Remember a couple weeks ago how we talked about using Silicone Baking Mats on your aluminum baking sheets to protect your food from being contaminated by aluminum? Upon seeing the pizza that I baked on my mat, several of you had this question:
Can you use a pizza cutter on the mat or wouldn’t that cut through and ruin the mat??
Ah yes. You are very smart. These silicone baking mats are high quality and very heavy duty. However, you do want to avoid cutting through them so you can continue using them again and again. After all, not only do these keep your food safe, they save you lots and lots of money since you can use it over and over forever.
How do these mats save you money? Well for years, I’ve been buying and using parchment paper to protect my food from my aluminum pans. I reuse my parchment paper a few times if possible, but over the years, I’ve gone through many a roll of parchment. These silicone mats are a one-time purchase, saving me from ever having to buy parchment again! I have two of the mats so I can bake two pans at once. 🙂
But back to caring for your silicone mat:
After I bake my food on my baking pan/mat, I simply slide the food off the mat and onto a serving tray. Then I cut the food as needed, keeping my mat out of the way so I don’t accidentally cut and ruin it. By the way, food slides very easily off these mats – another perk!
How about washing your silicone mat?
I simply give mine a good rinse with hot water or with a little bit of soapy water if needed. Then I lay it over my dish drain to dry. Easy!
I’m loving my silicone mats, both for food safety and how it saves me time in the kitchen! I appreciated that Karen left a comment last week stating the same thing:
I received my order of two of these “Healthy Cooking Products” mats just yesterday based on your recommendation. Today I made cinnamon rolls and some cookies. These mats are wonders! Besides enabling baked goods to just slip off, these mats also produced a superior baking product. Instead of some of the good stuff seeping into the pan or parchment, it stayed on the bottom of the cinnamon rolls. Delicious! Thank you for this recommendation.
Hooray for a great way to save money and time! And now I’m hungry for pizza. 😉
These nonstick surfaces need to be handled the right way.
Silicone bakeware is a powerhouse tool when it comes to making cookies, brownies, muffins, and even small loaves of quick breads. From a basic silicone baking mat to more detailed silicone bakeware molds, these nonstick items certainly come in handy. After all, there’s nothing worse than when cookies or cakes stick to the pan, leaving you with a crumbly mess. However, they do need to be cleaned and cared for properly in order to offer you years of service. “First, it’s important to note that not all silicone is created equal and every brand and product is different, so I would suggest checking with each manufacturer for specific cleaning tips for your various bakeware and cookware. That said, for most silicone products, a solid cleaning tip is to give it a good soak with warm soap and water,” says Shannon Morgan Stearns, vice president of marketing for Stasher.
Ahead, we’re explaining how to clean silicone bakeware and kitchen accessories, such as Silpat baking mats ($24.99, amazon.com) and Stasher reusable storage bags ($9.59, amazon.com).
How to Clean Silicone Bakeware
To clean silicone bakeware, wipe each piece with a damp soft sponge and rinse with clean water. You may need to use a mild detergent or soap to get rid of any larger stains or messes, such as residual butter grease from a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Once the bakeware is thoroughly cleaned, dry it on a flat surface or in an oven set to 200 degrees for two to three minutes. If there is persistent stuck-on food, let it soak in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, which should help it to release. Stearns also recommends creating a paste with baking soda and water and using a good sponge or bottle brush to scrub tougher stains. All Stasher bags are dishwasher safe—making for an easy clean.
How to Store Silicone Bakeware
According to Brandon Iacometta, marketing manager of Silpat, many home cooks tend to store their silicone baking mats and other bakeware in the drawer under the oven. “Most people think it’s just a storage drawer, but for most ovens, it is actually a warming drawer. If you store the mat with other metal pans in there, it may accidentally melt or damage the Silpat,” says Iacometta. Instead, store it in a cool, dry cabinet. To save space, roll up silicone baking mats and secure them with Silpat storage bands ($4.25, amazon.com).
