Food-grade silicone baby accessories, such as bibs, plates and pacifiers, have become essential for many modern parents. Strong, flexible, safe and durable, they are designed to simplify daily life while ensuring maximum safety for our little ones. However, like any childcare product, they require specific maintenance to maintain their cleanliness and extend their lifespan.

In this article, we'll give you some practical tips on how to clean and care for silicone baby products, while also introducing you to some must-haves from the Ploomie brand.

Why is maintaining silicone products important?

Food grade silicone is a material of choice for baby accessories thanks to its non-toxic and hypoallergenic properties. However, like all baby items, it regularly comes into contact with saliva, food, dust, and bacteria. Regular maintenance ensures that the products remain clean , safe , and pleasant to use.

Additionally, proper cleaning helps extend the life of accessories, preventing deterioration due to food deposits or other residues.

Daily cleaning: the simplicity of silicone

One of the great things about silicone products is how easy they are to clean. Unlike porous materials like wood or some plastics, silicone is non-porous, which means it doesn't retain stains or odors, and bacteria can't build up on it.

Take thePloomie silicone bib for example. After a meal, you can usually just rinse it with warm water and a little mild soap to remove any food residue. This bib is designed to resist stubborn stains while maintaining its smooth and soft appearance over time. A simple wipe or run under the tap will restore it to its original condition for the next meal.

Cleaning tips:

• Rinse with lukewarm water after each use.
• Use a mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratches.
• Air dry or wipe with a clean cloth.

A thorough interview: disinfect safely

To ensure impeccable hygiene, especially for items in direct contact with baby's mouth, such as pacifiers or teething rings, a thorough cleaning is recommended from time to time. Fortunately, food-grade silicone can be disinfected in several ways, without risking damage to the material.

A silicone teething ring , for example, can be sterilized at high temperatures without deteriorating. You can use a steam sterilizer or simply immerse it in boiling water for a few minutes. Unlike other materials, silicone does not melt or release toxic substances, even under heat.

Disinfection methods:

• Steam sterilization in a baby bottle sterilizer.
• Dip in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Dishwasher use (in the upper compartment to avoid direct exposure to excessive heat).

Good practices for preserving silicone products

To ensure that your silicone accessories remain in perfect condition, it is essential to follow a few good practices on a daily basis. Although silicone is a durable material, certain habits can extend its lifespan even further.

Let's take the Ploomie silicone compartmentalized plate as an example. This accessory, used for baby meals, is designed to withstand repeated microwave and dishwasher cycles. However, to avoid premature deterioration, it is advisable not to use sharp or metal utensils that could scratch the surface. In addition, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct heat sources such as hotplates or the oven is recommended.

Preservation tips:

• Avoid metal utensils which could damage the silicone.
• Do not leave the silicone in direct contact with a flame or a very hot surface (such as a stovetop).
• Store accessories away from direct light to avoid long-term discoloration.

Using the dishwasher: a time saver for parents

One of the many benefits of food-grade silicone products is that they are dishwasher safe. This makes maintenance even more convenient for busy parents. Whether it's a silicone bowl or a silicone cup , you can place them in the top rack of the dishwasher for quick and efficient cleaning.

Silicone is resistant to hot water and detergents, while maintaining its soft and flexible properties. However, it is best to use a gentle or "delicate" cycle to limit the risk of premature wear, and to avoid harsh chemicals that could alter the color or texture.

Dishwasher Tips:

• Place products in the upper compartment to protect them from direct heat.
• Use a gentle cycle to preserve the elasticity of the silicone.
• Avoid harsh detergents containing strong solvents.

What to do in case of stubborn stains or bad odors?

Although food-grade silicone generally does not retain stains or odors, it can happen that certain particularly colored or greasy foods leave persistent residues. In this case, several simple tips can restore the appearance and cleanliness of the accessories.

For a silicone plate or bib with carrot puree or berry stains, you can prepare a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, leave for a few minutes, then rub gently before rinsing.

Anti-stain tips:

• Mix baking soda and water to create a mild cleaning paste.
• Rub with a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the surface.
• To eliminate bad odors , soak the products in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar for 30 minutes.

Ploomie products: easy-to-maintain silicone essentials

The Ploomie brand offers a range of silicone accessories designed to make parents' lives easier while ensuring maximum safety and hygiene. Whether for meals, playtime or bath time, Ploomie products stand out for their durability and practicality.

Food-grade silicone, thanks to its non-porous and resistant properties, is a material of choice for baby products. With a few simple steps, it is possible to guarantee the cleanliness, safety and longevity of your child's accessories. Whether you choose to clean them by hand or in the dishwasher, silicone products like those offered by Ploomie are designed to withstand intensive use while remaining soft and safe for your baby.

By adopting these care practices, you ensure that your baby's silicone accessories remain hygienic and in perfect condition for years to come.