Silicone is a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen and other elements, most typically carbon and hydrogen. The problem with using silicone for fermentation is that it retains odors due to the properties of the molecules used to make silicone. And, to keep small bits from floating to the surface during fermentation, some use a silicone mat as a Floaties Trap. MasonTop's Pickle Pipe, reviewed here, and their many copy-cats are made from silicone. Many fermentation lids use a silicone gasket for a leak-proof seal. One of my favorite fermentation weights, the Pickle Pusher, reviewed here, is made from silicone. Silicone is used in a variety of fermentation tools.

No high heat. With silicone, using too of a high leaches out chemicals.

No harsh abrasives. Abrasives can damage both silicone and plastic, releasing their manufacturing chemicals or removing non-stick properties.

No nasty chemicals. I keep a pretty “green” home, so I’m not about to buy some harsh chemical to clean my fermentation weights or lids.

But, whatever the method, I wanted to feel comfortable using it. Since plastic and silicone are made from different materials, they require separate methods for removing their odors. My Criteria for Removing Odors from Plastic and SiliconeĪ bit of research resulted in two different solutions.

Please, Please, Please, Share in the Comments Section!.

Other Ways to Neutralize an Acid Smell on Plastic with a Base.Directions for Odor Removal from Plastics.Chemistry Lesson: Acids, Bases, and Solvents.

Directions for Odor Removal from Silicone.Best Way to Get the Odors Out of Silicone?.My Criteria for Removing Odors from Plastic and Silicone.

How to make bag smell good