What makes rubberized silicone suitable for utensils and bakeware?
· Although the process of manufacturing rubberized silicone is complex, it can be done in large quantities at low cost.
· Silicone cookware can withstand temperatures of up to 500˚F.
This means they won't melt even if you put them in a hot pan.
· Because rubber silicone is made up of long-chain molecules, it is very flexible.
They hardly expand or contract even when the temperature changes suddenly.
That's why silicone baking pans can go from the refrigerator to the oven without breaking.
· Rubberized silicone is non-porous, so it is stain resistant and less susceptible to microbial growth.
And, if you've used silicone utensils before, you may have noticed that it doesn't retain the smell of the food you're cooking.
· Silicone has a soft texture and is suitable for non-stick cookware.
It is not as hard as metal utensils and can scratch off the coating of non-stick pans.
· This type of cookware is easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.
· Silicone baking pans save space because their flexibility allows them to fold to fit into small spaces.
· Compared to other types of cookware that rust, warp and break, silicone is durable.
· They are also safe for use in the freezer, refrigerator, microwave and oven.
· Silicone is translucent, so they can be dyed any color.
This makes it very easy to match your utensils and baking pans to the theme of your kitchen.
How to care for silicone cookware and bakeware?
· To make cleaning silicone cupcake liners and smaller muffin molds easier, soak them in water for a few minutes before washing.
· Do not use abrasive chemicals and cleaning tools on silicone cookware as they can damage the surface.
· If there is some food stuck in the mold, try using silicone utensils totake it out.
· Although silicone cookware is dishwasher safe,hand washing with some mild soap will prolong their life.
· Before storing silicone baking pans, make sure they are completely dry to prevent dust from sticking to them.
· Silicone bakeware can sometimes build up a sticky residue on their surface.
This is due to the grease you use when baking.
To remove it, clean the silicone molds with water and a mild detergent.
Next, sprinkle some baking soda on the remaining greasy areas.
Then, gently scrub these areas with a damp rag until you don't feel any grease.
Rinse again with water and a mild detergent before drying.
· If you find that silicone dishes and baking pans give off a soapy smell, try boiling them for a few minutes.
You can also try wiping with vinegar or cleaning with baking soda.
If the soapy smell persists, the silicone cookware may be of poor quality.
Throw it out in favor of an FDA-approved silicone product.
· If your silicone cookware has a stubborn white residue, soak it in a solution of vinegar and water for 15 to 30 minutes.
Then, wash and dry as usual.
According to one manufacturer who has tested this white residue on returned products, it is calcium sulfate.
The minerals in hard water calcify on the surface of the silicone, forming a white residue.