Home › Home & Kitchen › Kitchen & Dining › Storage & Organization › Food Storage Bags How to Clean Reusable Silicone Bags Published: July 9, 2026 · Updated: July 9, 2026
Photo: Michael Browning CC0 1.0 Source
Turn the bag inside out, wash it in warm soapy water getting into the corners and seal, then stand it open to air-dry completely so no moisture is trapped. They're dishwasher-safe on the top rack, and a baking soda or vinegar soak clears any lingering smell from garlic or oily foods.
Recommended Inside out, warm soapy wash into the corners, then air-dry fully open — deodorize with baking soda or vinegar — Reusable silicone bags fail in two ways if you rush cleaning: food and grease hide in the bottom corners and the seal channel, and water trapped inside grows mildew and smell, so the method is to open them right up for both washing and drying. Turn the bag fully inside out so the corners and seams are exposed, and wash with warm water and dish soap using a sponge or bottle brush, paying attention to the seal strip where residue collects; a little extra scrub clears oily films. Rinse well. The step people skip is drying: prop the bag wide open, upside down over a bottle, a dedicated stand, or a couple of chopsticks in a glass, and let it dry completely inside before you fold it away, because a sealed damp bag is where mildew starts. Most silicone bags are dishwasher-safe on the top rack (keep them open and away from the heating element) and microwave- and freezer-safe. For odors that cling after oily or garlicky food, soak in warm water with baking soda or a splash of vinegar, or leave them in the sun. Avoid abrasive scourers that can nick the silicone.
