Cleaning silicone baking pans: How to get rid of grease and crusts with simple home remedies

A silicone baking mold is the best tool in the kitchen when you have limited space. However, it should be cared for properly so that you can use it for years to come. It seems so easy to clean, but somehow it isn't and greasy stains often stick to the sides. However, with a few home remedies and a little hard work, you can clean your silicone baking pan and have it looking new again in no time.

Foto: Shutterstock/ tavizta

Clean silicone baking mold: Easily get rid of grease film and baking residue

Silicone bakeware has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability and non-stick properties. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, offer countless uses and do not need to be greased. However, they can feel sticky over time due to grease and oil being baked onto the surface, so it is important to remove all grease and burn marks as quickly as possible. Never leave a dirty silicone mold until the next day and clean it immediately after use. Below we explain how you can keep them sparkling clean quickly and effectively using simple home remedies.

Use degreasing detergent

Photo: Deavita/ Marie

For the regular care of silicone baking molds, cleaning with detergent and water is completely sufficient. First, close the sink and fill it with hot water. Add a few drops of degreasing detergent and let the silicone mold soak for at least 30 minutes. If there are stubborn stains, this process may take up to an hour.

Then apply a few drops of dish soap to a soft sponge and scrub vigorously to remove any stains. Do not use brushes or abrasive cleaners as these can damage the material. If necessary, repeat the process until all baking residue is removed.

Rinse the mold and allow it to dry completely before placing it in the kitchen cabinet to prevent mold from forming.

Remove burn marks with vinegar

Vinegar is perfect for removing burn marks. Pour white vinegar into the mold, add some hot water and let the solution sit for an hour. Then scrub the dirty areas with a sponge, rinse the mold with hot water and let it dry.

If you also struggle with hard water, this method is very effective for removing the white film that forms on the baking pan over time.

Clean silicone baking mold with baking soda

Photo: Deavita/ Marie

If you have already tried the other methods but a greasy film still remains, there is still an effective home remedy: baking soda! Simply make a thick paste of baking soda and water and spread it into the baking pan. Allow to dry and then wash the mold with hot water and dish soap.

Treat stubborn stains

For particularly stubborn stains, it is recommended to heat the silicone baking mold in the oven before cleaning. Place the silicone mold in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes. Take them out, being careful not to burn yourself, and place them in the sink. Moisten them slightly and generously sprinkle baking soda on the stains. Rub it with a damp sponge until it forms a thick paste and let it dry for a few hours. Remove the baking soda paste under running water and wash the mold with dish soap when all stains are removed. Finally, rinse them with clean water and let them dry on a tea towel.

Also read:Clean the bottom of the pan: This will make the underside shine like new again!

Remove bad smells

Even if you only use high-quality silicone baking molds in the kitchen, they will absorb different smells over time and pass them on to the next baked goods. Even a newly purchased mold can transfer a plastic smell to your cake. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to prevent the molds from smelling.

  • Before first use, place the mold in a preheated oven and leave it at 200°C for about 4 hours. However, you should only use this method if your silicone mold can withstand high temperatures.
  • Place the baking pan in the refrigerator overnight and then wash it with water.
  • You can boil the mold in salted water. Add a tablespoon of salt to a liter of water, mix everything well and bring it to the boil. Place the mold in the simmering salted water for 1-2 minutes.
  • Fill the mold with water and the juice of a lemon and let the solution sit overnight.
  • The above-mentioned cleaning method with baking soda is also very efficient against odors, as the effective home remedy can easily absorb them.

What should you avoid?

When caring for your silicone mold, you should definitely avoid using abrasive cleaners, as these can leave scratches and cracks on the silicone surface.

Also, don't use non-stick products or grease your pan as this will cause more stains and actually won't make it easier to remove the cake.

Also interesting:Clean a burnt baking dish: With these clever methods, your dirty baking dishes will be sparkling clean