How do you maintain silicone rubber moulds?

Maintaining silicone rubber moulds means cleaning them after every use, storing them dust-free and flat, and using a release agent with porous models. Good maintenance considerably extends the lifespan of a mould and keeps the details sharp. Below you can read step by step how to go about it.

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3 min read Updated Nov 2, 2026

Maintaining silicone rubber moulds means cleaning them after every use, storing them flat and free from dust, and using a release agent with porous models. Proper maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of a mould and helps preserve fine details. Below, we explain how to do this step by step.

Why maintaining silicone rubber moulds is worthwhile

Properly maintained silicone rubber moulds can be used dozens or even hundreds of times. Dirt, dust and cured resin residue can damage the surface and reduce the level of detail in subsequent castings. A mould made from high-quality silicone rubber is an investment, and with a little routine maintenance, you can get many more uses out of it.

Cleaning and storing silicone moulds

Cleaning and storing silicone moulds correctly is essential for proper maintenance. The most important steps are cleaning them immediately after casting and storing them properly.

Cleaning immediately after casting

It is best to clean a silicone mould as soon as possible after casting, before any residue has dried. Carefully remove loose residue by hand and clean the mould with mild cleaning products. Avoid aggressive solvents that could damage the rubber. Allow the mould to dry completely before storing it to prevent moisture from remaining in the fine details. If you need a replacement, take a look at our range of silicone moulds.

Storing flat and free from dust

Store silicone moulds flat and free from dust, as silicone attracts dust and lint that could end up in your next casting. Place the mould on a flat surface or provide sufficient support to prevent thin walls from deforming or stretching during storage. Keep moulds away from direct sunlight and store them at a stable temperature to maintain the material's properties.

Using release agents and reducing wear

Using release agents correctly and minimising wear are important parts of maintaining moulds that are used repeatedly. With the right approach, you can prevent tearing and stretching and keep your moulds in good condition for longer.

When to use a release agent

A release agent is particularly useful with porous models and resins that may adhere to silicone. A thin layer of release agent makes demoulding easier and protects the mould surface against adhesion. This helps extend the mould's lifespan and preserve fine details, especially when repeatedly casting intricate shapes.

Preventing tears and stretching

Prevent tears and stretching by avoiding excessive force when demoulding. Stretch a mould made from low Shore hardness silicone gently and evenly rather than pulling on a single point. If you use your mould for large or heavy castings, a firmer option such as Shore 40 silicone casting rubber offers better wear resistance. If a mould suddenly feels too hard or too soft, read our article about silicone rubber that has cured too hard or too soft to find out what might be causing it.

Need advice on maintaining a specific mould or choosing the right release agent? Feel free to contact our specialists. We'll be happy to help.

Products used in this article

Choose the right product variant for your application.

Silicone casting rubber 1:1 Shore 40

€ 39,⁹⁹

inc. VAT

Silicone casting rubber 1:1 Shore 40 (translucent)

€ 65,⁹⁹

inc. VAT

Silicone casting rubber 1:1 Shore 40 (transparent)

€ 64,⁹⁹

inc. VAT

Frequently asked questions

How often you can reuse a silicone mould depends on the shore, the casting materials and the maintenance. A well-cared-for mould often lasts dozens to hundreds of castings. Clean the mould after every use, store it dust-free and flat and use a release agent with porous models, and you will get the most uses out of it.

A silicone mould is best cleaned with mild cleaning agents and lukewarm water, immediately after casting. Remove loose residues carefully by hand and avoid aggressive solvents, because they can affect the rubber or make it swell. Then let the mould dry completely before you store it, so that no moisture stays behind in the details.

Silicone moulds you store dust-free, flat and out of direct sunlight. Silicone attracts dust and lint, so store the moulds away in a closed container or bag. Lay thin or flexible moulds on a flat surface or fill them up, so that the walls do not deform. A stable temperature helps the material retain its properties.

Not always, but with porous models and with resins that adhere to silicone, a release agent prevents damage to the mould. A thin layer makes demoulding easier and extends the lifespan. On smooth, non-porous casting materials silicone often releases well on its own and a release agent is less necessary, although with fine detail work it never hurts.

If a silicone mould becomes tacky, the rubber is often not fully cured or there has been cure inhibition. A slightly sticky surface you can sometimes remedy by letting the mould cure further in a warm, clean place. If it keeps sticking, the mould is usually no longer reliable and you are better off casting a new one with the right mixing ratio.