How to Clean and Care for Bumkins Silicone Sensory Placemats

Quick Answer: Clean Your Bumkins Silicone Sensory Placemat with Soap and Water or the Dishwasher

For everyday messes, wipe the placemat with warm, soapy water or place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. For deep sanitizing, soak it in a vinegar-water solution. Always air-dry or towel-dry to keep the silicone in top shape.

Silicone sensory placemats are a lifesaver at mealtime – they stick to the table, catch crumbs, and give your little one a fun, tactile surface. But after countless spaghetti dinners and yogurt explosions, you need a reliable cleaning routine to keep them fresh and hygienic.

Here’s how to clean and care for your Bumkins silicone sensory placemat, with step-by-step instructions that tackle everything from a quick wipe-down to a deep sanitize. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid, so your placemat stays sticky and stain-free for years.

Everyday Cleaning: Quick Wipe or Dishwasher?

For most meals, a simple rinse under warm water with a drop of mild dish soap is enough. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently wipe away food residue, then rinse thoroughly. Silicone is non-porous, so it doesn’t harbor bacteria like cloth or wood might – but you still want to remove oils and sticky bits promptly.

If your placemat is labeled dishwasher safe, you can pop it on the top rack of your dishwasher. The top rack keeps it away from the heating element, which prevents any potential warping. "Single-ply construction means no worrying about icky stuff growing between layers," so even a dishwasher cycle is worry-free. Just be sure to skip the heated dry cycle if your placemat isn't labeled for it.

For stubborn stains or lingering odors, a paste of baking soda and water works wonders. Apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. This is a great mid-week boost between deeper cleans.

• Always wash within a few hours of use to prevent food from drying on.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers – they can dull the surface over time.

Deep Sanitizing: How Often and Which Solutions

Once a week (or more often if your little one is still exploring solid foods), give your placemat a thorough sanitizing. A simple solution of equal parts water and white vinegar (or a mild bleach solution – 1 teaspoon per gallon of water) will kill germs without damaging silicone. Submerge the placemat for 5–10 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

Boiling is another option for heat-sanitizing, but silicone can withstand both low and high temperatures. If you choose to boil, place the placemat in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then remove and let it cool. This is especially helpful after your child has been sick or if the placemat has been on a messy restaurant table.

• After sanitizing, always rinse with fresh water to remove any vinegar or bleach taste.
• Avoid using lemon or citrus-based cleaners – they can leave a residue.

Drying and Storage: Keep It Sticky and Fresh

After washing, towel-dry or let the placemat air-dry completely before storing. Storing a damp placemat in a drawer or bag can lead to mold, even though silicone itself is mold-resistant – moisture stuck between folds might not evaporate. To help it dry flat, lay it on a dish rack or a clean towel.

When not in use, store the placemat flat or gently rolled (not folded) to avoid creases that might affect its suction. Keep it out of direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV rays can eventually degrade the material. Proper storage means your placemat stays flat and ready to stick to any table.

• If the placemat loses suction, wash it thoroughly – a thin layer of oils can make it slide.
• Avoid stacking heavy pots or pans on top of it while stored.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine for Your Bumkins Silicone Sensory Placemat

1. Step 1: Rinse and Wipe After Each Meal: Hold the placemat under warm running water and use a soft sponge with mild dish soap to wipe away food. Pay extra attention to textured areas. Do this within an hour of eating to prevent stains from setting.
2. Step 2: Use the Dishwasher for a Convenient Deep Clean: Place the placemat on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Skip the heated dry cycle unless your placemat is specifically labeled as safe. Check your product’s care label – if it says dishwasher safe, this is the easiest method.
3. Step 3: Sanitize Weekly with Vinegar or Boiling Water: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and soak the placemat for 5–10 minutes, then rinse. Alternatively, boil it in water for 2–3 minutes. Always rinse thoroughly after any sanitizing method to remove any residue.
4. Step 4: Dry and Store Properly: Towel-dry or air-dry completely before rolling or laying flat for storage. Avoid folding to prevent creases that may affect suction. Ensure it's completely dry to avoid any moisture-related issues.

How Bumkins Silicone Placemats Fit Into Your Routine

• Silicone Grip Dish: Gray: A strong suction base ensures the dish stays put – even with the most aggressive toddler! Great for use on highchair trays or tables. A straight side allows kids to sit up-close to the plate. Silicone can withstand low and high temperatures, easily transitioning from the... If you’re using a silicone placemat, pairing it with a suction dish means less sliding and fewer spills. The straight side design helps your toddler access food easily, and both items can be cleaned with the same methods.
• Silicone Grip Dish: Mickey Mouse: Inspired by Disney's most iconic character, Mickey Mouse, the Silicone Grip Dish is perfect for little one’s learning to self-feed. It’s sized-right for baby and toddler portions. And it fits and sticks to most highchair trays and tables. A strong suction base ensures the dish stays put – even with the most aggressive toddler! A fun-themed dish can make mealtime more enjoyable, and its suction base works even on top of a silicone placemat – so you can combine both for a mess-free setup. Cleaning both together is easy since they’re both dishwasher safe.
• Reusable Snack Bag, Large 2 Pack: Desert Night: Made from the same waterproof fabric as our award-winning SuperBib. A smooth zipper closure locks in crumbs, and single-ply construction means no worrying about icky stuff growing between layers of fabric. While not a placemat, these snack bags are perfect for storing leftovers or snacks on the go. Their single-ply construction means they’re easy to wipe clean and won’t harbor hidden germs – a similar care philosophy to silicone placemats.

With these simple care steps, your Bumkins silicone sensory placemat will stay clean, sticky, and ready for every meal. Regular maintenance not only keeps it hygienic but also extends its lifespan, so you and your little one can enjoy mess-free mealtimes for months to come.