How to Wash Baby Bottles

Whether you’re handwashing or using a dishwasher, we walk you through the best methods and products for cleaning baby bottles. In addition to ensuring the most effective cleaning process, our guide outlines why choosing baby safe dishwasher detergent and dish soap is so important.

Follow these steps for cleaning bottles by hand.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Fill a small wash basin with hot water, adding enough Natural Dish Soap to make a thick foam.
3. Separate each component (e.g. nipples, caps, rings) and rinse them with fresh water.
4. Submerge them in the soapy water and use a brush to scrub the insides until they’re thoroughly clean.
5. Rinse with fresh water, shake off excess, and dry upside-down on a baby bottle rack in an area that’s protected from dirt and dust.

Pro Tip: A designated nylon-bristle brush should be used to wash bottle nipples. They’re notoriously hard to get clean, so it’s often helpful to squeeze water through them.

How to Sanitize and Sterilize Baby Bottles

If you have a newborn, premature baby, or an infant with a weakened immune system, it may be wise to consider sterilizing bottles every day. We also recommend sterilizing new bottles using the same method as below.

1. Check the bottle manufacturer's instructions to ensure that bottles and parts are safe to be sterilized with our technique.
2. Boil the bottles in a clean pot of water for 5 minutes.
3. Remove with a clean pair of tongs.
4. Lay them out to dry on a clean surface.

How to Deodorize Baby Bottles

Cleaning bottles isn’t always possible – life has a habit of getting in the way! It’s totally normal for bottles to have a residual smell, but a few natural remedies work to eliminate them.

1. Shake hot water and a tablespoon of white vinegar in the bottles.
2. Clean bottles using normal cleaning process.
3. Ensure that they’re totally rinsed, then wash them with a natural dish soap.

How to Store Baby Bottles

Properly storing baby bottles makes sure germs and mold don't grow on these items. Remember: only store bottles once they're completely dry.

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Reassemble the bottle with clean, dry parts.
3. Store items in a cool, dry cabinet that only stores other clean, dry items.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Baby Bottles

Check these FAQs for the best way to clean, store, and travel with baby bottles.

• How Often Should I Wash Baby Bottles?

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises washing baby bottles after each feeding. As parents, we know you’re going to be busy, but at the very least, rinse them out immediately to help prevent caked-on residue.

• Do I Sterilize Bottles After Each Use?

It is necessary to sterilize bottles the first time you use them, but you don't need to sterilize them after each use.

• How Often Should I Sterilize Baby Bottles?

If you have a newborn, premature baby, or an infant with a weakened immune system, it may be wise to consider sterilizing bottles every day.

• Is it OK to Sterilize Baby Bottles in the Microwave?

You can sterilize bottles in a microwave, but make sure you're using a microwave sterilizer that heats water using steam.

• Can I Sterilize Bottles Instead of Washing?

While it’s good to sterilize bottles regularly, bottles also need to be washed after every feeding since germs can grow quickly on bottles, especially if there is some formula or breast milk left over.

• Can I Soak Bottles Overnight?

You can soak bottles overnight, but be sure to avoid soaking bottle nipples overnight, as germs and bacteria can proliferate when left overnight.

• How Long Do I Sterilize Bottles?

Once a bottle is in a covered pot with boiling water, let it sterilize for 5 minutes.

• Can you Wash Baby Bottles with Dish Soap?

You don’t need a dishwasher – you can absolutely wash baby bottles with dish soap. Just be sure to thoroughly wash your hands first.

• How Do You Clean Baby Bottles While Traveling?

If you’re traveling with your baby, simply follow the same cleaning instructions above. Just make sure you have a clean container (we love this collapsible dish tub), dish soap, and a bottle brush with you.

• Can You Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher?

If your baby bottles are made of glass or dishwasher-safe plastic, they can be run through the dishwasher. To load baby bottles in the dishwasher, use the internal basket to clip the nipples upright during the full cycle, then place all remaining bottle parts on the top rack. Choose a hot water and heated drying cycle.

• What is the Best Soap for Washing Baby Bottles?

Look for soap that is formulated with natural, plant-powered formulas that is safe for babies. Our 99.5% Natural Dishwasher Detergent Packs were created with plant-based enzymes (like manannase and protease) that safely break down milk and formula proteins. It was painstakingly formulated to fully rinse away, leaving zero residue.

• Do I Need a Safe Dishwasher Detergent for Baby Bottles?

Many dish cleaning products contain potentially harmful ingredients. It was actually these competitor ingredient lists that pushed us to develop our products with the help of physicians and Ph.D. chemists.

That’s why our baby safe dishwasher detergent is free of:

• Perfumes
• Synthetic Fragrance
• Phosphates
• Sulfates
• Parabens
• Chlorine bleach
• Petrochemicals
• Triclosan
• Animal by-products
• Dyes
• Phthalates
• Caustics

Pro-Tip: Always let bottles completely dry before reassembling.

Many parents reassemble baby bottles when moisture is still inside the bottle – which can cause mildew and mold growth. Shake out any loose water droplets and allow bottles to completely air dry on a clean towel or bottle drying rack.

• How Do I Wash My Baby Bottle Cleaner Tools?

It’s best to run your cleaning tools (like brushes) through the dishwasher every few days or spray them with our hydrogen peroxide-based Disinfecting Surface Cleaner. Families with infants under three months old, premature babies, or babies with weakened immune systems should wash cleaning tools after every use.

Wash Your Baby Bottles Using Natural, Plant-Powered Cleaners

Having clean, ready-to-use bottles on hand will help you focus on bonding during mealtimes. That’s why Puracy developed the most effective plant-based cleaning products. From our family to yours, we wish you (and your newest bundle of joy) all the best.