A chew necklace goes in the mouth many times a day, so hygiene matters. The good news is that food-grade silicone is non-porous and easy to clean — a daily rinse and weekly wash is all most people need. Here is exactly what to do, and what to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- Daily rinse under warm running water takes 20–30 seconds and is sufficient for everyday hygiene
- Weekly wash with mild soap removes any buildup and ensures thorough cleaning
- Most Chewel pendants are dishwasher safe on the top rack
- Never use bleach, harsh disinfectants, or UV sterilisers — these can degrade silicone
- Remove the cord before dishwasher cleaning
- Inspect the pendant while cleaning — good cleaning time is good inspection time
Why Cleaning Matters
Silicone is non-porous — unlike soft rubber, it does not have microscopic surface cavities that can harbour bacteria. This makes it significantly more hygienic than alternatives. However, saliva, food particles, and environmental bacteria can still accumulate on the surface, particularly in any textured areas or crevices in the shape of the pendant.
Regular cleaning maintains hygiene, prevents the pendant from developing any odour, and also gives you the opportunity to inspect it for wear.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Daily (After School or End of Day)
- Remove the pendant from the cord if the cord will not be getting wet
- Hold the pendant under warm (not boiling) running water
- Rub gently with your fingers for 20–30 seconds, paying attention to any textured areas or crevices
- Rinse thoroughly
- Shake off excess water and allow to air-dry before storing or putting back on
This takes less than one minute and is all that is needed for daily hygiene maintenance.
Weekly (Thorough Clean)
- Apply a small amount of mild, fragrance-free washing-up liquid or hand soap to the pendant
- Work up a light lather with your fingers, covering the entire surface
- Rinse very thoroughly under warm running water — ensure all soap residue is removed, as residual soap is unpleasant in the mouth
- Air-dry completely before use
Dishwasher (Optional, Weekly or As Needed)
- Remove the pendant from the cord — cords should not go in the dishwasher
- Place the pendant on the top rack only
- Run a standard cycle at normal temperature
- If your dishwasher has a heated dry cycle, open the door before this stage to air-dry instead — prolonged high heat is not ideal for silicone long-term
- Allow to cool and air-dry fully before reattaching to the cord and using
What to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Bleach or chlorine-based disinfectants | Can degrade silicone over time and may leave traces that are unsafe to mouth |
| Strong alcohol-based disinfectants | May dry out or degrade the silicone surface with repeated use |
| UV sterilisers | UV exposure can degrade silicone polymer chains over time, shortening lifespan |
| Steam sterilisers | The high-temperature, high-moisture environment is not designed for silicone pendants and may cause warping |
| Abrasive scrubs or sponges | Can scratch the silicone surface, creating places for bacteria to accumulate |
| Boiling | Can cause discolouration and may degrade the cord and any joining elements |
Cleaning the Cord
The cord should be kept clean too. For breakaway cords:
- Wipe with a damp cloth regularly
- If the cord becomes very soiled, rinse gently and allow to dry completely before use
- Do not machine-wash the cord — this can damage the breakaway mechanism
- Replace the cord when it shows wear, regardless of pendant condition
Cleaning as Inspection
Use your cleaning routine as an opportunity to inspect the pendant carefully. Before and after each cleaning, check for:
- Hairline cracks in the silicone surface
- Any areas where silicone is starting to separate or peel
- Changes in texture (stickiness, unusual roughness)
- Persistent discolouration that doesn't wash out
If you find any of these, replace the pendant. See: how long does a chew necklace last?
New to chew necklaces? Our complete guide covers everything from safety to school use.
Read the Complete Guide →