Kids make messes. That’s a given. But as a parent, you don’t have to accept the mess of spilled food on their clothes—or your floor. Enter, the silicone bib! This flexible piece of equipment can keep your little one’s duds free of sauce and give you some much-needed peace of mind during mealtime. Plus, it’s easy to clean and perfectly safe for your little one.
That said, if you’re wondering how best to clean a silicone bib (after all, they get pretty sticky!), then you’ve come to the right place. In this article I’ll provide tips on the best ways to get your silicone bibs sparkling clean using only natural ingredients and techniques that are gentle but effective.
Pre-Cleaning Instructions
Cleaning your little one’s silicone bib can be a bit overwhelming – especially if you’re not sure of the best way to do it. Before you jump into the deep end, here are some helpful pre-cleaning instructions for you to follow:
- Wipe off any potential stains as soon as possible. This way, the residue won’t have time to settle and will be easier to clean.
- Regularly check for moldy areas caused by food spillage and buildup. They should be cleaned as soon as possible.
Once you’ve followed these pre-cleaning steps, your bib is ready for a full cleaning. To do this, use a combination of warm, soapy water and scrubbing in order to get rid of any dirt or grime that may have stuck on it over time. You can also soak the bib overnight in a mixture of water and vinegar – this will help loosen tough stains and make them easier to remove.
By following these steps, your little one’s silicone bib will be clean and ready for them to use again!
Best Soaps to Use
When it comes to cleaning your little one’s silicone bib, you have a few options. Start by checking the label for any special care instructions—most silicone bibs are dishwasher safe and can be placed on the top rack.
If you choose to hand wash, go for an unscented cleaner such as Seventh Generation Unscented Dish Soap. Alternatively, plain ol’ liquid soap and warm water does the trick just fine and is gentle on the baby’s delicate skin.
To avoid staining, make sure to rinse of any residue from the soap before drying with a towel or rolling up in a paper towel then letting air dry. And while you’re at it, wipe down all other food-related items your little one uses such as dishware and utensils!
How to Clean With a Brush and Soap
Cleaning with a brush and soap is the go-to way to clean silicone bibs. All you need is some mild soap and a sponge or brush—no fancy stuff needed.
Here’s what you do:
- Wet the bib with warm water and place some mild soap on it.
- Scrub any food or dirt off the bib, using your sponge or brush.
- Rinse off any debris still sticking to the bib with warm water until it’s clean.
- Dry your bib thoroughly by letting it sit out in the air for a few hours so it doesn’t start to mold or mildew over time.
This technique is great for spot-cleaning and can help extend the life of a silicone bib even more!
How to Sanitize Silicone Bib in the Dishwasher
The good news is that cleaning silicone bibs is easy and fast. You can put them in the top rack of your dishwasher and let it do its thing. The hot water and steam will help disinfect the bib and get it sparkling clean.
If you don’t have a dishwasher, no worries! You can sanitize your silicone bib with just soap, water, and a dry towel. First, start by rinsing the bib in running water to loosen any food bits or residue. Use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining debris. Then, lather up the bib with some gentle, fragrance-free soap or baby shampoo before rinsing it one more time. As a final step, pat it dry with a soft towel or allow to air dry on a drying rack.
Voila! Your little one’s silicone bib is now clean and sparkling!
Additional Tips for Cleaning Silicone Bibs
Cleaning silicone bibs doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here are some useful tips that your little one will thank you for:
Quality of water matters
When handwashing your baby’s silicone bib, make sure to use warm soapy water and avoid abrasive cleaning agents. The quality of water can play an important role in making sure that your bib shines, so use filtered if possible.
Dishwasher safe top rack only
If you decide to use the dishwasher, make sure to put the silicone bibs on top rack only like all other delicate items. Also, check if it’s dishwasher-safe before attempting this method.
With these extra tips in mind, cleaning these types of bibs will no longer be such a hassle!
What Products to Avoid When Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your little one’s silicone bib, there are a few products you should avoid. Chemicals, flame retardants, and parabens and phenoxyethanol found in many baby products can all be harmful or even toxic when ingested.
Some of the chemicals to avoid include:
- chloride-based cleaners like chlorinated bleach
- aerosols filled with solvents
- chlorine-based glass cleaners
- petroleum-based products like degreasers and kerosene
- acids like sulfuric acid.
Parabens and phenoxyethanol found in many baby products are also undesirable due to their potential toxicity, so make sure to check labels before you purchase any kind of cleaning product. The best way to ensure the safety of your little one is by using natural cleaning solutions for their silicone bibs.
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Conclusion
Cleaning your little one’s silicone bibs doesn’t need to be a big chore – it can actually be quite easy and fast! For most silicone bibs, simply rinsing with warm soapy water and air-drying will do the trick. You can also add a few drops of vinegar or tea tree oil if you need extra cleaning power. Additionally, you could invest in a dishwasher-safe silicone bib that’ll make the cleaning process even easier.
No matter which method you choose, regularly cleaning your little one’s bibs is essential for ensuring that they’re germ-free, hygienic, and safe to use. That way, you can enjoy worry-free mess-free mealtime with your little one!
Hey there! I’m Alton Smith, your Clean Expert blogger. I’m on a quest to help you conquer chaos and embrace the joys of a tidy life.
