That Stinky Spatula Problem
Silicone spatulas are kitchen workhorses, but they can hold onto strong odors from garlic, curry, or tomato sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to remove the smell from a silicone spatula, you’re not alone—here’s how to get it fresh and clean again.
The other day, I reached for my silicone spatula—one I’d recently used to stir together a saucy, garlicky pasta. The dish was long gone, but its scent wasn’t. One whiff, and I instantly regretted not washing it better. That savory, delicious aroma was now clinging to the tool, and I was about to make dessert. That smelly spatula could wreak havoc!
To be fair, the smell probably wouldn’t have affected the cake batter, but still—it’s unpleasant. As much as I love silicone tools (they’re flexible, nonstick, heatproof, and gentle on cast iron), they have one frustrating quirk: they hold on to smells.
Why Silicone Spatulas Absorb Odors
Silicone’s reputation in the kitchen is well-earned. It’s chemically stable, non-reactive, food-safe, and water-repellent—qualities that make it ideal for spatulas, molds, and baking mats. According to a review from Chemical Safety Facts, silicone cookware is considered safe for food contact because it resists heat, oxidation, and moisture. But here’s the hidden catch: Silicone is permeable to gases and fat-soluble molecules.
Structurally, silicone is made of long, flexible polymer chains with microscopic pores between them. Those pores are too small for water molecules to enter easily but just large enough for aromatic compounds—like garlic oil, onion vapors, or chili-infused fats—to slip inside.
When heat enters the equation, those pores expand slightly, allowing odors to penetrate even deeper. Once inside, the aroma compounds bond with the material, making them stubbornly resistant to ordinary dish soap and even the dishwasher.
And no, it’s not just cheap tools—even high-quality, food-grade silicone can trap scent molecules. It’s not bad cleaning; it’s pure chemistry.
Try these cleaning steps and let me know if it worked!
How To Remove The Smell From A Silicone Spatula, Start By (and Keep Them That Way)
For Regular Silicone Tools (Not Oven-Safe)
- Wash thoroughly with hot water and a degreasing soap.
- In a large stockpot, prepare a cleaning solution:
- ¼ cup baking soda per 4½ cups [1 L] water.
- Add your tools and let them soak overnight (off heat).
- The next day, drain, then add a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Rinse well and air dry completely.
Why it works:
- Baking soda loosens residues and neutralizes acids.
- Vinegar breaks down oils and aromatic compounds.
- Heat expands silicone slightly, letting both cleaners reach deeper.
For Oven-Safe Silicone (Bakeware or Utensils)
- Wash and dry the items completely.
- Place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F [180°C] oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes to “outgas” trapped odor molecules.
- Let cool completely before using or storing.
Tip: Open a window or turn on your vent—the released vapors carry the smells away.
How to Avoid Odors in the First Place
- Keep separate tools for sweet and savory cooking (trust me, this helps).
- Store silicone away from oils and spices—they can transfer aroma even at room temperature.
- Invest in platinum-cured silicone, which is denser and less porous than standard food-grade silicone.
Silicone might not be perfect, but its durability and versatility make it indispensable. With a little maintenance, you can keep your spatulas clean—and stink-free for years.