Silicone cups have become a favorite among parents because they are durable, soft, non-toxic, and safe for babies and toddlers. But while silicone is naturally resistant to bacteria and easy to maintain, many parents still run into common issues: cloudy stains, lingering odors, stubborn residue inside straws, or cups that just don’t feel “deep clean” anymore.

If you’ve ever wondered why silicone sometimes develops a smell, how to safely sanitize it, or what the right cleaning routine looks like, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

For parents who want deeper cleaning instructions, we’ve put together a dedicated tutorial on Deep Cleaning Silicone Baby Products. It covers removing odors, preventing mold in straws, and safe ways to sanitize without damaging silicone.

Below, you’ll learn the correct methods, the cleaning products to avoid, and the best long-term maintenance habits to keep your child’s silicone drinkware fresh, odor-free, and safe.

1. Why Silicone Needs Special Cleaning Care

Food-grade silicone is non-porous, which means bacteria can’t easily seep into it. But silicone can absorb oils and scents, especially with repeated use. Over time, this can lead to:

Lingering milk or juice smell
Greasy or filmy texture
Cloudy discoloration
Mold inside straws or small crevices
Trapped residue under lids or valves

These issues are usually the result of improper washing, detergent buildup, or not fully drying the cup before reassembling it.

The good news? With the right techniques, silicone can look and feel brand-new for years.

2. Basic Daily Cleaning Method (Safe for All Silicone Cups)

Step 1: Disassemble Everything

Remove:

Lids
Valves
Handles
Straws
Weighted balls (if included)
Any removable spouts or inserts

Silicone often traps liquid under tight-fitting pieces, making mold more likely if not taken apart.

Step 2: Wash With Warm, Soapy Water

Use:

Mild dish soap
Warm water
A soft sponge or silicone bottle brush

Avoid rough scrubbers, as they can create micro-scratches that hold residue.

Step 3: Pay Attention to Straws and Tight Areas

Use:

Straw brush
Narrow bottle brush
Soft bristle nipple brush

Move the brush back and forth to clear milk or juice residue that can settle at the bottom.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Silicone holds onto detergent more than plastic or metal. Rinsing well prevents soapy buildup, which can cause silicone to feel tacky or smell odd over time.

Step 5: Air Dry Completely

Place on:

Clean drying rack
Ventilated mat
Towel in a well-lit area

Avoid sealing silicone cups while damp—this traps moisture and encourages mold growth.

3. How to Remove Odors From Silicone Cups

If your silicone cup smells like old milk, fruit juice, or detergent, try these proven odor-removal methods:

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste

Mix:

2–3 tbsp baking soda
A few drops of water

Rub the paste onto the cup, lid, and straw.
Let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then rinse well.

This removes scent from:

Milk residue
Juice sugars
Sour odors

Method 2: White Vinegar Soak

Mix:

1 part white vinegar
3 parts warm water

Soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Vinegar breaks down scent-causing bacteria and mineral buildup.

Method 3: Lemon & Boiling Water

Add lemon slices to boiling water.
Submerge the silicone for 15 minutes.

This is ideal for neutralizing:

Soap smells
Sour odors
Lingering juice scent

Method 4: Deep Clean in Dishwasher

Use the top rack. High heat helps remove oils that cause odors.

4. How to Safely Sanitize Silicone Cups

Silicone is more heat-resistant than plastic, but you still must sanitize properly to avoid damage.

Safe Sanitation Methods:

✔ Dishwasher (Top Rack Only)

High heat eliminates bacteria without harming silicone.

✔ Boiling (5–10 minutes)

Great for:

First-time sterilization
After sickness
Deep cleaning

Do not boil silicone with metal inserts that aren’t removable.

✔ Steam Sterilizers

Compatible with:

Microwave steam bags
Electric steam machines

Avoid exceeding recommended heat cycles.

✔ UV Sanitizers

Safe for silicone, but not necessary for daily use.

