The best way to clean silicone baby plates and bowls is simpler than most parents expect. Rinse off food straight after meals, wash with warm soapy water or pop them on the top rack of the dishwasher, and let them air dry. That is genuinely it for everyday cleaning. But if you are dealing with tomato stains, lingering smells, or bowls that have been sitting a little too long, there is a bit more to know.
This guide covers the quick daily routine, a deeper clean for when things get grimy, and a few habits that will shorten the life of your silicone gear if you are not careful.
Everyday Cleaning for Silicone Bowls, Plates and Bento Boxes
Speed matters here. Food left sitting in silicone for hours is much harder to shift than food rinsed off straight away. Build the rinse into your post-meal routine before you even think about wiping down the highchair.
- Rinse under warm running water as soon as the meal is done.
- Wash with a soft cloth or sponge and a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Rinse well. Soap residue left in the grooves of a bento box can cause a slippery feel and attract more grime.
- Air dry upside down or in a dish rack. Silicone dries fast and does not need a towel.
Silicone is dishwasher safe. Top rack is best for suction-base bowls and placemats, as intense bottom-rack heat over time can weaken the suction. Bento boxes with multiple compartments wash up really well in the dishwasher because water gets into each section easily.
If you are figuring out which sizes work best for your child's age and appetite, our bib, bowl and bento sizing guide breaks it down clearly.
How to Remove Stains from Silicone Baby Plates
Tomato-based sauces, carrot puree, and turmeric are the usual culprits. They leave an orange or yellow tint that survives a normal wash. This is cosmetic, not a hygiene issue, but it is annoying.
Two methods that actually work:
- Sunlight. Place the stained silicone in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV light naturally bleaches out the orange tint. This genuinely works and costs nothing.
- Baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Rub it into the stained area, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. Repeat if needed.
- White vinegar soak. Soak the piece in equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 30 minutes, then wash as normal. Good for both stains and odours.
Avoid bleach and harsh chemical sprays. They can degrade the silicone surface and are not something you want near your child's food.
How to Get Rid of Smells in Silicone Feeding Gear
Silicone can hold onto smells, especially from strong foods like fish, garlic or certain purees. If your bowl smells a bit off even after washing, try this.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a generous splash of white vinegar.
- Submerge the silicone piece and leave it for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash with soap and rinse thoroughly.
- Let it air dry completely before storing. Trapping moisture is the main reason smells return.
You can also place washed silicone on a baking tray and put it in a low oven (around 100 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes. This helps drive out any absorbed odours. Let it cool fully before using.
Is Silicone Machine Washable?
Yes. Food-grade silicone is dishwasher safe and handles repeated high-heat washing without warping or cracking. It is one of the main reasons it has become the go-to material for baby feeding gear. Unlike plastic, it does not leach chemicals when heated and it does not absorb bacteria the way wood can.
The one exception is silicone with a fabric or foam insert, like some placemat styles with a cushioned base. Check the label on those before putting them in the dishwasher.
What to Avoid
- Abrasive scrubbers or steel wool. They scratch the surface and create tiny grooves where bacteria can hide.
- Sharp knives or utensils directly on silicone bowls or bento trays. Same reason.
- Storing silicone while still damp. It will start to smell.
- Leaving acidic foods like citrus or tomato sitting in silicone overnight before washing.
Keeping Bento Boxes Fresh Between Uses
Multi-compartment bento boxes are brilliant for portion control and keeping foods separate, but they have more nooks to clean. After washing, leave the box open to dry fully before snapping the lid shut. A closed damp box is the fastest way to get a musty smell.
If you are putting together snacks and lunches for your little one and need some ideas, our guide to bento snack ideas for babies and toddlers is worth a look. It covers age-appropriate portions and easy food combos that actually get eaten.
And if you are after a bento box that makes mealtime more organised, browse our range of 4-compartment bento boxes built for little hands and busy families.
