How to Clean and Care for Silicone Baby Feeding Products

Quick answer

Rinse silicone feeding gear in warm water the moment a meal ends, wash it with a mild dish soap and a soft sponge, then let it air dry fully before storing. Dishwashers are fine on a normal cycle, but skip harsh scouring pads, bleach-heavy cleaners and high heat, which dull the surface and trap smells.

Silicone feeding gear is one of the easiest parts of baby kit to keep clean — if you handle it in the right order. Leftover porridge or puree that dries onto a bowl or bib is what causes that lingering smell and cloudy film, not the material itself.

This routine works for plates, bowls, cups, cutlery, bibs and placemats. It takes a few minutes a day and keeps the soft, flexible finish that makes silicone pleasant for small hands.

Why silicone needs its own cleaning habits

Silicone is non-porous, flexible and heat-resistant, which is why it survives drops, microwaves and daily washing far better than rigid plastic. It also holds onto oils and strong flavours more readily than glass or stainless steel, so tomato sauce or fish can leave a faint scent behind if you only rinse.

That is the whole trade-off: silicone is gentler on gums and tables, but it rewards a quick wash instead of a soak. You do not need special products — mild dish soap, warm water and airflow do most of the work.

• Wash sooner rather than later; dried-on food is the main cause of stubborn smells.
• Keep one soft sponge for silicone only, so it never picks up grit from other washing up.

Everyday washing for bowls, plates and cups

Scrape leftovers into the bin, then rinse under warm running water to lift the bulk of the food before it sets. Add a drop of mild dish soap and wipe the whole surface with a soft sponge, including the outside walls and the base where hands and highchair trays meet.

Pay attention to suction bases, handles and any rim or lip. Food collects in these grooves and is easy to miss, which is exactly where smells start. Rinse until the water runs clear and no slippery film remains, then stand items upside down so water can drain away.

• Common mistake: scrubbing with an abrasive pad. It scratches the surface and makes future stains harder to remove.
• If a bowl still smells after washing, soak it in warm water with a spoon of baking soda for 30 minutes, then wash again.

Silicone bib cleaning without wrecking the pocket

Bibs catch the worst of mealtime, so treat them first. Rinse the pocket and the neck area under warm water, then wash with mild soap and a soft sponge, turning the pocket inside out to reach the fold where crumbs gather. Wipe-clean fabrics and silicone both benefit from this quick step before the residue dries.

Hang bibs open rather than folded in a heap. Air needs to move around the whole surface, especially in the pocket and around the neck fastening, or you will get a damp, sour smell between meals.

• Checkpoint: run a finger along the inside of the pocket. If it feels tacky, it needs another wash.
• For long-sleeve bibs, fasten the neck strap before washing so it does not tangle or stretch.

Silicone cutlery care for spoons and forks

Spoons and forks are small, so they are easy to rinse and forget. Wash the bowl of the spoon and the tines with your fingers or a small brush, then check the handle join, where residue can sit unnoticed. Rinse thoroughly, because soap left in a textured grip can affect the taste of the next meal.

Store cutlery loose in a dry drawer or cup rather than bundled with a wet cloth. Silicone picks up lint and dust when it is damp, and a quick shake before use saves a second wash.

• Common mistake: leaving cutlery to soak overnight in the sink, which lets oils settle into the surface.
• If a handle feels slimy after washing, it is soap residue — rinse again under warm water.

Dishwasher, sterilising and heat: what is safe

Most silicone feeding items cope well with a normal dishwasher cycle, placed on the top rack away from heating elements. Skip the heavy-duty or high-heat programme if you can, and avoid washing silicone next to sharp knives that can nick the surface.

For sterilising, follow the instructions that came with your specific product rather than assuming every method suits every item. Boiling, steam and cold-water sterilising all affect silicone differently, and some products combine silicone with other materials that have their own limits. When in doubt, check the packaging or product page first.

• Never put silicone directly on a hot hob or under a grill, even if it is oven-safe.
• Let items cool and dry completely before stacking them, or trapped moisture will linger.

Drying, storing and keeping the finish like new

Air drying on a rack is the simplest habit: stand bowls and cups upside down, hang bibs, and lay placemats flat or draped so both sides dry. A dry silicone surface stays soft and grippy, while a damp one can feel tacky and pick up fluff.

Store items loosely rather than pressed together in a sealed box. If you stack plates and bowls, put a small gap or a clean cloth between them so air can circulate. Once a week, give everything a quick check for scratches, stretched suction bases or cloudy patches — worn items are worth replacing rather than scrubbing harder.

• Keep silicone away from direct sunlight for long periods, which can dull the colour.
• A weak vinegar-and-water rinse now and then helps neutralise lingering food smells.

Your daily silicone cleaning routine, step by step

1. Step 1: Rinse immediately after the meal: Hold bowls, plates, cups, cutlery and bibs under warm running water before food dries. This single habit removes most residue and stops smells before they start. Checkpoint: if food has already dried, soak in warm water for 10 minutes first.
2. Step 2: Wash with mild soap and a soft sponge: Use a drop of mild dish soap and wipe every surface, including suction bases, handles, rims and bib pockets. Work quickly rather than soaking overnight. Common mistake: abrasive pads scratch silicone and make it stain more easily.
3. Step 3: Rinse until the water runs clear: Soap residue leaves a slippery feel and can affect the taste of the next meal. Rinse under warm water and rub the surface with your fingers to check. Checkpoint: no slick film, no bubbles, no scent of soap.
4. Step 4: Air dry with space around each item: Stand bowls and cups upside down, hang bibs open and lay placemats so both sides get air. Avoid piling wet items together. If you need them dry fast, pat with a clean lint-free cloth and leave out for a few more minutes.
5. Step 5: Store loosely and check weekly: Keep items in a dry cupboard with a little breathing room. Once a week, look for scratches, tacky patches or stretched suction bases that no longer grip. Replace worn items rather than scrubbing harder — damaged silicone holds onto food and smells.

Silicone products in this range and how they clean

• Silicone placemat - Mrs. Cat: Made from 100% silicone, so spills and stains can be wiped away with ease, and it suits meals, crafting and messy play. A single wipe-down surface means less scrubbing after every meal, and it protects the table underneath.
• Silicone snack cup - Mr. Fox: Made from 100% silicone with a no-spill flexible lid and a rounded handle, and it is suitable for the microwave and oven. The flexible lid needs a gentle wash rather than a hard scrub to keep its shape and seal working.
• Waterproof long sleeve bib - Mrs. Elephant: Waterproof fabric made from 100% recycled polyester with a pocket to catch spills, and it is easy to wipe clean. Wipe-clean fabric means you can often skip a full wash between meals, but the pocket still needs a rinse to avoid smells.

A two-minute rinse-and-wash habit keeps silicone feeding gear fresh, grippy and pleasant for your baby to use. Save the deeper checks for once a week, and replace anything that has lost its surface or suction.