Can You Put Silicone Ice Cube Trays In The Dishwasher?

Modern problems require modern solutions. And for those who use silicone ice cube trays, there’s no exception. You have to keep your ice molds clean, or else someone could get sick. But can you put silicone ice cube trays in the dishwasher or not? Let’s see.

You can put most ice trays in the dishwasher because they can withstand high heat. That means your silicone molds are safe as well. Silicone can handle temperatures of up to 500°F. So, you can put them in the dishwasher or oven to kill off odors, bacteria, and foodborne illnesses.

The ice cubes coming from your freezer probably taste weird because of what’s in your water. But the contents of your refrigerator can also affect the taste. Moreover, dirty ice molds might make your cubes less appetizing.

Do you smell something funky wafting from your silicone ice molds? That’s pretty normal. Most silicone trays produce a faint odor because of the chemicals manufacturers use to make them. And if you don’t clean the surface correctly, the smell could get worse.

Meanwhile, food particles and aromas from your freezer can attach to the water in the trays. In turn, the ice could start to stink like the items in your refrigerator. Plus, spills can make your molds smell bad as well. So, try to keep your appliances clean and wash your ice cube trays often.

If your silicone ice cube molds already smell bad, how will washing them help anything? That’s a good question. Either way, you shouldn’t consume ice from dirty molds because you could get sick. And that means you have to clean your trays even if they don’t stink.

As a general rule, always wash ice cube molds in between batches. In other words, wash the pockets and surface every time you empty the tray. Then try to let the molds dry before refilling them with clean water.

NOTE: Always empty, wash, and refill ice cube trays that you expose to contaminants.

There are several ways to clean your silicone kitchen gadgets. But one of the most popular methods involves water and white vinegar. You can soak each tray in a 50-50 mixture to remove debris from the surface. Then wipe with a clean cloth to get rid of stuck-on dirt.

Unfortunately, that method isn’t foolproof. Plus, vinegar can leave behind a smell that’s even worse than silicone. So, some homeowners prefer to stick their molds in the dishwasher instead. But you should check the label to make sure yours is dishwasher safe.

Most silicone ice cube trays are dishwasher safe, but that’s not always the case. Some can’t withstand extremely high temperatures, while others can. And if you take care of your molds with frequent rinsing, you might not have to put them in the dishwasher at all.

Usually, you can run a complete cycle in the washing machine without worrying about damaging your molds. However, you can also shorten the wash cycle with a pre-rinse using warm water and white vinegar. The mixture can help remove stubborn odors and stains. But you should wipe the surface by hand either way.

DID YOU KNOW: You can run your dishwasher without using hot water.

Silicone is a durable material that manufacturers use for countless applications. However, the minerals in your water supply can slowly eat away at the surface. And the more abrasive your water is, the faster it will destroy your molds. So, try to fill yours with quality ingredients.

Also, wash your molds as much as you can. But don’t use abrasive chemicals to clean them. Abrasive cleaning supplies can damage the material. Plus, some substances aren’t suitable for ingestion. That means sanitizing your trays in the dishwasher, but only if the manufacturer allows it.

FACT: The average silicone ice cube tray can last for decades if you maintain it correctly.

Making ice is easy, and so is maintaining your ice cube trays. You can wash them with water and vinegar or stick them in the dishwasher. But keep in mind that your refrigerator has to work for it to freeze water into ice.

Faulty appliances can cause your food to melt or spoil. In turn, that can make your silicone ice cube trays stink even more. So, clean your molds often and make sure your freezer is functioning. Then mix drinks and other dishes like a pro.

Related Questions

Is Silicone Safe for Ice Trays?

Because silicone doesn’t contain any BPA, it’s generally safe for food preparation. You can use it as an alternative to wood, metal, and plastic. Silicone utensils are soft and pliable as well. And that means you can use them in hot and cold temperatures (ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, etc.).

Are Silicone Ice Cube Trays Better Than Plastic?

You can find plastic ice cube trays anywhere. But they might not be your best bet because plastic can pick up odors from your freezer and melt in the dishwasher. Plus, plastics can crack easily under pressure. Meanwhile, silicone is more flexible, so it doesn’t break as often. And the smells from your appliance won’t attach to the surface as easily.

How Long Does It Take Water to Freeze in Silicone Ice Trays?

It takes about 15 minutes for the water to freeze into ice cubes inside your silicone mold. However, your freezer settings can alter your wait time quite a bit.