How to Clean Silicone: Cookware, Phone Case, and Sealant

Silicone is the MVP of modern households. From non-stick baking mats to durable phone cases, this material is everywhere. But despite its durability, it has a fatal flaw: it loves to hold onto grease, odors, and stains.

If your favorite spatula feels permanently sticky or your clear phone case is turning yellow, don’t toss them out. We have tested the best methods to restore silicone to its original glory.

Keep reading to learn how to deep clean silicone, banish sticky residue, and remove stubborn discoloration safely.

Why Does Silicone Get Sticky?

Silicone absorbs grease and oils over time. When these oils are heated during cooking, they can polymerize and form a sticky, gummy layer on the surface. This often happens if the item isn’t cleaned thoroughly immediately after use.

This issue isn’t limited to kitchenware. The natural oils from your hands can transfer to silicone phone cases or watch bands, creating a tacky film. Regular maintenance prevents this buildup, but if you are already stuck with a sticky mess, a deep clean is required.

Can You Wash Silicone in the Dishwasher?

Yes, silicone is generally dishwasher safe. In fact, the high heat and strong detergents in a dishwasher are excellent for cutting through grease. Place items on the top rack to keep them away from the heating element, which ensures they don’t warp.

However, hand-washing is often better for tackling specific stains or getting into tight crevices. If your silicone comes out of the dishwasher feeling slimy or looking white, it might be due to hard water deposits or phosphate-free detergents. In that case, a manual scrub is the way to go.

How to Clean Silicone Kitchenware

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first, but most silicone kitchenware responds well to these universal cleaning methods. Here is how to tackle grease and grime on your baking mats and utensils.

With Dishwashing Detergent

Hot soapy water is your first line of defense against grease. This method works best for general cleaning of molds, bowls, and spatulas.

1. Fill the sink: Fill your sink with very hot water. The heat helps liquefy grease, making it easier to remove.
2. Add degreaser: Squeeze in a teaspoon of a strong degreasing dish soap like Ajax or Dawn. Swish it around to create suds.
3. Soak: Submerge your silicone items and let them sit for 30 to 60 minutes. This allows the soap to penetrate the oil layer.
4. Refresh water: If the water gets cold or greasy, drain it and refill with fresh hot soapy water.
5. Scrub gently: Use a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth to scrub the items. Avoid scouring pads, as they will damage the smooth finish.
6. Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry immediately with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that works wonders on stubborn food stains without scratching the surface.

1. Make a paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste.
2. Apply: Spread the paste generously over the stained or sticky areas of the silicone.
3. Let it sit: Allow the paste to dry completely. We recommend leaving it for a few hours or even overnight for tough stains.
4. Scrub: Once dry, use a soft toothbrush or sponge to scrub the baking soda into the surface.
5. Wash and rinse: Wash the item with hot soapy water to remove the residue, then rinse well.
6. Inspect: Check for any remaining sticky spots. If necessary, repeat the process.

With Vinegar

If your silicone has a white, chalky film, it is likely mineral buildup from hard water. Distilled white vinegar cuts right through it.

1. Prepare the soak: Fill a bowl or sink with a mixture of warm water and distilled white vinegar (1:1 ratio).
2. Soak: Submerge the silicone items for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse: Remove the items and rinse them thoroughly with hot water to remove the vinegar smell.
4. Dry: Buff dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Vinegar is also a natural deodorizer, so this method is great if your silicone trays have absorbed freezer smells or strong food odors like garlic.

In the Oven

If your bakeware feels permanently sticky despite scrubbing, you can use heat to “sweat” the oils out. Note that this method is only for high-quality, oven-safe silicone.

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bake: Place the clean, dry silicone items directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Heat them for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove: Carefully remove the hot items using tongs or oven mitts. You might see the grease rising to the surface.
4. Wash immediately: While the item is still warm (but safe to touch), submerge it in hot soapy water and scrub vigorously. The heat creates an opportunity to wash away the polymerized oil.
5. Rinse and dry: Rinse well and dry with a cloth.

How to Remove Stains and Discoloration

Silicone is porous, meaning highly pigmented foods like tomato sauce, turmeric, and pesto can leave lasting marks. While some stains are permanent, this method gives you the best fighting chance.

• Time: 15 minutes active time (24 hours soaking).
• Difficulty: Easy.

What You’ll Need

• 3% Hydrogen peroxide.
• A container large enough to fit the item.
• Dish soap.
• Water.

1. Soak in Hydrogen Peroxide

Pour enough hydrogen peroxide into a bowl or container to fully cover the stained item. Place the silicone inside and ensure it is submerged. Weighted objects may be needed to keep light items from floating.

2. Let It Sit

Leave the item soaking for 24 hours. The peroxide acts as a mild bleaching agent that lifts color from the pores of the silicone without damaging the structure.

3. Wash and Rinse

After the soak, remove the item and wash it thoroughly with warm soapy water to remove any chemical residue.

How to Clean Other Silicone Items

Silicone isn’t just for the kitchen. Here is how to handle other common household items.

Phone Cases

Phone cases collect oils, makeup, and bacteria daily. Weekly cleaning is essential.

1. Mix solution: Combine warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl.
2. Scrub: Remove the phone and dip an old toothbrush into the soapy water. Scrub the case gently, paying attention to the corners and button covers.
3. Rinse: Rinse under cool water.
4. Dry: Wipe completely dry with a lint-free cloth before putting it back on your phone to prevent moisture damage.

