Plasticizers in rubber spatulas

[thegreatdane]

I've noticed over time rubber spatulas stay greasy, particularly ones I've used for chocolate. A friend said it's plasticizers coming out. Anyone know about this or good spatulas to use for oily substances?

Thanks,

Tom

[Kerry Beal]

I've noticed over time rubber spatulas stay greasy, particularly ones I've used for chocolate. A friend said it's plasticizers coming out. Anyone know about this or good spatulas to use for oily substances?

Thanks,

Tom

I looked at the stuff that shows up on my silicone spatulas under the microscope - it appears to be fat crystals - I assume it's cocoa butter.

[gap]

I would second cocoa butter. Nothing scientific to back that up, but it has that "feel" to me

[Mjx]

I've noticed over time rubber spatulas stay greasy, particularly ones I've used for chocolate. A friend said it's plasticizers coming out. Anyone know about this or good spatulas to use for oily substances?

Thanks,

Tom

I switched to silicon spatulas a while ago, because I didn't feel like worrying about plasticizers in maybe-rubber-but-probably-some-sort-of-plastic spatulas. But generally, to get the grease off plastic, rubber, or silicon, you need to apply the detergent directly, work up a lather, and repeat as necessary. I believe (organic chemistry is about a decade behind, me now) it has something to do with these compounds having a greater affinity for lipids than glass, metal, or ceramic.

Edited January 27, 2011 by Mjx (log)