Silicone Lid Cleaning Tips: Remove Tough Red Stains Easily

How I Removed Red Stains from Silicone Lids Using Baking Soda (Simple Method That Actually Works)

Silicone kitchen tools are great, but they get stained very easily, especially by chilli oil, kimchi broth, curry, or anything with a strong red colour.

I had the same problem with my PrepWorks Silicone Lids from Costco, and I almost threw them away.
Luckily, a simple baking soda cleaning method helped remove most of the staining, so I wanted to share what worked for me.

Product: PrepWorks Silicone 10 Lids (Costco)

3 small (15 cm)/ 4 medium (20 cm)/ 3 large (26.4 cm)- I bought them during a $15 sale, which was a great deal.

👉If you’re wondering whether a Costco membership is worth it, read our detailed post on Costco membership benefits and considerations.

The stain happened after storing leftover mapo tofu. Some chilli oil splashed onto the lid, turning it bright red.

Red-stained silicon lid from leftover mapo tofu

 Why Silicone Gets Stained So Easily

Silicone looks smooth, but the surface has tiny pores.
When oil + red pigments (chilli oil, paprika extract, capsaicin) touch it, the colour sinks inside the material.
Dish soap cleans only the outside, but the colour stays trapped.

That’s why hot water + baking soda works much better for silicone discolouration.

What You Need

• Baking soda

• Hot water

• Vinegar (optional)

• Sponge or paper towel

• Bowl for soaking

Nothing fancy—just simple items you probably already have.

How to Remove Red Chilli Oil Stains from Silicone Lids

1. Soak in Hot Water (5–10 Minutes)

Hot water softens the oil inside the silicone pores.

2. Add Baking Soda and Scrub

• Sprinkle baking soda on the wet lid and scrub gently.

• You should notice the red colour becoming lighter.

3. For Strong Stains: Baking Soda + Vinegar Foam

If some stains won’t come off, put a thick layer of baking soda paste on the area.
Add a few drops of vinegar—this creates quick fizzing that helps lift residue from the pores.

I left mine with the paste on for about 3 hours, and it helped reduce the stain a lot.

(Note: The vinegar doesn’t make the baking soda “stronger.” The bubbling just helps loosen the stain physically.)

Silicone lid coated with thick baking soda in warm water (laundry sink)
I applied a generous layer of baking soda and let it sit for about 3 hours.

4. Rinse and Sun-Dry

Sunlight can fade leftover pigment and also helps with drying.

Lid removed from the baking soda water, before sun-drying

When I first hung the lid on the clothesline, the weather was cloudy, so I was unsure.

Luckily, the weather cleared up, and I left the lid in the summer sun for a few hours

Silicone lids dried in the sun show even colour, with most of the red chilli oil stains removed. You can hardly tell which lid had a stain unless you look closely.

 How to Prevent Silicone Stains

• Rinse with cold water before storing oily food

• Wash right after use

• Do an occasional deep clean with baking soda

• Avoid metal scrubbers (they scratch the surface)

• Avoid bleach or very strong cleaning products

Simple habits can prevent most discolouration.

When Baking Soda Won’t Work (Permanent Stains)

Even though this method worked on my lids, not all silicone stains are removable.

I once had an Apple silicone watch band that turned a strange green colour.
I tried:

• Baking soda

• Oxygen bleach

• Vinegar

• Magic eraser

• Regular eraser

Nothing helped, and I had to buy a new one.

Apple silicone band with an unknown greenish stain
Previously taken photo showing the mossy green discolouration on the band.

Apple band after multiple cleaning attempts -

Newly taken for this post: this band has been treated with baking soda, oxygen bleach, vinegar, magic eraser, and regular eraser—but the stain remains.

Types of Silicone Stains That Are Permanent

1. Heat Damage (Heat Discolouration)

These stains can’t be fixed:

• Microwave exposure

• Too close to an air fryer or oven

• Touching a hot pan

Heat can permanently change silicone colour.

2. Pigments Deep Inside Micro-Cracks

Over time, silicone develops tiny cracks or pores.
Pigments from foods like:

• Chilli powder

• Curry (turmeric)

• Paprika (kimchi, spicy soups)

can go deep inside. Baking soda or oxygen bleach can only clean the surface, not the inside.

👉 These stains are basically permanent and almost impossible to remove.

Conclusion: The Most Effective Way to Remove Stains from Silicone Lids

Baking soda worked surprisingly well on my silicone lids.
If you’re dealing with red chilli oil stains on silicone, I definitely recommend trying this simple method first.
It’s inexpensive, easy, and uses items you already have.

Just remember: some stains are removable, and some aren’t—especially when heat damage is involved.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.