If your clear case has turned yellow, unfortunately, this is usually permanent UV degradation of the material, not just dirt.

Silicone Rings and Watch Bands

Wearable silicone accumulates sweat and dead skin cells, which can cause skin irritation if not cleaned.

1. Wipe down: For daily cleaning, simply wipe the band with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth.
2. Deep clean: If the band smells or feels gritty, soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes.
3. Brush: Use a soft brush to clean out the grooves or clasp holes.
4. Rinse: Rinse well and let it air dry completely before wearing it again.

Face Brushes

Hygiene is critical for tools that touch your face to prevent breakouts.

1. Apply cleanser: Wet the brush and apply a drop of gentle face cleanser or baby shampoo. Avoid harsh household detergents.
2. Massage: Rub the bristles with your thumbs or against a textured cleaning mat to work up a lather.
3. Rinse: Rinse under running water until no bubbles remain.
4. Dry: Pat dry with a towel and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth.

How to Clean Silicone Sealant From Tiles or Glass

Replacing old bathroom caulk requires removing every bit of the old silicone first. New silicone won’t stick to old silicone, so a clean surface is non-negotiable.

• Time: 45 minutes.
• Difficulty: Intermediate.

What You’ll Need

• WD-40 or specialized silicone remover.
• Razor scraper or utility knife.
• Putty knife.
• Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol.
• Scrubbing pad.
• Paper towels.

1. Soften the Sealant

Apply a silicone remover or spray WD-40 along the edges of the caulk. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This softens the bond between the silicone and the surface.

2. Cut and Scrape

Use a sharp razor scraper or utility knife to cut along the top and bottom of the bead of caulk. Slide a putty knife under the strip to lift it away. Pull deeply to remove the bulk of the strip in one go.

3. Remove Residue

Small bits of silicone will likely remain. Apply more solvent if needed, then use a scrubbing pad to abrade the surface gently.

4. Clean the Surface

Once the visible silicone is gone, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol. This removes any oily residue from the WD-40 or remover, ensuring the new sealant will adhere properly.

Extra Tips for Maintaining Silicone

Prevention is easier than cure. Follow these rules to keep your silicone gear in top shape.

• Wash fast: Don’t let grease sit. The longer oil stays on silicone, the more likely it is to polymerize and become sticky.
• Skip the spray: Avoid non-stick cooking sprays on silicone bakeware. They contain lecithin, which builds up into a gummy residue that is incredibly hard to remove.
• Watch the heat: While heat-resistant, silicone has limits (usually around 428°F to 450°F). Exceeding this can damage the texture and release fumes.
• Avoid sharp tools: Never cut food directly on a silicone mat or use metal scrubbers. Cuts and scratches harbor bacteria and can cause the item to tear.
• Dry thoroughly: Water spots are common on silicone. Always hand-dry with a towel rather than air-drying if you want a pristine look.

FAQs

Why Is My White Silicone Turning Yellow?

Silicone yellows due to oxidation and exposure to UV light or heat over time. For phone cases, this degradation is usually permanent. For cookware, yellowing can also be caused by staining foods like turmeric; these surface stains can often be reduced with hydrogen peroxide or sunlight exposure.

Does Silicone Melt in Boiling Water?

No, silicone will not melt in boiling water. Water boils at 212°F, while most food-grade silicone is heat resistant up to at least 400°F. Boiling water is actually an excellent way to sterilize silicone items like baby bottle nipples or menstrual cups.

How Do You Get Black Mold Off Silicone Sealant?

Mold roots deeply into silicone, making it tough to clean.

1. Soak: Saturate paper towels in bleach or a bleach gel.
2. Apply: Press the bleach-soaked towels directly onto the moldy sealant.
3. Wait: Leave them in place for at least 12 hours.
4. Rinse: Remove towels and rinse thoroughly. If mold remains, the silicone likely needs to be removed and replaced.

How Do You Prevent Mold on Silicone?

Moisture control is key. To prevent mold in a bathroom, ensure good ventilation by running an exhaust fan during and after showers. Wipe down wet silicone sealant with a squeegee or towel daily, and treat any small spots of mildew immediately before they spread.

How to Remove Silicone Lube From Carpet?

Act quickly. Blot (don’t rub) the spill with clean paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. Apply rubbing alcohol or a dry cleaning solvent to a cloth and blot the stain. If a greasy residue remains, mix a little dish soap with water, apply to the spot, and blot until clean. Steam cleaning can help lift deep residues.

Does Vinegar React With Silicone?

Vinegar is generally safe for silicone in short bursts, such as for cleaning hard water deposits. However, soaking silicone in strong acids for extended periods can eventually degrade the material. Always rinse vinegar off thoroughly with water after cleaning.

Does Acetone Dissolve Silicone?

Yes, acetone causes silicone to swell and soften, which helps break its bond to surfaces. This makes it an effective agent for removing old sealant residues from glass or tile. Do not use acetone to clean silicone kitchenware or cases you intend to keep, as it can damage the finish.

How Do You Sterilize Silicone?

The most effective way to sterilize food-grade silicone is by boiling it. Submerge the item in a pot of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, some silicone items are safe for steam sterilization bags used in microwaves. Always ensure the item is 100% silicone before boiling.