My nephew, Noah, came to visit last week. He's at that age where he's always got a sippy cup or water bottle in hand. After he left, I was cleaning up and realized there was some dried-on juice at the bottom of one and if you looked at the spout, there was mold!! I couldn’t believe it. It got me thinking about how important it is to keep these things clean, not just for kids, but for everyone.
Just like how a dirty fridge seal can make your food go bad, a dirty bottle can make you sick! So, I did some quick research and found the best way to manually clean all kinds of bottles. And if you don’t have the time or energy, the Grownsy Baby Bottle Washer will clean, sterilize, and dry those baby bottles for you!
Why Clean Your Bottles?
- To Get Rid of Germs: If bottles aren’t cleaned regularly, germs can show up and make you sick.
- To Prevent Bad Smells and Tastes: Leftover drinks can leave behind nasty smells and tastes that are hard to get rid of.
- To Keep Your Bottles Looking Their Best: Nobody wants to drink out of a cloudy or stained bottle!
What You'll Need:
- Warm, soapy water — throw in a HeySunday dishwasher detergent sheet.
- A bottle brush to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- A small brush or cotton swabs.
- White vinegar — totally optional.
- A drying rack or clean towel.
Cleaning Baby Bottles:
- Take it Apart: Disassemble the bottle completely. This means separating the nipple, ring, bottle, and any other parts.
- Wash with Soap and Water: Wash each part with warm water, a dissolved HeySunday dishwasher detergent sheet, and a bottle brush. Pay special attention to the nipple, using a smaller brush or cotton swab to clean inside.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts very well under hot running water to remove all the soap.
- Sanitize (Optional): You can sanitize baby bottles by boiling them in water for 5 minutes, using a steam sanitizer, or using a sanitizing solution. This is especially important for newborns.
- Dry Completely: Let all parts air dry completely on a drying rack or pat them dry with a clean towel. This prevents mold from growing.
Cleaning Water Bottles:
- Empty the Bottle: Make sure your water bottle is completely empty.
- Wash with Soap and Water: Fill the bottle with warm water, dissolve a HeySunday dishwasher detergent sheet, and use a bottle brush to scrub the inside. Don’t forget the lid and any other parts!
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the bottle and all parts really well.
- Vinegar Rinse (Optional): For extra cleaning, you can rinse the bottle with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. This helps get rid of odors and buildup.
- Dry Completely: Let the bottle and all parts air dry completely. You can prop the bottle upside down on a drying rack or use a clean towel.
Tips and Tricks for All Bottles:
- Clean Regularly: Try to clean your bottles after every use, or at least once a day.
- Don't Use Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid using harsh scrub brushes or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the bottles.
- Store Bottles Properly: Store bottles with the lids off to allow them to air out completely.
A Little Effort Makes a Big Difference
Cleaning bottles might seem like a small thing, but it’s a really important part of staying healthy — and keeping kids safe. Just like cleaning the fridge seals keeps your food fresh, cleaning your bottles keeps them free from germs. So, grab your bottle brush and get cleaning!
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