How to Dispose of Silicone
A few signs that your silicone products are past their peak are if they are torn, punctured, or otherwise compromised somehow. If you want to get rid of silicone bakeware or reusable bags, Stearns recommends checking with the product manufacturer or brand, as many have repurposing programs in partnership with companies like TerraCycle. For example, Stasher bags can be sent to TerraCycle and upcycled into entirely new and useful products such as a playground or track surfaces. “You can also use damaged Stasher bags to store toys, gym clothes, or keep essential documents together in the glove box of your car,” says Stearns.
Silicone baking mats are essential pieces of cookware you typically see in restaurants or commercial kitchens, but they’re convenient tools for home chefs, too. Appropriate for both desserts and savory recipes, these mats can be used in the oven up to 3,000 times before they even need to be replaced. In order to ensure you’re taking the best care of your product, we asked the experts how to clean these nonstick baking mats.
Kyryl Gorlov / Getty Images
How Do You Clean a Silicone Baking Mat?
Gentle soaps and/or simple DIY cleaning solutions are the way to go. “Always hand wash with mild dish soap and hot water immediately after use,” Meredith Abbott, manager of culinary content at Sur La Table, recommends. As for the best kind of dish soap, Silpat’s Chelsea David suggests sticking to options with neutral pH balances and minimal added fragrances. Once you start washing your mat, make sure you only use soft sponges or a dry dish towel to scrub it. “Nothing too abrasive,” David adds. “You don’t want to tear the silicone coating.”
When you’re caring for your mat, remember that some wear and tear is nothing to worry about. “Discoloration is normal and expected with any silicone-based product, especially Silpat,” David says. “Cleaning your mat will not ‘restore’ it to when it first came out of the packaging but can help with any loose debris, greasy texture, and lingering odors.”
Is There an All-Natural Way to Clean a Silicone Baking Mat?
Whether you’ve run out of soap or are looking to go completely natural, try using a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. “Soaking the mats in hot water with a squeeze of lemon will help break up any residual grease left on the mat,” suggests Crate and Barrel’s Sophia Kvochak, brand buyer for kitchen utility, bakeware, and food. “You can also rinse off the mat, sprinkle it with some baking soda, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub with a sponge.” David says that the lemon juice is especially helpful for getting rid of any remaining odors from your recipe.
What About Especially Sticky Residue?
The good news is that silicone baking mats are nonstick products, so you shouldn’t encounter too many tough stains. “If you keep your mats clean after each bake, removing sticky residue is really easy as it should just peel off,” says Vanessa Burrow, founder of silicone baking mat company Kitzini. “But this can be much trickier if there is a bit of residue that you miss, and then it gets re-baked on.”
In these instances, Abbott suggests either soaking your mat in boiling water for 10 minutes or placing it on a wire rack in a preheated 450°F oven for 20 minutes. After your mat has soaked or baked, Abbott says to “scrub it with grease-fighting dish soap and hot water.”
Are Silicone Baking Mats Dishwasher Safe?
These baking mats are dishwasher safe, but there are differing opinions about whether or not that’s the best way to clean them. David says the dishwasher is an effective method, but make sure you use a gentle detergent. “Some detergents and pods include bleach which is too corrosive and will accelerate the deterioration of the silicone,” David explains. “We recommend Cascade’s Free & Clear ($20.99 for 16, target.com), which is formulated without bleach, perfumes, and dyes.”
How you place your mats in the dishwasher is important, too. “I tend to gently position them over two racks in a ‘U’ shape, avoiding folding them,” Burrow recommends. However, Burrow also says you may want to stick to the sink: “In my experience, the dishwasher doesn’t always clean them as well as you can by hand.” Along these same lines, Kvochak only recommends hand washing the mats. But at the end of the day, which method you choose is up to you.
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’s a lot of easy ways to clean a silicone baking 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!
- How to Clean Silicone Baking Mat
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
There are a few great ways to take care of a dirty silicone baking mat.
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.
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.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
- 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
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 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!
More and more silicone cooking utensils and bakeware are on the market. Home (and professional) chefs have the benefits on lock: silicone whisks and tongs don’t mark delicate nonstick pans, silicone baking mats are non-stick and heat-resistant, and silicone by its very nature discourages the growth of microbes (hello, cleaner kitchen!).
