Silicone Product Smells Odd? Here’s How to Fix It
Many meticulous individuals may notice that newly purchased silicone appliances emit an odor. What causes this smell?
Before curing, silicone is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and odorless. However, during the manufacturing process, color masterbatch and vulcanizing agents are added, and the silicone is formed at high temperatures using a hydraulic press or injection machine. This process can produce a slight odor, which is normal. Typically, the smell dissipates naturally after two or three days of ventilation without affecting the quality of the silicone products.
However, if the odor is particularly strong or pungent, it could indicate the use of substandard silicone materials or vulcanizing agents by the manufacturer.
Silicone is generally a safe material, so it's advisable to purchase products from reputable manufacturers to ensure safety.
If you encounter a strong odor in your silicone products, you can try the following methods to eliminate it:
Boiling Method: Boil the silicone product in water for 10-30 minutes, then dry it. This method is suitable for water-resistant silicone items but not those sensitive to high temperatures.
Baking Method: Bake the silicone product at 200°C for 10-30 minutes. After baking, clean it with a damp cloth and let it dry.
For silicone products without any odor, it is still recommended to use these methods before first use for added safety. Additionally, some silicone materials are thin and soft; manufacturers may suggest scalding them with hot water multiple times to help volatilize any residues. If you have a high-temperature steam sterilizer at home, you can also use it.
Some may consider using ultraviolet (UV) disinfection for silicone products. However, it's important to note that excessive UV exposure can cause silicone to age prematurely and shorten the lifespan of the products.
Ray Xian
Phone/Whatsapp: +8619902910431
Email/Skype: ray.x@siliconesupplier.com