Quick answer
Clean silicone tongs after each use by hand or in the dishwasher, and prevent lingering smells by drying them completely before storing.
Why silicone tongs need special care
Silicone is nonstick and heat-resistant, but its porous surface can trap oils and odors from strong-smelling foods like garlic or fish. Without proper cleaning, those smells linger. The good news: silicone tongs are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing with the right technique removes odors more reliably.
Step-by-step care routine
- Rinse immediately after use: Run the tongs under hot water to remove food residue before it dries onto the silicone. Pay extra attention to the hinge area where bits can get trapped. Leaving food to dry on the silicone makes later cleaning harder and can cause staining.
- Wash by hand with mild soap: Use a soft sponge and dish soap to scrub the silicone tips and the metal handles. For stubborn odors, make a paste of baking soda and water, rub it onto the silicone, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. Avoid abrasive scrubbers—they can scratch the silicone surface and make it more prone to holding smells.
- Dry thoroughly before storing: After washing, towel-dry the tongs and leave them open on a dish rack for at least 30 minutes. Moisture trapped inside the hinge or between the silicone and metal can cause mildew or a musty smell. Storing wet tongs in a drawer is the most common cause of odor problems.
Product facts
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Silicone Tongs: Built from stainless steel with heat-resistant silicone tips, dishwasher safe, and safe for nonstick cookware. You can safely run these tongs through the dishwasher without damaging the silicone or the metal frame, but the tips still need thorough drying to prevent odor buildup.
Silicone Tongs