If you’ve been cooking with silicone for a while, you may be aware that the natural state of silicone is a bit gummy, and that’s normal. We absolutely love our silicone baking mats but cleaning them has been a bit of a challenge.
They seem to pick up a bit of “goo” after some usage. The most frustrating part of using these silicone mats is how they seemed to always feel “weird”—oily or grimey. It turns out that you can easily fix this problem and have a clean baking mat quite easily.
- How to clean silicone baking mats.
- Soak your mat
- Use baking soda with lemon or lemon juice
- Clean in the dishwasher
- Silicone Baking Mat FAQ
- Dos:
- Don’ts:
Soak your mat
If your mat is super greasy (what’s shakin’, bacon) or has cooked-on particles stuck to it, soak it first. Fill your sink with super hot water (don’t burn yourself) and grease-cutting dish detergent.
Let the baking mat soak dirty-side down in the water for 10 minutes, then put on some thick dishwashing gloves and scrub the silicone mat with a sponge. This process should remove grease and debris.
Use baking soda with lemon or lemon juice
We got a great tip on cleaning baking mats here using all- natural products. Your kitchen counter might work best for easy clean-up, in the empty sink itself, or lay out kitchen towels on your table to catch residue.
- Lay your mat out flat, “dirty” side up on the countertop, inside the sink, or on towels.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of baking soda onto your mat.
- Cut a lemon in half. Rub one half all over the mat and scrub gently. This will create a paste. Note: If you don’t have a lemon, feel free to use lemon juice and a dishrag.
- Let the paste sit for 10 minutes.
- Run mat under warm water until baking soda paste has been rinsed away completely.
- Allow mat to air dry.
- Note that we have not yet found a reliable cleaning method to get rid of the dark stains. This method just removes the “grime.”
Clean in the dishwasher
Don’t be shy about putting your silicone baking mat in the dishwasher top rack and run it with your other dishes. This is my favorite method because I feel like it removes that oily residue the best. The key here is to put the mat on the top rack. If you still feel a bit of oil on the mat, just run it through one more time.
Keep in mind that your silicone baking mat will likely always feel a bit tacky and that is normal for a baking mat. You want the baking mat to be free of baked-on debris and coated grease but you still want your food to slide right off.
Making sure your new mat gets cleaned thoroughly from the get-go means it will retain its nonstick properties for a long time.
Silicone Baking Mat FAQ
Yes, these baking mats are considered safe for use with food by the FDA. As long as you make sure that your silicone baking mat is marked as food safe, you are free to bake with it. Always note the max temperature that your mat can be heated too. In general, the max heat is 400 to 450 degrees F.
Read the care instructions that come with your mat. Some people with sensitivity to smell may want to avoid being around heated silicone, but both the FDA and Canadian Health Agency “maintain(s) that food-grade silicone does not react with food or beverages or produce any hazardous fumes, and as such is safe to use up to recommended temperatures.” ¹
My baking mats are stinky when they get hot. What do I do?
If smoke is coming from your oven, use a hot pad/heat-resistant glove to remove the pan with mat and place in the sink to cool. Make sure this is a heat-resistant silicone baking mat and NOT a thin plastic cutting board (these can get hot or melt).
Sometimes these are easily confused. Maybe your oven setting is too high for your brand of mat — try turning the heat down. If all else fails you may need to replace this mat.
How to use silicone baking mats?
1. Preheat your oven to your desired temp.2. Lay the silicone baking mat on a cookie sheet or baking sheet.3. Do not grease or oil the mat.4. Place food on the silicone mat.5. Place the baking sheet with the silicone mat and food in the oven.6. Cook your food like normal.
Home and professional bakers alike use silicone baking mats on a cookie sheet, roasting pan, jelly roll pan, casserole dish, almost any type of pan you’d normally put in the oven. Usually, these mats protect the food from sticking, but also keep you from having to scrub the pan when you’re done.
Slip your mat under foods that would typically stick to your pan, such as cookies, biscuits, bacon, chicken, delicate foods like salmon (you know how the fish skin can stick to the pan?), puff pastry, macarons, and lots more.
