How to Clean and Store Your Nessie Ladle Without Warping
By OTOTO DESIGN | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your Nessie ladle and other quirky kitchen tools in shape with a simple cleaning and storage routine that prevents warping and keeps them ready to use.
Quick answer
To clean your Nessie ladle without warping, wash it by hand in warm water with mild dish soap, then dry it thoroughly. Store it hanging or resting on its handle so the silicone head keeps its shape. Avoid soaking in hot water, and never put it in the dishwasher if you want to prevent warping.
Why silicone ladles warp (and how to avoid it)
Silicone ladles like the Nessie ladle are flexible and heat-resistant, but they can still warp if exposed to high heat for too long or if they're stored under pressure. The most common causes are leaving them in a hot pan, soaking them in boiling water, or cramming them into a crowded drawer where the head gets bent. To keep the shape, treat your ladle like a precision tool: clean it gently, dry it completely, and give it room to breathe.
Step-by-step cleaning routine
Follow these steps after each use to keep your Nessie ladle clean and warp-free. This routine works for most silicone and plastic kitchen tools, including the Swanky ladle and Slice Reaper pizza cutter.
- Rinse immediately after use to prevent food from drying on the surface.
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Wash the ladle with a soft sponge, paying attention to the crevices around the handle.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water to remove all soap residue.
- Dry with a soft towel, then let it air dry completely before storing.
Storage solutions that protect the shape
How you store your ladle matters as much as how you clean it. Hanging the ladle by its handle is ideal because it keeps the head free from pressure. If you don't have a hook, lay it flat in a drawer with the head resting on a soft cloth, or use a utensil holder that keeps it upright. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, and never store it with the head pressed against a hard surface for long periods.
What to do if your ladle warps
If your ladle has warped, you may be able to reshape it. Heat a pot of water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil), dip the warped area for a few seconds, then remove and gently bend it back into shape. Hold it in place until it cools. This works for minor bends, but if the silicone is cracked or stretched, it's best to replace it. Note that not all materials respond to this method; check the product care instructions first.
Your 5-step Nessie ladle care routine
- Rinse right away: After using your ladle, rinse it under warm water to remove food residue before it hardens. Mistake to avoid: letting food dry on the surface, which makes cleaning harder and may require scrubbing that can damage the silicone.
- Wash by hand: Fill a bowl with warm water and mild dish soap. Wash the ladle with a soft sponge, including the handle and any grooves. Checkpoint: never use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or degrade the material.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly under warm running water, then dry with a soft towel. Let it air dry completely before storing. Mistake to avoid: storing while damp, which can lead to mildew or odor.
- Store with care: Hang the ladle by its handle or lay it flat with the head on a soft cloth. Avoid stacking heavy items on top. Checkpoint: ensure the ladle head isn't bent or pressed against a hard surface.
- Address warping early: If you notice minor warping, dip the affected area in simmering water for a few seconds, then gently reshape and hold until cool. If the silicone is cracked or stretched, replace the ladle; reshaping won't fix structural damage.
Products mentioned
- Baby Nessie: Baby Nessie is a tea infuser designed by OTOTO that dives into your cup to release flavors. Like the Nessie ladle, it's made of silicone and benefits from gentle hand washing to keep its shape and color.
- Swanky: Swanky is a floating ladle made of plastic, available in Black, Pink, and White, with dimensions 10 x 10 x 28 cm. Its plastic construction means it's lightweight but can also warp if exposed to high heat, so follow the same care steps.
- Slice Reaper: Slice Reaper is a skull-shaped pizza cutter designed by OTOTO for a playful, spooky twist. The blade and handle need careful cleaning to avoid rust and maintain the design; hand wash and dry immediately.
