Can You Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher?

Many parents wonder if it’s okay to wash their baby’s bottles in the dishwasher. In most cases, yes, it’s fine to do that. However, to be sure, you can check the label on the bottle or packaging to see if it’s dishwasher-safe.

This article will show you how to spot the dishwasher-safe label, how to wash baby bottles in the dishwasher, and the difference between washing and sterilizing.

How to identify if a baby bottle is dishwasher-safe

Ensure your baby bottles are dishwasher-safe before washing them in the dishwasher. Using non-dishwasher-safe bottles may cause them to warp, melt, or degrade, rendering them unfit or unsafe for use.

You can check whether a baby bottle is dishwasher-safe by looking for the dishwasher-safe symbol on the bottom of the bottle or looking at the original packaging if you still have it. The dishwasher-safe symbol can vary but often looks like one of the following:

• A plate and a water droplet.
• Two plates with water spray lines above.
• A glass and a water droplet.
• A cup and a fork.

The original packaging might also display the dishwasher-safe label or it might simply state in plain text whether it’s dishwasher-safe or not.

How to wash baby bottles in the dishwasher

Once you’ve identified which baby bottles are dishwasher-safe, you’re free to start loading the dishwasher-safe ones into the dishwasher. Here’s how to clean baby bottles in the dishwasher for the best results.

1. Disassemble

Take apart the baby bottles, separating the bottles, nipples, caps, and rings.

2. Rinse

Rinsing your baby bottles with warm water before loading them into the dishwasher helps ensure a thorough cleaning. It removes any remaining milk or formula, improving the dishwasher’s cleaning effectiveness and preventing the buildup of dried residue that could potentially harbor bacteria.

3. Load

To keep smaller items such as the nipples and rings from moving around, place them in a basket or mesh bag. Place the bottles upside down on the top rack.

4. Add detergent

Use a mild, fragrance-free dishwasher detergent that won’t leave behind any potentially harmful chemical residues. Many detergents indicate if they’re suitable for baby items such as bottles, so look for this on the packaging.

5. Select a cycle

If your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle, you can use it for more thorough disinfection of baby bottles as it uses higher temperatures. If not, you can use a normal or heavy cycle.

6. Allow to air dry

When the cycle is finished, let the bottles air dry inside the dishwasher, on a drying rack, or on a clean surface. Don’t use a towel to dry them as this could transfer bacteria.

7. Store

Make sure bottles are fully dry before storing them in a clean area. Store them upside down or with the lids slightly loosened to allow for ventilation, which helps prevent mold growth.

The difference between washing and sterilizing

It’s important to know that cleaning baby bottles in the dishwasher is not the same as sterilizing them, even if your dishwasher offers a sanitizing cycle.

While a sanitizing cycle reaches temperatures of around 150°F (65.6°C) or higher, which can effectively kill most bacteria, it’s not the same as sterilization. Traditional sterilization methods use boiling water at 212°F (100°C) for at least 5 minutes, killing almost all germs and bacteria.

Therefore, dishwashing baby bottles is a safe, effective way to clean them, but it’s not a replacement for sterilization.

How often should baby bottles be sterilized?

How often baby bottles should be sterilized varies based on the baby’s age. Baby bottles should be sterilized at least once per day for newborns and babies under 3 months old.

For babies over 3 months old, bottles only need to be sterilized once a week or every few weeks, unless the baby was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system. However, the bottles should still be washed after every use with hot, soapy water, either by hand or in the dishwasher.

New baby bottles should always be sterilized before their first use. Infants over 12 months old should no longer use baby bottles; they should be transitioned to sippy cups.

How to hand wash baby bottles

If your baby bottles aren’t suitable for the dishwasher or if you’re unsure and prefer to err on the side of caution, here’s how you can hand wash them:

1. Separate the different parts of the bottles, such as the main body, nipples, and caps.
2. Rinse all parts with warm running water to get rid of any residue.
3. Fill a large, clean container with hot water and a mild, fragrance-free baby-friendly dish soap.
4. Submerge the bottles and their parts in the filled container.
5. Scrub the bottle parts with a soft brush or a bottle brush, cleaning inside all the crevices.
6. Rinse all of the bottle parts under warm running water to remove any soap residue.
7. Place the bottle parts upside down on a clean drying rack and let them air dry completely. Don’t dry them with a cloth or towel as this could transfer bacteria to the bottles.
8. Once fully dry, store the bottles in a clean space upside down or with the lids slightly ajar to allow for ventilation, which helps prevent mold growth.

In summary

It’s normally fine to wash baby bottles in the dishwasher, but check the bottle or packaging for the dishwasher-safe symbol if you’re unsure. Also, opt for a mild, fragrance-free dishwasher detergent that’s suitable for baby items if you do use the dishwasher.

Remember, cleaning bottles in the dishwasher isn’t the same as sterilizing them, so if your baby is under 3 months old, it’s essential you continue to sterilize bottles daily.