Parchment paper works the same way, but silicone baking mats are reusable, and parchment paper (we love the unbleached, pre-cut sheets kind) is disposable. There are mats marked with measurements to help you as you roll out dough. Some come in sets of three sizes for different pans.
Dos
- Do store your mat flat, if possible.
- Do wash your baking mat right away after baking.
- Do use a baking mat in your toaster oven to help with clean-up.
Don’ts
- Don’t lay your mat directly on the oven rack.
- Don’t use a baking mat in a way inconsistent with its labeling, such as on a stove top, in a frying pan, in a toast
- Don’t grease your silicone baking mat. They are made to be non-stick.
- Don’t use your silicone baking mat like a cutting board.
- Don’t use your silicone baking mat if it’s been cut or torn, or has cracks or creases.
- Don’t stack heavy objects on your silicone baking mat, especially when it’s rolled up, since this can cause damage to the filaments inside. If the mat has a fiberglass core, these filaments can be ingested, which could be bad for your health.
- Don’t use an oven temp above 500 F for most mats. If you don’t have the original usage information, it may be safest to keep the temp at 400 or less or the mat can smoke and
Can silicone baking mats go in the dishwasher?
es, you can put a silicone baking mat in the dishwasher. That is actually one of the easiest ways to clean a baking mat. They are heat-resistant, and make it through an indefinite number of washings.
How to store silicone baking mats?
It is recommended that you lay your baking mats flat, which is how we store ours. Another option is to roll your baking mat up and push them inside of a cardboard tube such as used paper towel tube. Be sure not to lay heavy pots and pans on your rolled or folded mat or it can cause damage to the mat.
Silicone baking mats can be quite handy in any kitchen but they can also be a bit challenging to clean. Hopefully, these cleaning options help you decide if a silicone baking mat is a good option for you.
¹ Silicone Tally: How Hazardous Is the New Post-Teflon Rubberized Cookware
This kitchen utensil has made my baking and cooking way easier and much more convenient than before. There’s no need to grease with oil or cooking spray – you don’t even need parchment paper!
If you haven’t tried out one of these silicone baking mats yet, you’re in for a great surprise – it’s really a game changer in the kitchen! So, let’s get things sorted.
Silicone baking mats are perfect for baking that perfect chocolate chip cookie or some delicious ooey gooey cinnamon rolls too! How about a non-sweet option? These flexible non-stick baking mats are even useful for baking savories such as a delicious baked white fish seasoned with salt, pepper and coriander and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
You can use silicone baking mats for messy baking! For example, you know when you have a bubbling hot dish in the oven that tends to spill over and make a mess in the oven?
Just place the non-stick baking mat right underneath and it will catch those sneaky drips and prevent your oven from getting so dirty! You don’t even need to use aluminum foil underneath anymore. There’s also no need for placing an additional sheet pan underneath; problem solved!
Since it’s designed for non-stick baking and cooking, the silicone baking mat is perfect for “sticky” ingredients like batter, dough, caramel, etc.
There is absolutely no need to modify your recipe or alternate the temperature when using these silicone baking mats, so just cook or bake your recipe as usual.
Every silicone baking mat has its limit to what the minimum and maximum temperature it should be exposed to and it’s usually either stated on the product directly (look for a stamp) or you can find this information in the original packaging the silicone baking mat came in. Make sure you stick to the temperature limits and this will ensure durability of the product so that you can use the mat for years to come.
Make sure you silicone baking mat is clean and then simply place it directly on your cooking tray or countertop. When baking, you could place the mat directly on the oven rack, however, for stability purposes, it would be better to place them on the cooking tray. Once your baking is done, remove the mat from the oven and allow to cool, remove the food and then serve.
What’s amazing is that once you’re done using the silicone baking mat, cleaning it up is such a breeze! All you need to do is wash it with water and soap, and then place it on a rack to dry. Yes, it’s that simple! Soaking also helps.
FYI You don’t really HAVE to grease your silicone baking mat before using it, but I found in some cases it does help clean-up to be way faster – just a small tip. Silicone baking mats don’t get rusty like metal-based bakeware so you can soak it and not have to worry about it degrading and rusting.
