Quick answer

Wash your silicone teething necklace or bangle daily with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. For a deeper clean, boil the silicone beads for 2–3 minutes or use a steam steriliser. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing, and high heat that can damage the silicone.

Why regular cleaning matters for teething jewellery

Silicone teething necklaces and bangles spend a lot of time in little hands and mouths. Saliva, milk residue, and general grime can build up on the beads, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Daily cleaning keeps the jewellery safe for baby to chew and touch, and also helps the silicone stay soft and flexible for longer.

Because these pieces are designed to be both a stylish accessory for mum and a functional teether for baby, they need a cleaning routine that is gentle on the material but effective at removing germs. The good news is that food-grade silicone is naturally non-porous and easy to sanitise without special products.

What to avoid when cleaning silicone teething jewellery

Never use bleach, alcohol-based wipes, or antibacterial soaps with harsh additives. These can degrade the silicone or leave a chemical residue that baby may ingest. Also avoid scrubbing with abrasive sponges or brushes, as they can create micro-tears where bacteria can hide. High heat from dishwashers or microwaves (unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise) can warp the beads or weaken the cord.

Step-by-step cleaning routine for silicone teething jewellery

  1. Step 1: Rinse with warm water: Hold the necklace or bangle under warm running water for about 15 seconds to remove loose saliva, milk, or food particles. Use your fingers to gently rub each bead. Common mistake: using hot water, which can weaken the silicone over time. Stick to lukewarm.
  2. Step 2: Wash with mild soap: Apply a drop of mild dish soap or a fragrance-free baby soap to a soft cloth or your hands. Work the soap over every bead and the cord, paying attention to crevices where grime can hide. Checkpoint: avoid antibacterial soaps or those with moisturisers, as they can leave a film on the silicone.
  3. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the jewellery under warm running water until all soap is gone. Soap residue can irritate baby's gums or alter the taste of the beads. Common mistake: not rinsing long enough. A quick splash may leave soap trapped in bead holes.
  4. Step 4: Sterilise (optional, for deep cleaning): For a deeper sanitise, submerge the silicone beads in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then remove with tongs and let cool. Alternatively, place in a steam steriliser for 5 minutes. Checkpoint: do not boil for longer than 3 minutes, as prolonged high heat can damage the silicone. Let the jewellery cool completely before giving it to baby.
  5. Step 5: Air dry completely: Lay the necklace or bangle flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a hook away from direct sunlight. Allow it to air dry fully before wearing or storing. Moisture trapped in the beads can lead to mould. Common mistake: drying with a towel can leave lint on the beads. Air drying is safer and more hygienic.
  6. Step 6: Store in a clean, dry place: Once dry, store the teething jewellery in a breathable cotton pouch or a clean container. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers that can trap moisture. Checkpoint: keep the jewellery away from other toys or items that may transfer dirt or bacteria.

Teething jewellery you can clean with confidence

  • Breastfeeding & Teething Necklace/Bangle Set - Idalia: Beautiful Mum & Baby Breastfeeding & Teething Necklace & Bangle set. Chewable, tactile silicone beads that are interesting for baby while stylish for mama to wear. Used to soothe sore gums when baby is teething and as a sensory aid to help baby maintain focus while feeding. This set includes both a necklace and a bangle, so you get two pieces that need the same simple cleaning routine. The silicone beads are easy to wash and sterilise, making daily hygiene hassle-free.
  • Breastfeeding & Teething Necklace - Caramel: Breastfeeding & Teething Jewellery - Caramel Silicone Bead Necklace. Designed for little ones to chew on when teething, hold when feeding, and provide sensory stimulation to maintain focus on nursing. Helps reduce nipping, scratching, and hair pulling. The caramel colour is stylish, and because the beads are made from food-grade silicone, you can clean them with the same boil or steam method without worrying about colour fading or material damage.
  • Breastfeeding & Teething Necklace - Moonlight Dance: Breastfeeding & Teething Necklace - Moonlight Dance. Chewable, tactile silicone beads designed to be interesting for baby and stylish for mama. Helps reduce nipping, scratching, and hair pulling while snuggled up together. The Moonlight Dance design features a mix of bead shapes that can trap milk or saliva in crevices. Regular cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth ensures every nook stays hygienic.