Can silicone go in the washing machine? Short answer: no. But the good news is you do not need one. Silicone bowls, bento boxes and placemats are genuinely easy to keep clean with the right routine. Rinse off food straight after the meal, wash with warm soapy water or place pieces on the top rack of the dishwasher, and air dry. That covers most days. Stubborn tomato stains, lingering smells and gear that sat too long need a little more. Here is what actually works.
For the full picture, see our guide to choosing a silicone feeding set.
Your Daily Cleaning Routine for Silicone Feeding Gear
The faster you rinse, the easier the clean. Food left sitting on silicone, especially purees and sauces, starts to stain and smell within a few hours.
For everyday cleaning:
- Rinse under warm running water straight after the meal.
- Wash with a small amount of dish soap and warm water. A soft sponge or cloth works well. Avoid abrasive scourers.
- Rinse thoroughly until no soapy residue remains.
- Air dry completely before stacking or storing. Trapped moisture causes musty smells.
That routine handles the majority of meals. If you are packing lunches in divided containers, check out our baby and toddler bento snack ideas for easy meal inspiration that photographs well and travels better.
Are Silicone Baby Plates and Bento Boxes Dishwasher Safe?
Yes. Quality food-grade silicone is dishwasher safe. Place items on the top rack only. The bottom rack sits closer to the heating element and the direct heat can warp lids and degrade silicone faster over time.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Top rack, away from the heating element.
- Avoid harsh dishwasher tablets with strong bleaching agents. They can dull the colour of silicone over time.
- Remove and air dry after the cycle. Do not leave wet silicone stacked inside a closed dishwasher.
- Check that suction cup bases on bowls and placemats are fully dry before storing. Moisture collects underneath.
If you are unsure what size bento box or bowl suits your child, our bib, bowl and bento size guide covers capacity and portion sizing by age.
How to Remove Stains and Smells from Silicone
Tomato-based sauces, carrot puree and turmeric are the main culprits for staining silicone. They do not mean the product is ruined. They just need a different approach.
For stains
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Soak the stained piece for 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge and rinse well.
- For stubborn marks, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and a little water. Apply to the stain, leave for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
- Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent. After washing, place the silicone piece in direct sunlight for a few hours. This works particularly well on orange and red staining.
For smells
- Soak in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts warm water for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Alternatively, fill the bowl or bento box with warm water, add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, and let it sit for an hour before rinsing.
- Ensure the piece is fully dry before storing. Smells almost always come from trapped moisture, not the silicone itself.
Avoid soaking silicone in boiling water repeatedly. It will not cause immediate damage, but sustained very high heat can degrade food-grade silicone over time and shorten its lifespan.
When to Replace Silicone Feeding Gear
Well-made silicone lasts a long time with proper care. But there are signs it is time to replace a piece:
- Visible tears, cuts or cracks in the surface.
- A sticky or tacky texture that does not go away after washing. This indicates the silicone is breaking down.
- Persistent smells that survive multiple deep cleans.
- Discolouration that is uneven or patchy rather than general fading.
Food-grade silicone is considered a safe material for children's feeding products. For general guidance on safe feeding practices, Raising Children Network and Product Safety Australia are reliable Australian references for product safety and child health.
Keeping Bento Boxes Clean Between Compartments
Divided bento boxes have more surface area and more nooks to deal with. A few habits make ongoing cleaning much easier.
- Rinse the box immediately after the meal, even if a full wash has to wait.
- Use a small bottle brush or soft toothbrush to get into the corners between compartments.
- Remove any silicone lids or inserts and wash them separately so water can reach every surface.
- Air dry upside down or on a drying rack so no water pools in the compartments.
If you are looking for well-designed options that are easy to pull apart and clean, browse our organised lunch boxes for kids. They are built with flat seams and smooth surfaces to make exactly this kind of cleaning straightforward. You can also read more about what makes a good divided lunchbox in our guide to 4-compartment bento boxes.