Storing your silicone baking mold is very easy since they retain their shape no matter how they’re stored. According to The Kitchn, the best way to store them is to roll them and place them inside an empty paper towel tube – neat trick! You can even use a finished toilet paper roll if you don’t have a paper towel tube.
Silicone baking mats are so durable and made from food-grade silicone, which means they can be re-used again and again – thousands of times! I’ve used mine for over a year and it’s still in great condition with lots of baking left to do. Also, don’t be afraid to use metal kitchen utensils on the silicone baking mats since they don’t get damaged like the regular pans and baking sheet trays.
Something you should know (but not worry about) is that some silicone baking mats may stain if using tomato sauce or vibrant colored spices such as turmeric. Silicone baking mats stains don’t really affect their function whatsoever.
Step by Step Usage of the Silicone Baking Mat
- Make sure your silicone baking mat is clean.
- Place it directly on your cooking tray or countertop. When baking, you could place the mat directly on the oven rack, however, for stability purposes, it would be better to place them on the cooking tray.
- Once your baking is done, remove the mat from the oven and allow to cool, remove the food and then serve.
- Clean your silicone baking mat and let air dry.
How to Clean a Silicone Baking Mat
If your silicon baking mat is too greasy, just soak it for 10 minutes in a sink filled with hot water and dish detergent. Afterward, scrub it with a sponge. Make sure to wear gloves as the water will still be hot.
Lay your dirty silicone baking mat on your kitchen counter or in the sink and sprinkle a little bit of baking soda. Slice a lemon in half and rub it over the mat to create a paste-like consistency. Leave it for 10 minutes. Next, place your silicone baking mat under warm water to clean it completely. Allow the baking mat to air dry.
Most silicone baking mats are dishwasher-safe; check the packaging to make sure. You can put it on the top rack in the dishwasher.
Can Silicone go in the oven?
Of course, silicone can go in the oven!
Silicone is known to be resistant to “extreme environments including extreme temperatures”. This attribute makes them a popular choice for bakeware. Most silicone can tolerate temperatures from -70°F up to +446°F. (Source)
Silicone pans and baking mats are oven-safe and can be used at hot temperatures (usually up to 450 degrees F). They’re suitable for all kinds of ovens, except direct fire ovens. It is also NOT suitable for direct heat sources i.e. BBQ grills, stove top, broiler, etc.
Additionally, most silicone-based pans and mats are suitable to be placed in freezers, refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers.
I would advise to keep an eye out for the temperature to make sure you don’t melt your silicone mat by mistake resulting in all your hard work going down the drain! Different mats could have different temperature thresholds. So definitely check your silicone pan or mat (you could possibly find it on its original packaging) in order to find the exact temperature it can withstand.
What is Silpat?
I’d like to introduce you to Silpat – it’s my go-to brand for non-stick silicone baking mats!
Silpat is the “original” non-stick baking mat made in 1965 and has been used by so many chefs around the world to this day. Long story short, a French baker known as Monsieur Guy Demarle decided to develop a much better way to prepare and bake baguettes, et voila, Silpat was born!
Silpat is made using a unique fiberglass mesh and high quality food-grade silicone; this helps heat to be distributed consistently which promotes more even baking, no burnt base and finally, no sticking!
Just like the silicone baking product I’ve been talking about throughout this article, it is also freezer, microwave, oven-safe and dishwasher safe. It can withstand temperatures from 40 degrees F to 500 degrees F. If you take care of your silicone-based baking products, they should last up to 3000 baking cycles, the brand states.
There is a wide range of non-stick bakeware by Silpat which will change the way you bake fundamentally! You can bake your favorite bread, pastries, cookies as well as savory foods in a perfect manner each time! Professional French bakers use it and it’s certified by FDA, NSF® and Kosher, so I’m glad to be on the same page with my baking and cooking.
Conclusion
So hopefully the information was helpful and answered most (if not all) of your questions regarding the basic silicone baking mat including how to use it, how to clean it, can it go in an oven, etc.
Using Silpat brand is highly recommended since it’s the revolutionary brand that started it all and changed cooking and baking in such a fundamental way for many professionals as well as home bakers.
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 the 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 a 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?
I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It’s been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.