How to Clean Silicone Molds

Silicone molds are fun to create all sorts of crafts in many different designs. However, they are not everlasting and, even with the best care, they will eventually wear out. To keep them in good condition, you will have to clean them thoroughly to make sure that your batter, fondant, chocolate, resin or clay isn’t leftover in the cavities of your molds. Make sure to clean your molds before and after every use to prolong their lives and save money in the long run. Both durable and flexible, they make de-molding a breeze. Silicone molds likewise completely eradicate the necessity to struggle getting your creation out of the mold, making them exceedingly handy, as the shiny inside provides the soap a sleek and sophisticated appearance.

Why Silicone Molds?

Silicone nonstick molds may be safer, more flexible, durable, and healthier to use than plastic molds. They have a lower likelihood of leaching toxic materials into products. According to Health Canada, food-grade silicone does not interact with food or emit any noxious fumes and is thus fully secure to use up to approved conditions. The FDA has furthermore certified it to be "food-safe" as long as they are "food-grade". These food-grade silicone molds can be found on our website. 

To learn more about the differences between silicone and plastic molds, visit this blog.

Here are a couple of methods for you to properly clean your silicone molds:

1. Dish Soap

You need to use grease cleaning dish soap or soap that’s meant to cut through oil and warm water to clean your silicone molds. This should be done right after you are finished with your projects to make sure that your batter doesn’t harden onto the mold. If this happens, you can fill your sink with hot water and soap to soak your silicone molds to loosen up the hard residue.

Silicone molds can withstand hot temperatures of up to 420°F (215°C) so you can wash your molds with hot water without fear of deforming or melting them. You can let your molds soak for an hour before you scrub them clean.

Do not use abrasive scrubbers or sponges against silicone because you don’t want to cut or scratch the surface of your mold.

2. Dishwasher

You don’t have to wash your molds, your dishwasher can! Silicone molds are dishwasher safe. They won’t break or deform after they’ve been through the wash. Do not put your molds in your dishwasher if they are singular and small, otherwise they might get lost in the wash. You can try to, just at your own discretion. Always remember to read the instructions that come with the mold, or on the manufacturer's website.

3. Baking Soda

After continuous use of silicone molds in your oven or microwave, oil and grease will build up from the hot temperatures. You might have noticed this if you have used your molds a lot.

Sprinkle baking soda over the oily and greasy spots of your drying silicone molds and let them dry completely with the baking soda. The chemicals will cause the grease to dissolve when you clean it with hot water afterwards.

You can use baking soda with your sponge instead of sprinkling it. Pour some baking soda onto your sponge and scrub it against the cavities of your mold to get rid of the greasy spots. Rinse your mold afterwards with hot water and the grease should come out.

The best way to keep your molds clean is by handling it carefully.

Here's how:

• Do not overextend. Over-stretching your mold can negatively impact it. Avoid doing this to the silicone mold whilst demolding your finished piece. As a result, the exterior will get bland and rips will emerge, reducing the mold's durability.

• Store away from direct sunlight. Silicone molds should be stored in a place that is out of sun exposure. Consequently, the silicone mold may eventually deteriorate as well as alter as a result of the extreme heat.

• Stow the silicone molds orderly. Ensure the molds are maintained evenly and not compressed in any way; if they are stowed and left deformed, they can take on this appearance and stay that way permanently. They should then be neatly arranged on a shelf and preserved in this manner for a long period.

All in all, silicone molds are a great choice to use for your creations and can be easily taken care of. Make sure they are squeaky-clean using these simple but positively impacting methods and by taking note of how to maintain your molds in the most perfect shape. We hope this article has helped you with managing your molds- the Shapem team wishes you a creative day and happy crafting!