and Storing Silicone
Sterilise silicone gear for new borns under three months. For older babies good washing is enough.
Use boiling water microwave steam bags or electric sterilisers.
Always dry silicone completely before storing. Store away from direct sunlight and avoid stacking heavy items on top.
Replace silicone if it becomes sticky cracked or holds strong smells even after cleaning.
Quick FAQs
Can I use bleach on silicone?
No. Use vinegar or oxygen based cleaners instead.
Is silicone microwave safe?
Usually yes up to about 220 degrees Celsius. Check the manufacturer first.
How often should I clean highchair straps?
Wipe daily and deep soak weekly.
