How to Clean and Sanitize Silicone Chew Pendants
By Jellystone Designs US | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the simple steps to safely clean and sanitize your child's silicone chew pendants. Keep them hygienic, durable, and ready for daily sensory relief.
Quick Answer
Wash your silicone chew pendant daily with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. For deeper sanitizing, boil the pendant for 3–5 minutes or use a dishwasher top rack. Always let it air dry completely before giving it back to your child.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Silicone chew pendants, like those from Jellystone Designs, are made from food-grade silicone that is non-porous and resistant to bacteria. However, daily handling and chewing can still transfer saliva, dirt, and germs. Regular cleaning keeps the pendant safe for your child and extends its life. Skipping cleaning can lead to buildup that may irritate the mouth or cause the silicone to degrade faster.
What You Need
You only need a few household items: mild dish soap, a soft sponge or cloth, a small bowl or sink, and access to boiling water or a dishwasher. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, bleach, or harsh chemicals—they can damage the silicone or leave harmful residues. For pendants with beads or safety clasps, a soft brush can help clean hard-to-reach spots.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Step 1: Rinse and Wash Daily: Remove the pendant from the necklace. Rinse it under warm running water to remove loose debris. Apply a drop of mild dish soap to a soft cloth or sponge and gently scrub the entire surface, including any beads or textured areas. Pay special attention to the back of the pendant and the area around the safety clasp. Common mistake: Using too much soap or scrubbing too hard can leave residue or cause micro-scratches. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains.
- Step 2: Sanitize Weekly (or After Illness): For a deeper clean, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Submerge the silicone pendant (remove the necklace cord first) and let it boil for 3–5 minutes. Use tongs to remove it and place it on a clean towel to cool. Alternatively, place the pendant on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a hot cycle with no detergent. Checkpoint: Boiling longer than 5 minutes can slightly soften the silicone over time. Stick to the timer. Dishwasher heat is fine, but skip the drying cycle to avoid heat damage.
- Step 3: Air Dry Completely: After washing or boiling, let the pendant air dry on a clean, dry towel. Do not use a cloth to dry it, as lint may stick to the silicone. Ensure the pendant is fully dry before reattaching it to the necklace cord. Moisture trapped inside beads or clasps can lead to mold or mildew. Common mistake: Reassembling the necklace while the pendant is still damp. This traps moisture and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Patience pays off—wait until it's bone dry.
Products That Benefit from This Care Routine
- Princess & the Pea Necklace: Comprised of silicone beads of different colours, the Princess and the Pea Necklace is made from food-grade silicone, safe for kids to chew on. The multiple beads mean more crevices where dirt can hide. Regular cleaning ensures each bead stays hygienic and the necklace remains safe for daily sensory use.
- Rainbow Pendant: Our Rainbow Necklace features a BPA-free, 100% non-toxic food-grade silicone pendant on a black necklace with a custom-designed safety clasp. The safety clasp separates under gentle pressure, so you need to clean it carefully to avoid weakening the clasp mechanism. Hand washing is gentler than machine washing for this design.
- Dino Pendant: Our Dino Pendant is a reliable and comforting friend your child can rely on when big emotions threaten to cloud their day. Because it's used frequently for emotional regulation, it needs more frequent cleaning. Boiling is a quick way to sanitize it without damaging the silicone.
