Introduction of Silicone Mats
Silicone mats are a type of versatile accessory found in different spheres of life. Produced by means of silicone rubber, the tools possess the features of being heat-resistant, non-toxic and resistant towards other substances. It can be found in different sizes and even colors, it is a common appliance used in cooking to keep tables and other surfaces safe from deterioration. Being hard-wearing and effortlessly cleanable, this ever-helpful tool is a frequent choice among practitioners as well as amateurs.
Characteristics of Silicone Mats
Several important properties make silicone mats more effective. First and foremost, they are flexible, which means such mats can serve for baking and freezing at the same time. Second, these products are non-stick, which makes this baking mat set a suitable variant to avoid sticking any required type of food. Silicone is one of such unique materials that do not retain smells or flavors. Thus, users can be sure that cooking meat on the mat will not make fruits flavored. Finally, the guaranteed lifetime is rather long, and the set can stay in users’ kitchens for years.
Applications of Silicone Mats
Silicone mats are used not only for cooking but also in many other areas. In cooking food, they also serve as a food rug, spillage is not terrible, and nothing will be able to burn. Also, in auto shops, they are used as storage and car non-slip mats. The main advantage is a complete lack of adhesion and easy cleaning after, to carry out any work, a variety of crafts. It is also often possible to meet this product in laboratories; it easily tolerates high temperatures. In any case, silicone rugs have become an indispensable attribute of many other industries.
Proven Techniques for Cleaning Silicone Mats
Baking Soda Method
Wet the Mat
You may start by wetting the mat with lukewarm water, as it will help remove any possible food residues or stains on the surface. You may then spread the baking soda on the mat’s surface. To use a small box that has a perforated lid, you should cover the box with two or three covers. What’s more, is that you may as well make use of a sifter to spread the baking soda across the surface of the mat. After this spread, roll the small box over the heap of the soda to allow the soda to cover the surface of the mat, and then get it off. Finally, you should clean the surface of the mat with cool water.
Apply Baking Soda Paste
Then, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little bit of water until it becomes spreadable and dense. Apply a generous layer of this paste over the dirtied part of the mat. Since baking soda is a soft abrasive and a deodorizer, it can help to remove grime and ensure that the silicone will not be damaged.
Rub and Rinse
After you have applied the paste, take a soft sponge or cloth and rub the mat in a circular motion. In this case, the mechanical impact will work unobtrusively to eliminate stains and debris that get stuck in the silicone. Once it’s done, rinse the mat as you normally would under warm running water. This will help to clean the mat from both the baking soda paste and the grime.
Lemon Water Soak
Preparation
The lemon water soak is a great way to clean more naturally. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and squeeze either one or two lemons into the water. Lemon is actually a natural disinfectant so not only does it clean but it will leave a nice aroma too.
Soaking Process
If you have a washing machine, laundry detergent, and a commercial dryer, then it is quite simple to clean the silicone mat. All you have to do is to remove all the residues that may be inside by submerging it in extremely hot lemon-infused water. Let it soak for around 15-30 minutes. This process will effectively loosen any remaining stubborn residues and neutralize any unpleasant smell. Now, you can remove the mat from the water and wash it in your washing machine. When the mat is clean, you can simply dry it in your commercial dryer.
Rinse and Dry
After it is soaked, it is necessary to take the mat out of the lemon water иf the need be to scrub it gently with a soft sponge it. To avoid that, it should also be rinsed under running water to ensure that all lemon residues are washed away. Fina, it should be dried with a clean cloth or allowed to air dry entirely before storing. In this manner, a positive effect will be achieved on both cleaning and rejuvenating, as the silicone mat will look better than it did before the procedure.
Degreaser Option for Oily Residue
Application of Degreaser
For oily residues, it is reasonable to use a commercial degreaser. Spray a bit of such composition on the place where the silicone mat is. The main condition is choosing a degreaser that is safe for silicone.
Scrubbing and Cleaning
If you need to get rid of any oils or greasy substances on your mats, you should rub them with a degreaser and leave them for some time. Then, take a soft brush or a sponge and gently rub the area. Degreaser is a very effective displacing agent that makes the process of cleaning a lot easier and faster. Finally, rinse the mat with warm water making sure that none of the chemicals remain.
Following these methods, you can keep your silicone mats clean and in perfect condition for use. You can use them as food placemats, stove pads, car anti-slip mats and any other way you want. Also, the maintenance of these mats will improve the hygiene of the places they will be used. By cleaning them regularly and following necessary actions, you can extend the life of the silicone mats and get the maximum performance from them.
Maintenance Tips for Long-lasting Use
Regular Cleaning Routine
In order not only to keep your silicone mat clean or washed, but also to provide its proper preservation, it is necessary to establish regular cleaning. It is better to wash the mat every time you use it, particularly, if it has contact with food. Quite often, light stains and a characteristic odor may be easily washed away with warm water and mild dish soap.
Storage and Handling
You should also take into consideration how you store the silicone mat. It is advised to store it flat or rolled and not to fold it. After being folded a few times, there might appear permanent creases that will hinder its flatness and its stabilization on the surfaces. If you have enough space at your place, you can hang the mat by using hooks that will preserve its shape, as well as protect it from dirt and other objects.
It is important that when handling your silicone mat, you do not use sharp things like knives or points of other items that might pierce or score its surface. While durable, silicone can require gentle care for certain applications.
Finally, it is always vital to dry your silicone mat, or other silicone accessories thoroughly before storing it. Keeping a damp mat in the storage area may lead to mold development and bacterial growth, which may not only be unhealthy but also reduce the shelf life of the mat. The drying process must be done efficiently, either by air drying or wiping the mat with a towel to ensure it is completely dry before storing.
