How to Clean a Silicone Teether for Baby
By The California Beach Company | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the best way to clean a silicone teether for baby, including daily rinsing, weekly sanitizing, and storage tips to keep it safe and long-lasting.
Quick answer
Wash a silicone teether daily with warm soapy water, then sanitize weekly by boiling or using a dishwasher's top rack.
Why silicone teethers need special care
Silicone is non-porous and resists bacteria better than plastic or rubber, but it still collects saliva, dust, and food residue. Without regular cleaning, trapped particles can irritate baby's gums or cause the teether to develop an unpleasant odor.
The gentle texture that makes silicone soothing for sore gums also attracts lint and hair. A quick rinse under tap water isn't enough to remove that buildup.
Step-by-step cleaning routine for silicone teethers
- Daily rinse and scrub: Rinse the teether under cool running water to remove loose saliva and debris. Apply a drop of mild dish soap to a soft sponge or your fingers, and scrub the entire surface—including any crevices or letter indentations—for about 15 seconds. Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains. A common mistake is using too much soap; a single drop is enough. Residue can taste bitter and discourage baby from chewing.
- Weekly sanitizing (boiling method): Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Remove it from heat, then submerge the teether for 3 minutes. Use tongs to lift it out, and let it air-dry completely on a clean towel. Do not leave it in hot water longer than 5 minutes, as prolonged heat can degrade silicone over time. Boiling is safe for 100% silicone teethers, but check the manufacturer's instructions first. If the teether has a fabric strap or plastic clip, skip this method.
- Dishwasher sanitizing (alternative): Place the teether on the top rack of the dishwasher, away from the heating element. Run a hot-water cycle with heated dry. Remove the teether as soon as the cycle finishes to prevent it from sitting in trapped steam, which can leave a film. Avoid using the sanitize or steam cycle if your dishwasher exceeds 160°F (71°C), as extreme heat may warp the silicone.
- Dry and store properly: After washing or sanitizing, place the teether on a clean, dry dish towel or drying rack. Ensure it is completely dry before storing it in a breathable pouch or container. Moisture trapped in a sealed bag can encourage mold growth. The included cotton storage bag for the Flower Teether is ideal because it allows airflow while keeping the teether clean.
Teethers that make cleaning easy
- Flower Teether: Each Flower Teether arrives in a 100% cotton reusable storage bag for on-the-go convenience. The storage bag keeps the teether clean between uses and reduces the chance of it picking up lint or dirt in a diaper bag.
Flower Teether - The Letter Teether: The Letter Teether attaches to a Tushbaby or Snug to encourage early learning with letters. Because it clips to a carrier, it stays off the ground and is less likely to collect debris, cutting down on how often you need to deep-clean it.
The Letter Teether