Avoid These (They Damage Silicone):

❌ Bleach
❌ Harsh chemical disinfectants
❌ Alcohol soaking
❌ Abrasive scouring pads
❌ Oil-based cleaners
❌ Dish soaps with added scents or dyes

These can cause:

Stickiness
Film buildup
Discoloration
Faster odor absorption

5. How to Prevent Mold in Silicone Straws and Lids

Mold is most common in:

Clear Honey Bear silicone straws
Collapsible straws
Weighted straw systems
Cup lids with hidden channels

To prevent mold:

✔ Clean straws immediately after use

Milk residue grows bacteria fast.

✔ Soak straws in warm soapy water for 10 minutes

This loosens buildup.

✔ Use a thin straw brush every wash

Don’t skip this step—rinsing alone is not enough.

✔ Make sure every part dries completely

Moisture + sugar = mold.

✔ Do a weekly deep clean

Use vinegar or boiling water.

If mold appears:

Boil the straw
Follow with a baking soda scrub
Replace if mold is deeply stained

6. Removing Cloudiness or Oily Film From Silicone

Silicone can develop a cloudy appearance over time.
This is caused by:

Oils from milk
Hard water minerals
Detergent residue
Contact with oily foods

How to Restore Clarity:

✔ Baking soda scrub

Removes oil film.

✔ Vinegar soak

Breaks down mineral deposits.

✔ Boil with a few drops of lemon

Clears cloudiness and deodorizes.

✔ Dishwasher sanitize cycle

Melts off trapped residue.

Avoid aggressive chemicals—they worsen the cloudiness.

7. Deep Cleaning Routine (Weekly or Bi-Weekly)

Here’s a simple but effective deep-clean schedule:

Step-by-Step Deep Clean:

Disassemble every part
Soak in warm water + dish soap (15 minutes)
Scrub with soft brushes
Rinse thoroughly
Soak in vinegar solution (30 minutes)
Boil silicone pieces for 5 minutes
Air dry completely
Store unassembled until fully dry

This routine keeps cups:

Odor-free
Mold-free
Clear and fresh
Safe for daily use

8. Best Cleaning Tools for Silicone Cups

✔ Soft bottle brush

Silicone-friendly and prevents scratches.

✔ Straw cleaning brush

Must-have for sippy and straw cups.

✔ Silicone sponge

Gentle and long-lasting.

✔ Drying rack

Improves airflow.

✔ Fragrance-free dish soap

Prevents odor absorption.

Do not use:

Steel wool
Powdered cleansers
Brushes with metal tips

9. Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

❌ Using scented dish soap

Silicone absorbs perfumes easily.

❌ Storing cups assembled when still wet

This causes mold under lids.

❌ Only rinsing, not brushing

Milk residue needs friction to remove.

❌ Putting weighted straws in bottom dishwasher rack

Heat exposure may deform metal or plastic parts.

❌ Ignoring tiny crevices

Many silicone cups have hidden areas that trap liquid.

Learning these habits saves you time and prevents common hygiene problems.

10. How to Keep Silicone Cups Looking New for Years

To maximize lifespan:

✔ Deep clean at least once a week
✔ Avoid oil-heavy foods inside silicone unless cleaned immediately
✔ Keep cups dry during storage
✔ Rotate cups to prevent discoloration
✔ Replace any silicone part that becomes sticky (sign of degradation)

With proper care, silicone cups can last 3–5 years or more.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning silicone cups doesn’t need to be complicated—it’s all about regular maintenance, gentle products, and periodic deep cleaning. With the right approach, your child’s drinkware stays hygienic, odor-free, and safe throughout daily use.

Silicone is one of the safest materials for babies and toddlers, and proper cleaning ensures you get all its benefits without the frustration of lingering smells or mold.

If you want advanced instructions for sanitizing, deodorizing, and restoring older silicone, don’t miss our full guide on Deep Cleaning Silicone Baby Products—perfect for parents who want step-by-step, expert-level care techniques.