If you love baking, a silicone baking mat will be your best friend. It protects cookie and baking sheets from hard-to-remove stains and other spills. They also prevent foods from sticking and burning. If you have such a handy tool, with proper maintenance, you will be able to enjoy it for many years.
The mats were designed in the 60s and combine fibreglass mesh and silicone coating that withstand extremely low and high temperatures. These baking mats do not absorb oil and other food residue and can be used many times. However, they need proper cleaning once in a while in order to protect their non-stick properties.
Here are some of the best qualities that silicone baking mats have:
- Keeping cookie and baking sheets neat and clean.
- Avoiding sticking while baking or reheating foods in the oven.
- Replacing parchment paper or non-stick aluminium foil on baking sheets to reduce waste.
- On a countertop, kneading or rolling out dough.
- Keeping pie plates and cake rings from splattering on baking sheets.
Food oils must be entirely removed from silicone baking mats and other forms of silicone bakeware after use, otherwise, the oils may build up and become sticky. When this happens, food particles begin to adhere to the silicone mat, rendering it ineffective. Keep reading to learn how to easily maintain your silicone baking mats.
Make sure you wash your silicone baking mats after every use. Hand washing is preferred, even though the mats can be cleaned in the dishwasher. By gently cleaning them manually you will help prolong their life. After using a mat for a while, it may begin to get sticky even if you regularly clean it. When this happens, a more thorough cleaning is required. In this article, we will share the best way of doing that.
Regularly clean your silicone baking mat
In a sink of warm water, wash the mats with a dishwashing detergent that contains a degreaser. Wipe off both sides of the mat with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse well with warm water. Dry the silicone mat using a lint-free microfiber dish towel or hang it to dry, which could take several hours. Never put away wet or moist baking mats.
Choose a dishwasher detergent that does not include chlorine bleach to clean the mats. Excessive chlorine bleaching on silicone might degrade the surface. Make sure the mat is not crumpled before placing it in the dishwasher rack. If you must fold it, make a slight curve to avoid damage.
Do a hot water soak to remove built-up grease and sticky residue
Fill a basin or large bucket with hot water to remove excess oils from the mat. Add 1 teaspoon of a degreasing dishwasher detergent. Swish your hands through the water while wearing rubber gloves to scatter the detergent, then add the silicone baking mat.
Allow the mat to soak for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour. Remove the cooled water. Fill the sink with hot water from the faucet. Scrub both sides of the mat with a non-abrasive sponge and a few drops of dishwashing soap. Rinse in hot water and wipe away with a clean dry microfiber cloth. Rub your fingers over the mat to check for any leftover sticky residue. If the mat is still sticky, move on to the next step.
Use the oven and some baking soda
Heat the oven up to 170 degrees Celsius. Once it is fully heated, place the silicone mat inside. Leave it in for about 10 minutes – this should be enough to soften the residue. Get the mat out of the oven and sprinkle it with water and enough baking soda so that a thin paste covers the surface. Allow the baking soda to dry completely. Fill the sink with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid once the baking soda has dried. Wipe the mat down with a non-abrasive sponge to clean it. Rinse with warm water and thoroughly dry. Feel for any lingering sticky places on the mat. Clean those places with a damp sponge and a dab of dry baking soda. Allow the mat to completely dry before storing it away.
For though stains and burns
While stains will not damage the baking mat’s effectiveness, you may want to clean any food stains with hydrogen peroxide, a slow-acting bleaching chemical. Pour enough 3% hydrogen peroxide to cover the affected area into a bucket or sink. Allow it to soak for 24 hours. Before using, thoroughly rinse it.
Clean burnt silicone bakeware by immersing it in a sink filled halfway with hot water and distilled vinegar. Allow it to soak in the liquid for an hour before rinsing. This procedure can also be used to remove persistent food stains.
Extra tips on cleaning a silicone baking mat:
- Always use a dishwashing liquid that contains degreasing components.
- Do not use any abrasive cleaners or sponges on the silicone. They may scratch the surface and prevent the mat from being as non-stick as it is supposed to be.
- Wash the mat with hot water and dishwashing liquid after every use to prevent oils from building up.