How to Clean a Bottle Sterilizer/Washer: Simple Steps for a Germ-Free Clean

When it comes to your baby’s health, you should not take any risks. A bottle sterilizer is an important piece of equipment to make sure your baby’s bottle is clean and germ-free. In this article, you will learn how to clean a bottle sterilizer.

Why Clean the Bottle Sterilizer?

Your baby’s immune system is weak and developing, so you need to ensure everything is clean, including feeding bottles and bottle sterilizers. Knowing how to clean a bottle sterilizer is essential for maintaining the hygiene and safety of your baby’s feeding equipment. Here are the reasons why you should clean the bottle sterilizer:

• You should clean the bottle sterilizer to prevent mold and bacteria growth. The bottle sterilizer can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria due to moisture and leftover milk residue. To avoid harmful microorganisms, clean it regularly.
• Cleaning bottle sterilizer maintains sterilization efficiency. Over time, tap water can leave tiny mineral deposits called limescale inside the sterilizer. Those deposits can build up and make the sterilizer less effective at killing germs. If you clean the sterilizer regularly, you can remove the limescale and make sure it works properly to keep your baby’s bottles as clean and safe.
• To prevent odor, clean the bottle sterilizer frequently. Odors can stick to the bottles and other feeding items, which isn’t pleasant for you or your baby. Leftover water and milk residue can create bad smells. Cleaning the sterilizer often helps get rid of these and keeps everything fresh.
• Regular maintenance helps your sterilizer last longer. Cleaning it thoroughly, you can avoid damage.
• A clean, properly working sterilizer helps you keep your baby safe from harmful germs.

This will keep the feeding routine of your baby safer and healthier. Clean up your bottle sterilizer frequently, as this will help you remove such germs and create a safer environment for feeding your baby.

How to Clean a Bottle Sterilizer?

Let's illustrate with an example, using the Momcozy bottle sterilizer for cleaning. Regularly following a routine helps prevent bacteria buildup, to maintain everything safe and efficient. Here are the easy steps on how to clean a bottle sterilizer:

Step 1: Take out all removable parts, like the lid and bottle trays, to clean every part completely.

• First, pull the upper jet arm assembly straight up to take it off.
• Press on the lower shelf clasp gently, as shown by the straight arrow. Once you release the clasp, lift the lower shelf with both hands.
• After the shelf is out, take out the lower spray arm as well.
• Twist the residue holder slightly to the right and remove it.

Step 2: Internal Wipe Cleaning. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the sterilizer, including the box, the transparent top cover, the water tank, and the cover for the water tank. Make sure to use a gentle cloth to avoid scratching the surfaces.

Step 3: Clean Internal Components.

Step 4: Wash and rinse all parts – Clean every part with warm soapy water. Use a baby-safe cleaning agent if need be, wash gently, and rinse off soap thoroughly.

Step 5: Reassemble them in the reverse order of how you removed them. Make sure everything is fitted back properly to ensure the sterilizer works as it should.

Should I Use a Solution to Descale a Bottle Sterilizer?

When descaling a bottle sterilizer, you can use a solution. It is necessary to use a descaling solution because water alone can’t remove limescale buildup from your bottle sterilizer. Regular descaling keeps the sterilizer functioning efficiently and prevents harmful residue from affecting baby bottles. Here are four effective descaling methods:

The most popular and least expensive descaling material is vinegar.

How to Prepare:

1. Dissolve equal parts of water at a 1:1 ratio with white vinegar.
2. Place the solution in the water tank of the sterilizer.
3. Sterilize one full cycle without the bottles.
4. Let the solution stay in the sterilizer for 30 minutes after completing the sterilization cycle.
5. Dump the solution, Then Flush the sterilizer with fresh water.
6. Run a cycle with just water to remove the scent of vinegar.

Baking soda is another kitchen product that may be used to descale limescale.

How to Use It:

1. Dissolve 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 cup warm water.
2. Drain and fill the tank of your sterilizer
3. Allow it to set for 30 minutes to an hour
4. If you wish to have complete assurance, scrub around the interior of your sterilizer with a soft cloth or sponge.
5. Wash thoroughly in fresh water.

Citric acid is a natural descaler in powder and liquid form, which can be found in lemon juice.

Instructions:

1. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid powder in 1 cup of warm water.
2. Pour the solution into the sterilizer and run a complete cycle.
3. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes after the cycle with the citric acid solution.
4. Flush with fresh, clear water. Do a blank water cycle.

There are several commercial descaling products that contain a solution specifically designed for appliances like sterilizers, kettles, and coffee makers.

How to Use:

1. Dilute according to the manufacturer's instructions and use.
2. Most fill the sterilizer with the product, then run a full cycle, and then thoroughly rinse.
3. It should be rinsed with clean water at a minimum of one full cycle afterward to rinse out any residue from the descaling solution.

Critical Final Step:

Anyway, after descaling, it would be advisable to clean the sterilizer properly so that no solution from descaling goes into baby bottles. Natural agents used for descaling are vinegar and baking soda, but citric acid; however, commercial ones usually are not edible and quite dangerous to ingest when there's a baby concerned. The last sterilizing cycle in plain water eliminates any residue that might still linger.

How Often Should I Clean My Bottle Sterilizer?

If you use your bottle sterilizer daily, you must clean it each month. If there's a layer or deposit that is accumulated inside your bottle sterilizer, then clean it more often. The frequency you will descale it, which has mineral deposits, depends on the use and how hard your water is. If your water contains a lot of minerals - then it is hard - you might have to descale it every 1-2 weeks. Always be sure to follow a cleaning instruction from the manufacturer and rinse properly so that nothing of the cleaner is left inside.

FAQs About How to Clean Sterilizers

1. How do you clean the inside of a sterilizer?

Cleaning inside of sterilizer: Remove any removable parts, such as trays or bottle holders, and wash in warm soapy water. Wipe inside of sterilizer with a soft cloth or sponge placed in soapy warm water. For scrubbed-on residue, rub with a small brush or toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry all parts before reassembling.

2. Can I run vinegar through a bottle sterilizer?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to clean a bottle sterilizer with vinegar. Vinegar can remove all that nasty limescale buildup from hard water, and your sterilizer will work more efficiently. Of course, check the manufacturer's guidelines before using it to ensure it is okay to use on your sterilizer.

3. How much vinegar do I use to clean my sterilizer?

In general, you might mix one part vinegar with two parts water, so if you apply one cup of vinegar, you'll need to mix two cups of water. Pour the solution into the sterilizer's water tank and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour for the limescale to completely dissolve. After that, drain the solution, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and let it run a full cycle with just water to purge any vinegar that may remain.

4. How would you clean the metal plate in the sterilizer?

You will normally find that the limescale that is built up is collected in the bottom of most sterilizers by the metal plate. Let the sterilizer cool and unplug it; you will then scrub the plate with a soft cloth dropped into a mixture of vinegar and water or lemon juice. If the buildup is enormous, let the vinegar mixture sit on the plate for a few minutes to break down the limescale. Wipe clean, rinse well, dry completely. Do not use abrasive materials, as this may damage the plate.

Conclusion

You should do everything to make your baby safe and healthy. Be diligent to clean feeding bottles and know how to clean a bottle sterilizer in the right way. A clean feeding environment reduces the risks of infections and keeps your baby away from sickness. Always remember that small steps in hygiene can make a big difference in your baby’s health.