Silicone tableware is a popular choice due to its durability, flexibility and ease of maintenance, but it can happen that the silicone absorbs different smells such as a soapy smell during the cleaning. The reason for this is that silicone is a porous material, which means it can absorb smells from anything it comes in to contact with, including soap. When washing the baby's silicone dishes with soap, the soap smell can therefore be absorbed in the silicone and remain there, even after repeated rinsing. Fortunately, there are several different methods to remove the soapy odour - and with the help of things most of us already have in our home.
Cleaning with natural ingredients
Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective way of getting rid of unwanted smells such as a soapy odour in silicone tableware. You simply mix one part clear vinegar with two parts water in a bowl and immerse the silicone dish in the mixture for a few hours. Afterwards rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry.
Lemon
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizing and antibacterial ingredient that likewise can help remove odors from silicone. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the silicone dish and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a soft sponge or brush. Then rinse with water and let it dry.
Baking soda
Baking soda is another natural deodorizer that can help absorb the smell from silicone. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and rub it into your silicone dish. Let it dry for a few hours. Then scrub it off, rinse thoroughly and let dry. For a more powerful cleaning, you can mix baking soda with lemon or clear vinegar instead of water.
Cleaning with heat exposure
When exposing silicone to heat, the heat causes the molecules of the silicone to open, which in turn releases the odours and food particles that may have gotten into the silicone. It is important to make sure that your silicone tableware is made of 100% silicone.
Boiling
Boil the silicone tableware in a pot and make sure the dish is completely covered with water. Let it boil for a few minutes to release odours and food particles. Then wash the dishes with a mild or odourless soap and rinse with water. If there is still an odour, repeat the process as needed.
Oven
If the smell is very strong, you can also choose to put the silicone dishes in the oven. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan (and never above 220°C). Put your silicone dish on a tray with baking paper and bake for 1 hour. Leave the silicone dish to cool completely.
For the very thorough and in-depth cleaning, you can combine several of the methods, e.g. first put the silicone tableware in the oven, then wash it in hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar, or lemon, for an extra thorough refresh.
Choose the method that best suits you and your situation, and be aware that sometimes you may have to be a little patient. It may take some time to remove the smell completely, but with regular cleaning and care, you can ensure that your silicone tableware will remain odour-free and in good condition for a long time to come!
