How To Clean Pacifiers and Bottles

Are you a parent constantly on the lookout for ways to keep your little one safe and healthy? Keeping pacifiers and bottles clean is key, but what's the best way to do it? With all the different methods out there, it can be tough to decide which is right for your family. 

To help guide you in finding the best approach to cleaning pacifiers and baby bottles- we have created this article to assist you in an efficient yet effective manner. 

How Often Should Baby Bottles Be Cleaned?

Bottles should be cleaned thoroughly after every single feeding. Yes, you’ve read that correctly, every single use. Suppose a baby does not finish their bottle within two hours. In that case, it is essential to throw away the unfinished formula as quickly as possible due to the fact that germs can grow and reproduce rapidly in partially used bottles or ones that have only been rinsed instead of properly cleaned. 

As such, it is highly important to make sure that all bottles are sterilized correctly prior to each use. Regularly inspecting formula bottles for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, chips or discoloration, will also help ensure your baby's safety when feeding. 

How Often Should Pacifiers Be Cleaned?

Sterilizing, or cleaning, your baby's pacifiers, toys, and other items that go in their mouth is an important part of keeping them healthy and germ-free. Sterilization should take place at least once per month as part of a regular hygiene routine. It may also be beneficial to have a rotation of clean pacifiers so that the same one isn't used over and over. 

For extra precaution, it's good to sterilize items when they come home from daycare or after longer outings. Keeping up with these practices will help reduce the risk of infection caused by germs in places like daycares or public spaces where even the most hygienic environments can harbor unseen bacteria. 

Cleaning Infant Feeding Items in the Dishwasher

In order to ensure the thorough cleaning of bottles, nipples, caps, rings, and valves, it is important to take them apart and rinse them first. This can be done by running cold or warm water over the parts for several minutes. 

After this step is complete, the pieces should then be placed in a dishwasher with a hot water cycle (or sanitizing setting) and a heated drying cycle if available. Doing this will help eliminate bacteria from all the components and further ensure that your baby's feeding items are germ-free. 

However, the most important part of the process is to select the proper dishwashing soap for the job. Luckily, Tru Earth has got you covered. Our dishwasher detergent tablets offer a convenient, eco-friendly solution to washing dishes. They are free from harsh chemicals and come in plastic-free packaging, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and oceans. 

Their concentrated formula is designed to tackle tough food residue and grease with ease, leaving dishes hygienically clean in just one wash cycle, and keeps baby bottles or pacifiers clean and safe for use. We know having kids can be expensive, but Tru Earth is incredibly cost efficient as each tablet is enough to clean a full load of formula bottles! 

After utilizing our laundry detergent, let the bottles air dry completely before reassembling the parts and using them again. Placing them on towels to ensure all droplets are dried up before use or storing them is recommended. It's best not to use towels to dry off pacifiers and bottles, in order to keep germs from transferring. 

Cleaning Infant Feeding Items by Hand

If you opt for cleaning baby bottles and pacifiers by hand, to ensure safety, then you can follow the steps we are about to list below.  

• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before handling any baby feeding items.
• Separate all items that need to be cleaned including bottles, nipples, caps, rings, valves and any other washable items.
• Rinse all items individually by holding them under running water. Do not leave them in a sink or bowl as this can contaminate the items with germs from the water. Make sure to rinse the inside and outside of each item and ensure that no soap residue is left behind. 
• Fill a clean container with hot water and add dishwashing soap. Preferably Tru Earths' eco-friendly, pre-measured dishwashing detergent. Do not wash directly in the sink as this may spread germs from other objects into the baby’s food or drink. 
• Place all items into the basin with hot, soapy water and scrub each separately using a clean brush used only for cleaning infant feeding items. Pay special attention to areas where food may accumulate such as bottle nipples or spouts on sippy cups. 
• Squeeze soapy water through any holes in nipples or lids to ensure they get completely clean inside and out. 
• Rinse off all items again under clean running water until no soap residue remains on any of them. Feel them between your fingers to ensure all soap has been rinsed away before continuing on to the next step in the cleaning process.  
• Shake off excess water from each item and place onto a dry towel or dish rack to allow them time to air-dry completely before using them again. Make sure there are no wet areas that could become contaminated with bacteria if left unclean.

How To Store Bottles and Pacifiers Safely

In order to make sure that no germs or mold form on clean feeding items, bottle brushes, and wash basins, it is important to thoroughly air-dry them before storage. This can be done by simply leaving the items out in an open area for several hours until they are completely dry. 

A fan or hair dryer can be used in a well-ventilated room to expedite the process. Once the items have dried, they should be put back together and stored in a clean and protected area away from contamination. Taking such steps is essential for ensuring that feeding accessories remain clean and safe 

Furthermore, regularly checking for any signs of damage or dirtiness on these items will help keep them in the best condition possible.