When you have baked as many cookies as I have, a silicone baking mat is a necessary tool in the kitchen. But silicone baking mats can get just as dirty as any other baking tool you might use. The good news is, there are a lot of easy ways to clean a silicone mat.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I’ve got a sweet spot for cookies and other baked treats, which is why I have a few silicone baking mats in my arsenal. After years of using this handy tool, I’ve figured out some of the best methods for cleaning them.
If you’re struggling with stuck-on messes or just want to try a new way to keep your baking silicone mat, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re looking into how to clean silicone baking mats.
Keep reading for some of the handiest cleaning tips on the net!
Contents
How to Clean Silicone Baking Mat
There are a few great ways to take care of a dirty silicone baking mat.
Method 1: Dish Soap, Sponge, and Hot Water
This method might be lacking pizazz, but it is a tried-and-true method you won’t soon forget. In fact, this might just be the best way to clean a messy silicone baking mat. Here’s how:
- Turn the hot water on and put on a pair of dishwashing gloves.
- Rinse the baking mat to get any loose crumbs or particles off.
- Place a few drops of mild dish soap on a soft sponge.
- Gently scrub off stuck-on grime.
- Wash the baking mat and rinse.
There are a few key things to remember when using this method, though:
- Clean right after baking – The longer you wait, the more time you’re allowing food particles to stick and cling to the silicone baking mat. That’s why it’s important to start washing your mat right after you’re done using it.
- Use soap with neutral pH and minimal fragrances – This will ensure a good cleanse without any potential damage to the silicone material.
- Don’t scrub with anything abrasive – Think of your silicone baking mat as a delicate flower. You don’t want to be too rough with it, or you can tear or damage the silicone baking mat. That said, stick to a soft sponge, and don’t scrub too intensely.
- Don’t stress about discoloration – Wear and tear are normal when it comes to silicone baking mats. As long as it’s limited to just discoloration, there is no harm in using it. Once it starts ripping and tearing, it may be time to replace it.
Method 2: Dishwasher
You might be wondering: “Can silicone mat go into the dishwasher?” Yes, it is okay to place a silicone baking mat into the dishwasher. However, to avoid potential damage, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Use gentle detergent – Some detergents contain bleach which can be corrosive to silicone baking mats.
- Don’t bend the baking mat – Bending can be problematic for your baking mat, as it might not go back to its normal stance. Can you imagine trying to whip up a batch of caramel corn on a twisted baking mat? No, thanks!
- Rinse beforehand – While tossing into the dishwasher can remove things like oil and small particles, it won’t be great for stuck-on residue. That said, rinse and gently scrub off the caked-on residue before sticking it in the dishwasher.
Method 3: Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
All out of dish soap or prefer all-natural remedies? Then this method of cleaning a silicone baking mat is for you. To use this natural cleaning solution, do the following:
- Fill the kitchen sink with hot water and a few drops of lemon juice.
- Soak the baking mats for five to ten minutes.
- Remove the baking mat and sprinkle some baking soda on top.
- After a few minutes, scrub off the baking soda and grime.
- Thoroughly rinse the baking mat.
Lemon juice works wonders at loosening stuck-on grease, grime, and other undesirable particles. It is also an odor-fighting powerhouse that will work wonders at removing smells from your baking mat.
On the other hand, baking soda is a strong cleaner with enough abrasiveness to handle anything stuck to a baking mat. Together, these two ingredients will clean your baking mat thoroughly and naturally.
Method 4: Heat
One of the major benefits of using a silicone baking mat is that it’s nonstick, so residue won’t typically get caked on and is hard to remove. However, this isn’t always the case. For example, grime that wasn’t properly removed and baked again will get stuck onto a baking mat.
What should you do? If you’ve tried to remove it with a sponge and dish soap or a baking soda and lemon juice mix with no success, then you can use heat. There are two ways you can use heat to clean a silicone baking mat.
- Boil the baking mat in boiling water for ten minutes.
- Cook in a 450F oven for twenty minutes.
When you’re done using the preferred heating method, use mild dish soap and a sponge to clean and rinse the baking mat. But be careful – it will be hot!
FAQs
Curious about how to clean silicone baking mats? A lot of people asked these common questions, and I’ve got answers. Let’s dive in.
Are silicone baking mats reusable?
Yes, silicone baking mats are reusable, which is another major selling point for avid bakers.
What can I use if I don’t have a silicone baking mat?
Parchment paper is an excellent alternative for silicone baking mats due to its non-stick properties.
Can I roast vegetables on a silicone baking mat?
Who said silicone baking mats were just for baking sweet treats? If you want a healthy dinner involving veggies before indulging in cinnamon rolls, you can use the baking mat to roast the veggies.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to clean silicone baking mats, and you don’t need any special tools or techniques. The best thing to do is wash with mild dish soap and a soft sponge while the baking mat is still warm. You can also use lemon juice and baking soda or just pop it into the dishwasher.
How do you clean your silicone baking mats?
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