Jade McgeeReusable silicone food storage bags are a genuine upgrade from single-use plastic, but they carry one obligation that disposable bags do not: they need to be cleaned properly after every use. A bag that has held raw chicken, a ripe tomato or a garlicky marinade needs more than a quick rinse, and most of them can handle considerably more thorough cleaning than people typically give them. The key is knowing which methods to use and which to avoid, since silicone handles heat and acid well but does not respond well to abrasive cleaners or being turned inside out.
The first rule: never turn them inside out
This is the instruction that most people miss. Inverting a reusable silicone bag to clean it seems intuitive but can damage the sealed corners and edges, causing them to leak. Always clean silicone bags with them the right way round, reaching into the interior with a sponge or bottle brush rather than flipping the bag to access the interior surface.
Hand-washing: the most thorough method
Fill a sink or bowl with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser. Submerge the bags and allow them to soak for two to three minutes to loosen any residue. Use a non-abrasive sponge or a soft-bristled bottle brush to clean the interior thoroughly, paying particular attention to the corners where food particles collect. Rinse well with hot water and invert upside down over a drying rack to air-dry. Allow them to dry completely before storing, since moisture trapped inside encourages mould growth.
Using a dishwasher
Most silicone reusable bags are dishwasher-safe, though it is worth checking the manufacturer’s specific instructions as some have limitations. Rinse the bags with warm water to remove loose food particles before loading, then place them upside down on the top rack so the spray arms can reach the interior surfaces. Standard dishwasher detergent and cycle work well.
Deep cleaning for stains and sticky residue
After several uses, or after storing tomato sauce, blueberries or other highly pigmented foods, the bags may develop stains or an oily feel that regular washing does not fully remove. For deep cleaning, begin by filling the bag halfway with hot water, sealing it and swishing vigorously to loosen stuck residue. For corners, use a soft-bristled bottle brush to dislodge food particles.
Then mix one part white spirit vinegar, one part lemon juice and two parts bicarbonate of soda in a small bowl to form a thin paste. The mixture will foam slightly. Apply the paste to the interior of the bag using a sponge or your hand, lay the bag flat, and allow it to work for 15 minutes. Flip the bag and wait another 15 minutes. Fill the bag with hot water, swish to rinse thoroughly, then wipe the interior with a clean lint-free cloth to prevent water spots. Hang upside down on a drying rack to finish air-drying.
Dealing with mould or mildew
If bags have been stored while even slightly damp, mould can develop. Mix a solution of 250ml of warm water and one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach, or alternatively one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in the same volume of water. Use only one of these two, never both together, as mixing bleach and hydrogen peroxide produces a harmful vapour. Pour the solution into the bag, seal it and leave for at least 15 minutes, then discard the solution and wash the bag as normal before using again.
Tips for keeping them cleaner for longer
Placing a silicone bag in direct sunlight for an hour or two after washing helps fade persistent stains through the action of UV radiation on the dye molecules. For oily residue or hard water marks, a small amount of vegetable oil applied on a cloth and wiped over the surface helps remove both. Never store damp or soiled bags, and choose bags in darker colours for foods that typically stain.
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