Silicone Teether Care: How to Keep Them Safe and Clean

Quick answer

Rinse silicone teethers with warm water and mild soap after every use, then air dry completely. Once a week, deep clean by boiling for 2–3 minutes or using a sterilizer, and check the silicone for tears, stickiness, or fading. Replace the teether at the first sign of damage.

Silicone teethers spend a lot of time in your baby's mouth, on the floor, and in the diaper bag. A simple care routine keeps them hygienic and helps you spot wear before it becomes a safety issue.

This guide walks through a daily clean, a weekly deep clean, and the checks that tell you when a teether has reached the end of its life. It applies to silicone teethers like the Koala Teether and the silicone portion of mixed-material teethers such as the Moon Teether.

Why silicone teether care matters

Silicone is non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free in the teethers we carry, but it is not indestructible. Chewing, heat, and repeated washing can break down the surface over time. Small tears or a sticky film can trap bacteria, and a loose piece could become a choking risk.

A consistent routine also protects the teether's texture. The bumps and ridges that soothe sore gums work best when they are clean and intact. If you clean gently and inspect often, a quality silicone teether can last through the teething months.

• Wash after every use, even if it only touched a clean surface.
• Never leave a teether in direct sun or a hot car; heat can degrade silicone.
• Keep a spare teether on hand so one can dry fully while the other is in use.

Daily cleaning: the two-minute routine

After each use, rinse the teether under warm running water. Add a drop of mild, fragrance-free dish soap and rub it over the whole surface with your fingers or a soft bottle brush. Pay attention to textured areas, seams, and the area around any wooden ring or clasp.

Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains, then shake off excess water and let it air dry on a clean drying rack. Do not dry with a shared kitchen towel, which can transfer germs. If you need it dry quickly, pat with a clean paper towel.

• Avoid antibacterial or scented soaps; residue can irritate gums.
• Do not put silicone teethers in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly says they are dishwasher-safe.
• Wash your hands before cleaning the teether, especially after diaper changes.

Weekly deep clean and sterilizing

Once a week, or after the teether has been dropped in a public place, give it a deeper clean. Boiling is the simplest method: place the silicone teether in a pot of water, bring to a rolling boil for 2–3 minutes, then remove with clean tongs and air dry. A steam sterilizer or a dedicated cold-water sterilizing solution also works.

If your teether combines silicone with beech wood, like the Moon Teether, do not boil the wooden part. Wipe the wood with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately. The silicone ring can be washed as usual, but prolonged soaking can crack the wood.

• Never microwave a teether to sterilize it unless the instructions specifically allow it.
• Check the water level when boiling; the teether should be fully submerged.
• After boiling, let the teether cool completely before offering it to your baby.

Spotting wear and knowing when to replace

Inspect the teether every few days. Hold it up to the light and look for cracks, tears, holes, or a cloudy or sticky surface that does not wash off. Run a clean finger over the edges; any roughness or separation means it is time to retire the teether.

Silicone can also fade or become tacky with age. If the teether has been chewed daily for several months, replace it even if it looks intact. A new teether is inexpensive compared with the risk of a piece breaking off.

• Check the necklace clasp on pendants for cracks or weak closure.
• If the teether has a wooden component, look for splinters or a loose fit.
• Write the purchase date on the calendar so you remember to reassess after a few months.

Storage and travel hygiene

Store clean teethers in a dry, well-ventilated container, not a sealed plastic bag where moisture can linger. A mesh pouch or a small open bin works well. In the diaper bag, keep a clean teether in a separate pouch away from used tissues, snacks, and dirty clothes.

When you are out, a quick rinse with bottled water is fine if soap is not available. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth and do a full wash once you are home. Never share a teether between children without cleaning it first.

• Avoid leaving teethers in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill.
• If a teether falls on the floor in a public place, clean it before it goes back in the mouth.
• Keep a small bottle of mild soap and a clean cloth in your diaper bag for quick cleanups.

Your step-by-step silicone teether care routine

1. 1. Rinse after every use: Hold the teether under warm running water to remove saliva and loose debris. This takes seconds and prevents residue from drying on the surface. Checkpoint: if you can see or feel a film, move on to a soap wash.
2. 2. Wash with mild soap: Apply a drop of fragrance-free dish soap and rub it over the entire teether, including textures and seams. Use a soft brush for crevices, then rinse until no suds remain. Mistake to avoid: using scented or antibacterial soap, which can leave irritating residue.
3. 3. Air dry completely: Shake off excess water and place the teether on a clean drying rack. Allow it to air dry fully before storing or offering it again. Checkpoint: a dry teether resists mildew better than one stored damp.
4. 4. Deep clean weekly: Boil silicone-only teethers for 2–3 minutes, or use a steam sterilizer or cold-water sterilizing solution. For mixed-material teethers, wipe the wood with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately. Mistake to avoid: boiling wood or leaving it to soak, which can cause cracks.
5. 5. Inspect for wear: After each deep clean, look for cracks, tears, stickiness, or fading. Tug gently on any attached parts, such as a clasp or wooden ring, to check they are secure. Replace the teether at the first sign of damage, even if it is small.
6. 6. Store clean and dry: Keep teethers in a dry, ventilated container or mesh pouch. In a diaper bag, use a separate pouch away from dirty items. Mistake to avoid: sealing a damp teether in a plastic bag, which encourages mold.

Teethers that fit this routine

• Koala Teether: Made from non-toxic silicone, the Koala Teether is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and non-toxic. It has tactile elements on the back for added sensory fun and is available in Pink Salt and Eucalyptus. All-silicone construction means you can follow the full wash, boil, and air-dry routine without worrying about a wooden part.
• Moon Teether: The award-winning Moon Teether combines a beech wood teething ring with a textured silicone teething ring. The hardwearing beech wood is naturally antibacterial and provides a firm chewing surface. Because it mixes materials, clean the silicone as usual but wipe the wood rather than soaking or boiling it, so the wood does not crack.
• Rainbow Stacker and Teether Toy: This multi-purpose toy has silicone stacking rings that babies love to chew. It is a GOOD DESIGN AWARD WINNER 2021 and grows with your child from teething to stacking play. Each silicone ring can be washed individually, so you can rotate them and keep a clean one ready while others dry.

Silicone teether care comes down to a quick daily wash, a weekly deep clean, and a regular wear check. With that routine, your baby's teether stays hygienic and you will know exactly when it is time for a replacement.