Silicone ornaments, with their softness, environmental friendliness, odorlessness, and diverse shapes, have gradually become a popular choice for home decoration, car decorations, and office desk ornaments. Whether it's cute cartoon shapes, comforting animal figurines, or creatively trendy styles, silicone ornaments attract many consumers with their high aesthetic appeal and unique texture. However, many people have a question during use: Are silicone ornaments afraid of sunlight? Will they discolor, age, or deform if exposed to sunlight for a long time? Actually, this question relates to the characteristics of silicone material and daily maintenance methods. Understanding the principles can help make your silicone ornaments more durable and maintain their original appearance for longer.
Silicone material itself is a high-molecular synthetic elastomer with excellent high-temperature resistance, low-temperature resistance, anti-aging, and UV resistance. Unlike plastics or resins, silicone will not age or melt quickly due to short-term sun exposure, so theoretically, it has a certain degree of sun protection. However, if exposed to strong sunlight for a long time, especially in the high-temperature and high-UV environment inside a car in summer, the silicone surface will still be affected. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the molecular structure of silicone, causing it to gradually lose elasticity and potentially resulting in slight yellowing or hardening of the surface. Sustained high temperatures can also cause the internal oils to evaporate, making the item feel dry and even causing micro-cracks. Therefore, while silicone is not afraid of short-term sun exposure, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will indeed accelerate its aging process.
In a home environment, silicone figurines should ideally not be placed on windowsills exposed to direct sunlight. Many people like to place cute silicone figurines by windows or on balconies to add vibrancy to the space, but prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the surface color to fade, especially bright colors such as pink, orange, or blue, resulting in color differences or localized whitening. Even products made with high-quality silicone and stable pigments cannot completely resist the effects of long-term UV exposure. If you really want to place them in a bright location, you can use curtains or blinds to block out the light, placing the figurines in indirect light. This maintains their visual appeal while effectively extending their lifespan.
For those who like to display silicone figurines in their cars, sun protection is even more important. The enclosed space inside a car can reach extremely high temperatures under direct sunlight, sometimes reaching 60°C or even higher. Although silicone generally has heat resistance exceeding 200°C, the combined high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation inside a car can cause decorative items to show signs of aging within a few months, especially yellowing, dust accumulation, and loss of luster. If direct sunlight cannot be avoided, place the items in a shaded area, such as the inner part of the dashboard, or use a car sunshade. Regularly cleaning the surface of the items and removing them for storage during the hot summer months are also effective ways to extend their lifespan.
In daily maintenance, attention should also be paid to environmental humidity and cleaning methods. Although silicone decorative items are waterproof and moisture-proof, it is not recommended to place them in humid environments such as bathrooms, near windows, or near fish tanks for extended periods. Moisture and dust can create an oily film on the surface, which over time will affect the luster and feel. When cleaning, gently wipe with warm water and a small amount of neutral detergent, then dry with a clean towel. Avoid using strong corrosive cleaners containing alcohol or bleach, as these will damage the protective layer on the silicone surface.
In general, silicone figurines aren't afraid of sunlight, but they shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Moderate sunlight won't cause damage, but prolonged exposure to direct ultraviolet rays will affect the color, texture, and elasticity of the figurines. The best way to maintain the original color and softness of silicone figurines is to place them in a cool, well-ventilated location, avoid high temperatures and direct sunlight, and perform regular simple cleaning and maintenance. A well-cared-for silicone figurine can not only accompany you on your desk or in your car for a long time, but also add a touch of gentleness and fun to your living space.