Silicone molds have become a popular tool for baking, chocolate making, soap making, resin casting, and more. Silicone’s flexibility and non-stick properties make it an ideal material for mold making. However, many wonder – how long do silicone molds really last?
The lifespan of a silicone mold depends on several factors:
- Silicone type – Platinum silicone generally lasts longer than tin silicone
- Quality – Higher quality molds made with pure silicone will last longer
- Care and maintenance – Proper use and cleaning extends the life of silicone
- Storage – Keeping molds away from heat, sunlight, and stress increases longevity
- Frequency of use – The more often molds are used, the faster they wear out
With proper selection, care, and storage, a high-quality silicone mold can last for years or even decades. This article will provide tips on maximizing the lifespan of silicone molds.
Silicone Types
The type of silicone used to create a mold impacts its durability and lifespan. There are two main types of silicone used for mold making:
Platinum Silicone
Platinum silicone is the highest quality option for molds. It is made from a catalyst containing platinum rather than tin, which gives it several advantages:
- Greater tear strength – More resistant to rips and tears
- Higher heat resistance – Can withstand over 500°F repeatedly
- No inhibition – Won’t inhibit platinum-cure silicone, epoxy, or polyurethane resins
- No odor – Does not have a strong vinegar smell
Thanks to these properties, platinum silicone molds tend to last significantly longer than tin-cure molds, often up to decades with proper care. The higher upfront cost pays off in the long run.
Tin Silicone
Tin-cure silicone is made using a tin catalyst. It is the less expensive option for molds, but has some drawbacks:
- Lower tear strength – Can rip more easily
- Heat resistance to 390°F – Degrades faster at high temperatures
- Odor – Has a vinegary smell
- Inhibition – Can inhibit full cure of other silicones leading to tackiness
Tin silicone molds tend to last in the range of a year or two with frequent use. The inhibited cure also causes tin to degrade faster. Platinum silicone is the best choice for longevity, but tin works well for short-term use.
Mold Quality
The quality of the silicone used to make the mold also affects its usable life. Here are signs of a high quality silicone mold:
- Uniform surface and thickness – No thin spots
- Non-porous surface – Smooth, no bubbles/divots
- Pure silicone – No fillers or plasticizers
- Flexible but not flimsy – Retains shape but releases contents easily
- High tear strength – Resists rips, punctures, and cuts
Lower quality molds may use silicone mixed with fillers or adulterated in some way. This reduces costs but impacts performance. A 100% pure platinum-cure silicone mold made with precision thickness results in optimal longevity.
Proper Care
Caring properly for silicone molds is key to maximizing their lifespan. Follow these care tips:
Use
- Avoid overloading – Overfilling stresses the mold
- Do not stretch or twist – This can cause tears
- Unpack carefully – Do not bend or crease folds
- Release promptly – Do not force release
- Watch temperatures – Stay below mold’s max temp rating
Treating the mold gently and not overworking it preserves the silicone.
Cleaning
- Handwash only – No dishwasher
- Use mild soap and water – Avoid harsh detergents
- Soft brush or sponge – Prevents scratches
- Thorough rinse – Removes all soap residue
- Air dry only – No heat drying
Gentle cleaning preserves the molds. Avoid abrasives.
Storage
- Cool, dry place – Avoid temperature extremes
- Out of sunlight – UV degrades silicone
- Flatten or loosely roll – Prevents creasing
- On parchment – Stops molds sticking together
- No heavy pressure – Do not stack heavy objects on top
Proper storage keeps silicone in optimal condition between uses.
Infrequent Use
If silicone molds are used only occasionally or sit for long periods between uses, take extra care. Leaving silicone compressed or stretched for weeks or months can cause film formation on the surface. To revive an unused mold:
- Wash surface gently – Use mild soap if needed
- Powder – Apply corn starch to interior and leave several hours
- Rinse – Remove all traces of starch
- Repeat as needed – Powdering may need to be done a few times
This maintenance can add years of life back to infrequently used molds.
Expected Lifespan
With optimal materials, care, and storage, here are the approximate expected lifespans for silicone molds:
| Silicone Type | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| High-quality platinum silicone | 10-20 years or more |
| Standard platinum silicone | 5-10 years |
| Tin-cure silicone | 1-2 years |
Factors like frequency of use will affect actual longevity. Under ideal conditions, platinum silicone molds often outlive tin by 10 times or more.
When to Replace
Here are signs that indicate a silicone mold should be retired and replaced:
- Repeated tears or rips
- Permanent creases and folds
- Visible silicone thinning
- Surface bubbles or pits
- Texture changes – stickiness, tackiness, powdery film
- Molding results decline – flaws, inconsistencies
While good care can maximize the lifespan of silicone molds, they will eventually wear out. Watch for these failure signs to know when it’s time to replace a mold.
Maximizing Longevity
Here are some top tips for getting the most mileage out of silicone molds:
- Buy quality – Invest in pure platinum silicone
- Careful use – Avoid overfilling, twisting, or bending
- Gentle cleaning – Handwash only with mild soap
- Proper storage – Keep molds dry, flat, and away from heat/sun
- Consistent use – Avoid leaving inactive for long periods
- Watch for wear – Replace at first signs of deterioration
Following these best practices allows high-performing silicone molds to remain in service for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can silicone molds be fixed when torn?
Small tears in a platinum silicone mold can often be repaired. Thoroughly clean and dry the area, apply a thin layer of fresh platinum silicone, allow to fully cure, and gently wash and dry. Do not attempt repairs with tin-cure silicone. However, if a mold develops large rips or multiple weak spots, it’s best to retire and replace it.
What temperatures can silicone molds withstand?
Platinum silicone molds can handle over 500°F short-term. Tin silicone molds should not exceed 390°F. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range. Repeated high heat will accelerate breakdown.
Can you put silicone molds in the dishwasher?
No, you should only handwash silicone molds using mild soap and water. The high heat, harsh detergents, and tumbling action of dishwashers will quickly degrade silicone. Gentle hand washing is best for longevity.
How do you store silicone molds long-term?
For long-term storage, wash molds and dry thoroughly. Place on parchment paper in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid creasing or tightly rolling the molds. Check on molds periodically and powder interior if they become tacky.
What causes a sticky film to develop on old silicone molds?
Long periods of compression or tension on the silicone can cause oil migration and a sticky surface film. This is preventable with frequent use and proper storage. For sticky molds, gentle washing and thorough drying may help. Repeated powdering inside the mold with corn starch can absorb the film.
Conclusion
The lifespan of silicone molds comes down to four key factors – silicone type, mold quality, care, and storage. Platinum silicone molds from reputable brands, properly maintained, can retain their molding performance for up to decades. Tin silicone has a shorter usable life, but costs less upfront. With responsible use and the right storage, silicone offers excellent durability. Watch for any declining performance or material degradation as signs to retire the mold. Following the advice in this article will help maximize silicone mold longevity.