Lingering Smells? How to (Actually) Wash Your Silicone Dishes

POV: You’re emptying the dishwasher, eager to check it off a never-ending list of to-dos, when suddenly you get a whiff of something. It’s coming from your little one’s favorite silicone bowl—and it’s not smelling good. Fast forward a few more dishes, and you realize the entire load has taken on a soapy, almost chemical-like smell. If you’re a parent, you’ve likely been here before. It’s commonly known that silicone can take on the smell (and worse, taste) of the soap it’s washed with—and it’s usually worse when you’re using a harsh, potentially-harmful detergent.

The good news? You can easily combat it with a few quick tips and a simple swap or two! Here’s how:

1. Life gets in the way, but if you can, try to wash (or at least rinse) dishes ASAP. This will help you avoid any stuck-on food and consequent odors or extra-tricky stains!

2. Silicone is dishwasher safe (big win!), but if you’re washing by hand, be sure to use a natural sponge or gentle scrubber to avoid any scratches in your silicone dishes. Silicone is a porous material to begin with—any extra scratches or holes may make it easier for odd smells and tastes to sink in and linger.

3. Use a dishwasher detergent with gentle (yet powerful) and certified safe ingredients. Blueland’s Dishwasher Detergent Tablets. Whereas traditional pods are wrapped in PVA (a.k.a. plastic) that ends up on your dishes and back in our waterways, our 100% plastic-free tablets leave dishes sparkling clean without any plastic residue or soapy aftertaste. Their tablets are made with certified clean ingredients and cut grease, grime, and lift 48-hour baked-on, burnt-on stains. Plus, no pre-soak or rinse aid needed!

4. Whether you’re air-drying, hand-drying, or letting your them finish off in the washing machine, make sure you’re giving each dish the opportunity to dry thoroughly. Avoid placing cups and bowls rim-down on a mat or towel, and if possible opt for a drying rack that allows for plenty of air flow. If you’re drying by hand, use an absorbent cloth and if time allows, let each dish air dry for a bit afterward for good measure.

They may seem simple, but with these tips you can say goodbye to lingering smells in your silicone (for good)! If you haven’t already, we recommend investing in high-quality silicone dishes like these from Lalo (our personal favorites for feeding your little ones) as well as switching to Blueland. That way, you can rest easy knowing the dishes you and your family are eating off of and drinking out of are safe, clean, and free of harmful residue!

Our tablets are tried, tested, and proven as effective as any traditional detergent on store shelves—but without all the concerning ingredients and materials like parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, chlorine bleach, or phthalates. Bonus: they’re cruelty-free, gluten-free, soy and nut-free, and EPA Safer Choice certified! In other words, they’re an easy yes for any household—especially one with sensitive little ones.

We love Lalo’s silicone tableware range made with non-toxic, BPA free, food grade silicone and all dishwasher safe - making it perfect for your little ones!

Use code BLUELANDLOVESLALO for 10% off your next purchase at Lalo!