Are your cakes coming out of the silicone bakeware with their bottom missing? Most probably, you are not cleaning the burnt silicone properly after each use. Silicone bakeware is easy to use but not the easiest one to clean. So, make sure you know how to clean burnt silicone bakeware.
Dishwashing liquid, baking soda, oven heat, and hot water will help you clean burnt silicone bakeware easily. These ingredients will assist in cleaning most of the burnt cakes or muffins from silicone with little effort.
So, want silicone bakeware looking like new in no time? Use the proper method and ingredients to keep your bakeware as good as new. Let’s check out how to clean burnt silicone bakeware.
Contents
How to Clean Burnt Silicone Bakeware
Silicone is one of the most commonly used materials for modern bakeware. It remains durable in different temperature ranges, flexible, and rather easy to clean. Even if silicone bakeware has burnt-food stains, the right technique makes cleaning effortless. Here is a step-by-step procedure for your convenience:
Supplies You Will Need:
Ever wondered about completing a project without supplies? Well, cleaning without tools and ingredients is impractical. Some items are mandatory for the process. Gather the supplies mentioned below before proceeding.
- Large bucket or sink
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Rubber dishwashing gloves
- Microfiber cloth
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
Method 01: Using Dishwashing Detergent
Maintaining a proper cleaning process is necessary if you want to keep your silicone bakeware in tip-top condition for years to come. I will be using dishwashing detergent which is a common ingredient in our kitchen, offering excellent cleaning results. Read and follow the below steps carefully.
Step 01: Prepare a Soaking Mixture
Pour hot water into a large bucket or a kitchen sink. Don’t consider using lukewarm water, as it will not work effectively. Wear rubber dishwashing gloves while dealing with the hot water. Your hands will be protected from the heat of the water. Then add a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid with the water and swish your hands so the detergent gets dispersed well.
Step 02: Add the Silicone Bakeware into the Solution
Grab the burnt silicone bakeware. Submerge it into the soapy-hot water mixture. Then leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes. The more you submerge them, the result will be more effective. By this time, you can complete other household chores.
Step 03: Scrub the Silicone
Once 30 – 60 minutes is passed, take the silicone bakeware out of the mixture. Check whether the water becomes cold. If yes, drain it and add more hot water. Next, pour a couple of drops of the dishwashing liquid into the non-abrasive sponge and scrub the silicone.
Thinking of providing rigorous scrubbing? The effective result is not always confirmed if you scrub rigorously. It can damage the surface more dangerously, and nonstick quality may get ruined. Also, avoid using a plastic scrubber or a scouring pad.
Step 04: Provide a Perfect Rinse
Use hot water to rinse the silicone. You might be wondering, what if I rinse with cold water? The accumulated burnt may not clear out as easily as using hot water. Clean every inch of the silicone bakeware using your fingers.
Does the bakeware still feel sticky and less clean? I recommend following the above steps for one more time. This time, clean the silicone a bit more aggressively than before. Hopefully, 2 washes are enough to clean burnt silicone bakeware.
Method 02: Using Oven Heat
Sometimes, cakes or muffins burnt damn badly that only hot water and dishwashing liquid fails to clean the silicone completely. In that case, the overheating process comes in handy. Also, I will be using baking soda in this process.
Step 01: Put the Silicone Bakeware into the Oven
Preheat your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees F. Then, put the silicone bakeware inside of it. Leave silicone in the oven for at least 10 minutes. Thus, the stubborn burn will soften, making burnt removal convenient.
Step 02: Apply Baking Soda
After 10 minutes:
- Remove the silicone carefully from the oven.
- Pour water on it just to dampen the stubborn burns.
- Sprinkle dry baking soda.
- Make a paste of baking soda by using water in silicone.
- Use your fingers to apply the paste on every inch of the bakeware.
- Leave the silicone for an hour so that the paste can dry completely.
Step 03: Rinse & Scrub the Silicone
When the baking soda dries, wash off the paste with warm water. Then, rinse off the paste using soapy-hot water. Rub the silicone with your fingers on the sticky spots. If you need to sprinkle extra baking soda on the burn, don’t hesitate to do so and scrub gently.
Step 05: Rinse & Continue
We are at the final step. Use hot water to wash the silicone. Check for burnt spots; if there are no spots on the surface, grab the microfiber or lint-free cloth to dry the silicone. You can also allow air dry. However, avoid using an air dryer. In case you feel stickiness and there are burn spots, repeat the steps mentioned above.
Tips & Tricks to Keep Silicone Bakeware Looks New for Longer
Who doesn’t want to keep the silicone bakeware clean longer?
Yes, everyone wants, but few of us can get long-term efficient service from silicone bakeware. I suggest following the below tips and tricks to help you maintain silicone bakeware hygiene and look new for many days.
- Don’t use cooking spray on silicone bakeware. This will make the situation worse than good.
- Make sure your chosen dishwashing liquid consists of the grease-cutting agent.
- Avoid using an abrasive sponge on silicone. Otherwise, these sponges leave scratches, and food or oils can catch on those spots. At the same time, abrasive items minimize the nonstick qualities of silicone.
- Remember to wash the silicone properly after every use. If you don’t do so, oils and food may build up, making cleaning challenging.
- Ensure the silicone bakeware is completely dry before using.
FAQ
Can silicone be cleaned in the dishwasher?
Yes, silicone can be cleaned or washed through a dishwasher. Remember to put the silicone on the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent damage. Also, before putting your silicone bakeware inside a dishwasher, it is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendation. Make sure your silicone bakeware is labeled as dishwasher-safe.
Is silicone toxic when heated?
Silicone is generally considered safe when heated within its temperature limits. It has a high heat resistance and can withstand temperatures generally encountered in baking. However, extremely high temperatures or prolonged exposure may cause the silicone to break down and release potentially harmful substances. That is why it’s best to use silicone within recommended temperature ranges.
Final Words
Cleaning burnt silicone bakeware doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Following the right techniques can easily restore your bakeware to its original condition.
The key is the heat and hot water, which helps loosen things enough for convenient cleaning. Also, one thing you should skip – abrasive. Your silicone bakeware may flake off if you use an abrasive sponge.
Hopefully, with how to clean burnt silicone bakeware cleaning methods, your silicone bakeware will be ready for many more successful baking adventures.
