Silicone lick mats: care, cleaning and dishwasher notes
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Silicone lick mats are dishwasher friendly, durable, and ideal for our freeze-dried treats. The material holds its shape, doesn't absorb odors, and survives years of cleaning. Whether you own a Modern Dog Company mat or a Pink Papyrus mat, the care is straightforward and minimal.
Dishwasher cleaning
Place the mat on the top rack of your dishwasher. Use your normal cycle. The heat and detergent remove all traces of food, yogurt, and freeze-dried residue. Run it alone or with other silicone items; mats won't damage pots or dishes or harm your dishwasher.
Hand washing between uses
If you use the mat daily, a quick rinse under warm running water between sessions is fast and saves a dishwasher load. Use a soft sponge or brush to remove any bits stuck in the grooves. This takes less than a minute and keeps the mat fresh and ready for the next session.
Drying and storage
Air dry completely before storing. Stand the mat on edge in a dish rack or lay it flat on a clean towel. Once dry, stack the mats flat in a cabinet or drawer. They take up little space and stay protected from dust and damage.
Freezing tips
Silicone mats can go straight from the freezer to your dog's mouth. The material doesn't crack in cold or extreme temperature shifts. Load the mat, freeze it uncovered on a flat surface for 30 to 45 minutes, then transfer to a storage container. For frequent use, freeze several mats at once and store them stacked in the freezer.
Odor and staining
Silicone rarely retains odors or stains. If a mat develops a persistent smell after weeks of use, soak it in warm water with a bit of baking soda for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. Tough stains from pigmented foods like beets rarely occur with freeze-dried treats, but if they do, a soak in white vinegar for 15 minutes often lifts them without harming the silicone.
In the Toys aisle
The Modern Dog Company's It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, and Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, are both silicone and dishwasher friendly. The Ball is Life Lick Mat, 17.00 dollars, rounds out the Modern Dog line. Pink Papyrus offers the Pink Dog & Cat Lick Mat, 12.99 dollars, and Yellow Dog & Cat Lick Mat, 12.99 dollars, both in silicone.
How it ships
Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by The Modern Dog Company in Nashville, Tennessee, usually within five business days, with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by Pink Papyrus Co., with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us. Pair with our treats for best results.
Questions
Can I put silicone lick mats in the microwave?
No. Microwave use can degrade the silicone over time and may cause warping or other damage. Thaw frozen mats on the counter or in the refrigerator, or use them partially frozen.
Will my silicone mat change color over time?
Rarely. High quality silicone mats retain their color for years with regular use. If discoloration does occur, it's usually cosmetic and does not affect the mat's function or performance.
How long does a silicone lick mat last?
With proper care, 5 to 10 years or more. The silicone is incredibly durable and resilient. Most owners retire them only because they collect too many mats over time.
Can I use my lick mat on any surface?
Yes, on floors, tiles, and feeding plates. Mats with suction cups stick to smooth surfaces like tile, glass, or tub walls. Mats without suction cups work anywhere your dog can reach them.
What if the suction cups on my mat stop working?
Suction cups sometimes lose grip if they accumulate dust or pet hair. Clean the cups with a damp cloth, then dry them fully before reapplying to the wall. If they don't restore, the mat still works flat on the floor.
Learn more about using and rotating lick mats at explore.
