How to Clean a Silicone Spatula

Silicone Spatulas: Easy to Clean, Prone to Grease Buildup

Silicone spatulas are kitchen workhorses — heat-resistant, flexible, and non-stick friendly. They're easy to clean for everyday use, but silicone has one persistent problem: it absorbs grease and oils over time, leaving a slick, greasy film that regular washing doesn't fully remove. Here's how to keep silicone spatulas truly clean.

What You'll Need

Non-scratch scrub sponge
Baking soda
White vinegar
Grease-cutting dish soap
Hot water

Everyday Cleaning

Wash immediately after use with hot soapy water and a non-scratch sponge
Use a grease-cutting dish soap — regular soap is less effective on silicone grease
Scrub both sides of the blade and the handle
Pay attention to the junction between blade and handle if they're separate pieces
Rinse thoroughly and air dry

Most silicone spatulas are dishwasher safe — place on the top rack.

Removing Stubborn Grease Buildup

If the spatula still feels greasy after washing, polymerized oil has built up in the silicone. Here's how to remove it:

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the spatula surface
Add a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap and enough hot water to make a paste
Scrub with a non-scratch sponge in circular motions
Let sit for 10–15 minutes
Scrub again, then rinse thoroughly with hot water

Removing Odors

Silicone absorbs odors from garlic, fish, and strong spices. After washing, soak in a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, bake the clean spatula in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes — heat drives out absorbed odors.

Removing Stains

Silicone stains from tomato sauce, turmeric, and berries. Apply a baking soda paste, let sit 20–30 minutes, scrub, and rinse. Sunlight exposure after washing helps bleach residual staining.

The Junction Problem

Silicone spatulas with a separate handle have a junction that traps food and moisture. Use a toothbrush to scrub around the junction after every use. If the head is removable, detach for thorough cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Silicone spatulas are low-maintenance with regular hot soapy water washing. The baking soda paste method removes stubborn grease buildup, vinegar or oven heat eliminates odors, and sunlight bleaches staining. Clean the junction with a toothbrush to prevent mold.

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