Treats and chews
How do I clean a lick mat?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most silicone lick mats are dishwasher safe on the top rack, or can be hand washed with warm soapy water using a brush to work into the textured grooves, which trap food residue more easily than a flat surface. Cleaning promptly after use, rather than letting food dry into the texture, makes the process noticeably faster.
Why the textured surface needs extra attention
The raised bumps and grooves that make a lick mat effective for slowing eating are the same features that trap small amounts of food residue in hard to reach spots, meaning a quick rinse alone often is not enough to fully clean the surface, especially with thicker fillings like peanut butter.
Dishwasher versus hand washing
Checking the product packaging confirms dishwasher safety, but most food grade silicone lick mats tolerate the top rack of a standard dishwasher cycle well, which handles the detailed texture more thoroughly than hand washing alone, particularly for mats used daily where buildup can accumulate over time.
Hand washing technique if needed
Using a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, with warm soapy water worked directly into the grooves, then rinsing thoroughly, gets residue out of the textured areas that a sponge alone tends to miss, and soaking the mat in warm water for a few minutes first loosens dried on food before scrubbing.
Key takeaways
- Most silicone lick mats are dishwasher safe on the top rack, check the packaging to confirm.
- The textured surface traps food residue more than a flat plate, needing more thorough cleaning.
- A small brush worked into the grooves cleans more effectively than a sponge alone for hand washing.
- Clean promptly after use to prevent food drying into the textured surface.