Whether you're currently facing a sink full of bottle parts or you're just prepping for the "right" way to do it, we’ve been there. From top-rack dishwasher hacks to the "Golden Rule" of air-drying, here is our realistic 4-step ritual to help you master the art of the scrub without losing your mind.
We know having to clean all those baby bottles can feel like the final boss of parenting, but keeping your baby’s bottle gear hygienic doesn't have to be a high-stress operation. At Suavinex, we believe that a clean bottle is the foundation for happy, healthy feeds. Read on to get the 411 on exactly how to do it.
1. The Great Disassembly
First things first: take it all apart. We mean everything. Remove the nipple from the screw ring, take off the protective cap, and if you’re using our Zerø.Zerø™ bottle, remove the internal anti-colic silicone pouch.
Pro Tip: Don't let milk sit! Even a quick rinse with cold water immediately after a feeding prevents that stubborn, dried-on milk film that makes deep cleaning much harder later.
2. The Wash: Hand-Scrub vs. Machine
You have two main paths here, and both are perfectly valid:
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The Hand Wash: Use warm, soapy water and a dedicated bottle brush. Ensure the brush reaches the very bottom. For nipples, use a smaller teat brush to avoid tearing the silicone while ensuring no residue is left in the tip.
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The Dishwasher: Yes, you can! Just ensure all parts are top-rack only to prevent melting or warping from the heating element. If your dishwasher has a "Sanitize" cycle, this is a fantastic time-saver as it uses higher temperature water to kill more germs.
3. Sterilize: When and How Often?
Cleaning removes grime, but sterilizing knocks out the bacteria.
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How often? For healthy babies, a deep sterilization once a day is usually plenty. However, for newborns (0-3 months) or babies with weakened immune systems, we recommend sterilizing after every use.
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The Method: You can go old-school with a 5-minute boil in a pot of water, or use a dedicated electric steam or microwave sterilizer. If you're using our Bonhomia Glass Bottles, they handle high-heat sterilization beautifully.
4. The Art of the Dry
This is the step most people rush, but it’s the most important for preventing mold.
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Skip the towel: Your cloth kitchen towels can actually re-introduce bacteria to your fresh bottles. If you don't have a rack, you can use a clean paper towel.
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Air it out: Place all parts on a clean, dedicated drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the bottles are propped at an angle so air can circulate inside.
If you're reading this, you’ve got this. One clean bottle at a time!
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