Have you recently bought bottles and pacifiers and wondered if they were dishwasher safe? Maybe you don’t think they’ll be safe, but as a parent, you have every reason to worry. Can a dishwasher wash the bottle as thoroughly as possible? Will the heat damage those expensive baby bottles? Baby bottles can be washed in the dishwasher. This method has been endorsed by many health departments, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for providing squeaky clean ingredients from bottle caps and nipples to bottle rings and the actual bottle itself, especially When using the disinfection function of the dishwasher. Read on for more on how to clean baby bottles in the dishwasher.
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Can You Wash Baby Bottles In The Dishwasher?
Dishwasher-cleaning and sterilizing baby bottles and pacifiers are acceptable as long as the brand you use has been rated dishwasher safe. Always look for the “dishwasher safe” label usually listed on the bottom of the package or bottle.
When Can You Start Using The Dishwasher For Cleaning Baby Bottles?
Some parents wait weeks before putting baby bottles in the dishwasher. But you can actually wash your baby bottle in the dishwasher from day one!
Once you’ve picked out a bottle your baby will accept, and you’ve stocked enough bottles to last you a few days of feeding, or at least 24 hours so you don’t feel like you’ve been washing bottles, using the dishwasher will Be your best friend for cleaning bottles.
Ideally, you’ll want two sets of bottles so you can use one set while washing and drying the other, but you can also find a system that works best for you and your family. For us, it’s running the dishwasher before bed and emptying it before breakfast. This way we always have clean bottles at the ready.
How Often Should You Wash Your Baby Bottle In The Dishwasher?
How often do you wash the dishes? every day? That’s how often you should wash baby bottles in the dishwasher.
This can become difficult to some extent, in which case soaking the dismantled parts in a washbasin filled with hot water and baby bottle soap, then scrubbing with a special clean brush is perfectly fine. OK.
How To Wash Baby Bottles In The Dishwasher?
Cleaning your baby bottle after each use is important to prevent the growth of bacteria that can compromise the safety of your baby’s milk. There are several ways to wash baby bottles, but the dishwasher is one of the most efficient and convenient. Here’s how to clean baby bottles in the dishwasher step-by-step with practical tips:
Step 1: Remove the Baby Bottle
The first step in cleaning a baby bottle in the dishwasher is to separate all bottle parts. These parts include nipples, rings, caps, and any valves or membranes that come with them. If you occasionally wash your baby bottle by hand, don’t forget to use a brush to clean the bottle, too.
Step 2: Rinse or Soak the Bottle
Once all the parts are separated, it’s time to give them a quick rinse under running water. This will remove any visible dirt or residual milk before putting it in the dishwasher.
If you have time, you can also place the bottle in warm water and lather it with a little mild soap for a few minutes to remove stubborn dirt. You can also soak the bottle in equal parts vinegar and water to remove residual milk and buildup.
Step 3: Load into the Dishwasher
After rinsing or soaking the bottle, it’s time to put it in the dishwasher. Most baby bottle manufacturers recommend sticking to the upper shelf further away from the heating element.
If your dishwasher is equipped with a bottle wash spout, place the bottle face down on it and secure it with the clips provided. If your dishwasher does not have a bottle wash nozzle, place the bottles face down on the upper shelf. You can place your glass baby bottles on the bottom shelf for better cleaning.
If your dishwasher has a third rack, this is the ideal location for all the small parts like pacifiers, lids, and valves. If not, you can use mesh bags or baskets designed for baby bottles.
Step 4: Choose the Right Cycle and Cleaner
The next step is to choose the right dishwashing cycle. For baby bottles, a sterilization cycle is recommended if the dishwasher has one. If not, a hot water cycle will do.
As for cleaners, it’s best to use free cleaners, which will reduce the chance of residue on baby bottles. I noticed that when I started using 7th generation cleaner instead of regular dishwasher tablets, my baby bottles got cleaner.
Step 5: Dry the Bottle
Make sure you use the heat dry option on your dishwasher, this will help dry the bottle better and prevent any water spots. But even with the heat drying option, the bottle can still come out damp, so you’ll still need to reverse dry all bottle parts. The best way is to put them all on a drying rack and let them air dry completely. For this, I like to use my Boone Dryer to dry all my nipples, rings, pacifiers, and a bottle drying rack.
You can also put your bottle on a clean, unused rag or paper towel. It is important to allow clean baby bottles to air dry completely before storing them. Just make sure not to pat your baby bottle dry so you don’t transfer any bacteria or lint into the bottle.
Things To Remember When Using A Dishwasher To Wash Baby Bottles
While cleaning baby bottles in the dishwasher is easier and more convenient for you, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Stain
You shouldn’t wash baby bottles with dishes that contain potentially dyed foods, such as pasta sauce. It can easily splash on baby bottles during washing at high temperatures, resulting in staining of bottles and nipples.
- Bottle placement
You need to be careful to put the bottle in the dishwasher. The best way to do this is to place it with the opening facing down, which allows for efficient cleaning. During the process, the bottle needs to be firm to avoid falling over during the process. If it falls, you need to sanitize it.
- Damage and discoloration
If you regularly wash baby bottles in the dishwasher, then you should be aware that bottles will be damaged faster than if you wash them by hand. Discolored baby bottles can also indicate insufficient baking cream during rinsing and watering. High temperatures can also damage your baby bottle. While cleaning baby bottles in the dishwasher is easier and more convenient for you, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Bottom Line
You can definitely wash your bottle in the dishwasher! Just make sure you follow the steps we’ve outlined above and you’ll have a sparkling clean bottle that’s safe to use for your baby.
The only downside I can think of to washing baby bottles in the dishwasher is that in the long run, these won’t last as long as you would wash them by hand. But this applies to anything you wash in the dishwasher.
Read More: Glass Vs Plastic Baby Bottles
