Are Silicone Oven Mitts Dishwasher Safe?

Silicone oven mitts are the trending must-have for safe removals of steaming hot meals from the oven. But have your silicone oven mitts become unclean from many culinary adventures? Are you displeased with the appearance of your oven mitts? Rest assured, we have thoroughly researched this topic and have provided ample information to remedy those issues.

Silicone oven mitts are dishwasher safe. Oven mitts are designed to withstand high temperatures and will do very well in the dishwasher. However, be sure to have the mitts standing inside the dishwashers' upper rack to allow the detergent and water to wash and rinse the mitts thoroughly. Failure to drain all water from the inside could result in issues with developing an unpleasant smell or wetness that could cause slippage the next time those mitts are worn. 

Wondering how to maintain your silicone oven mitts? Curious about the temperatures the mitts could withstand? How to wash and dry your mitts? Which brands have been tested by culinary professionals, and are those the best for your kitchen needs and wallet? Please continue reading to learn more about properly maintaining your silicone oven mitts!

A hand with an ovenmitt pulls overcooked cookies from the oven. Are Silicone Oven Mitts Dishwasher Safe

How do you clean silicone oven mitts?

A few tried and true methods for regularly cleaning your oven mitts will keep the mitts free from germs and in an aesthetically pleasing condition.  Choosing the best option depends on how dirty the mitts are and how long the debris has been attached to the mitt. If there are only a few unclean spots, washing by hand would be the best option. Also, if those mitts are filthy and have not been cleaned for months, the dishwasher is the most logical choice.

The dishwasher method is quite simple. Set the mitts upright in the top rack of the dishwasher where the glasses are typically stored. Washing on the normal setting with the regular amount of dishwasher detergent is recommended. Once the load is finished, remove the mitts from the dishwasher. Hang the mitts upright somewhere dry with airflow to ensure the insides of the mitts dry out before use.

Washing by hand is simple and effective. Firstly, fill a large bowl or dishpan with water and add dish soap. Then submerge the mitts and allow the soap to work on removing the debris and oils. Use a dish scrubber or brush to scrub off the remaining debris. Rinse the mitts thoroughly with lukewarm water. Hang up to dry with the palm surface downwards to ensure airflow for internal drying.

Helpful tips for washing and drying

When your mitts are drying, prop the opening with a small plastic item like a covered pen or marker to allow increased airflow inside the mitts. Also, this will reduce the amount of time it takes to dry the mitts.  If you have outdoor clotheslines or an indoor drying rack, those are great places to dry the mitts.

Although oven mitts can withstand a great deal of heat, it is encouraged to use lukewarm water when washing by hand.  Also, don't use a setting hotter than the normal setting for the dishwasher method. Washing the mitts at high temperatures will cause the mitts to break down faster.

Suggestions for storing silicone oven mitts

An over cluttered kitchen is an issue that most cooks try to avoid. Unfortunately, adding a new set or two of oven mitts will bring more items into your kitchen. However, a few clever ways to store these will help you avoid a cluttered appearance in your kitchen while keeping those mitts handy.

Hang the mitts from the cabinet handles nearest to your oven--this will keep those mitts in sight and avoid frantically looking for those when it is dinnertime and the timer is going off! Another organizational suggestion is to hang the mitts from the refrigerator with a magnetic clip. Lastly, storing the mitts flat in a kitchen drawer is a classic option that keeps the mitts in order and out of sight.

How hot is dishwasher water?

Depending on the make and model of your dishwasher, this could slightly vary due to your water heaters' settings. The average temperature for most standard brands is 120 at the lowest, and the averaged highest temperature is 150. To ensure this is the case for your dishwasher, double-check to see if your dishwasher is connected to the hot water line in your home.

To test the temperature of your dishwashers' hot water. Use a candy or meat thermometer, run the hot water into a cup and place the thermometer in the cup to read the hot water temperature.

What temperature can silicone oven mitts be?

Generally, the average highest temperature most silicone oven mitts are heat-resistant to is 450 degrees. Although, many brands and most professional-grade mitts are heat-resistant up to 500 degrees. The industry standard maximum temperature is 500 degrees--rarely would anyone require a mitt that would be heat-resistant to over 500 degrees.

Cropped shot of an unrecognisable woman removing her cookies from the oven

Are silicone oven mitts waterproof?

All silicone is considered a waterproof material. Most silicone oven mitts have a silicone shell component of the mitts that are steam-resistant and 100% waterproof. However, the fabric palm surface is not. There are brands available that are 100% silicone without the added fabric, and those are considered fully waterproof. To ensure purchasing the mitts that meet your waterproof expectations. Do read the product guidelines and product descriptions carefully; those will inform you of what to expect from your new oven mitts.

What silicone oven mitts are highly reviewed, and why?

Shopping for silicone oven mitts can be a bit daunting, considering how many options are on the market. So before shopping for your next pair, be sure to have a checklist of the qualities you require for your unique culinary needs.

Amazon's Choice HOMWE professional-grade mitts were deemed Best of the Best of the top five by the Chicago Tribune, June 2021. So why are these well-regarded and economical, one may wonder?  These heat-resistant up to 450, waterproof, and steam-resistant mitts are 14.7 inches, much longer than the average pair of mitts adding ample protection for your forearms. Also, made from BPA-free materials and have a textured nonslip grip. These mitts are hand-wash only.

Click here to view this product on Amazon!

OXO Good Grips were voted best bang for your buck and second to HOMWE. OXO mitts are made from heat-resistant silicone, 13 inches in length for arm protection purposes, and are lined with quilted fabric for added comfort. These versatile mitts are steam-resistant and waterproof, with a diamond-shaped texture that is slip-resistant. Machine washable. However, these are well-reviewed by the Chicago Tribune's team of reviewers and many quality three to five-star customer reviews on Amazon. Unfortunately, the company does not state what temperature these mitts are heat-resistant to, nor if they are made from BPA-free materials.

Click here to research these mitts further on Amazon. 

Additional uses for silicone oven mitts

  • Clearing hot charcoals from the chimney or grill.
  • Removing seafood from boiling water.
  • Safely transporting dangerously hot pots and pans from the stove/oven to the kitchen counter.
  • Removing hot plates from the microwave or toaster oven.
  • Inserting/removing meat thermometers.
  • Opening stubborn jars and lids.

In closing

For most households keeping kitchen implements clean and free of debris is a never-ending chore. Please remember to put safety first and foremost when choosing oven mitts or any tools used for protective purposes. Be sure to visit Kitchenseer.com soon for more accurate information and helpful tips for maintaining a clean and safe kitchen!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *