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To clean the bottle opener properly, remove it and remove it, wash all the removed parts in hot soapy water, wipe the bottom and lid, then rinse the heating plate with vinegar or citric acid solution every week or two. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before use. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes a real difference – an unwashed dispenser can silently grow mold, bacteria and limescale on machines designed to keep your baby’s bottles free of germs.
A little bit more: quick cleaning
If you’re short on time, here’s a short version. Remove the lid and let it cool. Drain off any remaining liquid. Wash the lid, tray and tongs in warm soapy water and rinse. Wipe the base and heating plate with a soft cloth. Once a week or two, run down the drain with distilled vinegar to remove limescale. Rinse, then leave everything open to dry.
Why cleaning your sterilizer is important
It sounds counterintuitive – why clean something that protects? But the warm, moist environment inside the sterilser is where mold, mildew and bacteria tend to grow, especially if milk residue or hard water salts are present. Over time, Australian tap water builds up on the heating plate, causing the machine to run slowly and inefficiently. Keeping bottles clean and well-sealed is an important part of breastfeeding, and the Australian Raising Children Network recommends washing nursing equipment properly before feeding. A clean picker only does its job properly.
What you will need
You don’t need anything special – just warm water, a little dishwashing liquid, a soft cloth or sponge, a small bottle brush, and white vinegar or citric acid. Avoid chemical cleaners, bleaches and leavening agents, which can damage the plastic and leave unwanted residue around your baby’s bottles.
How to clean a bottle cap, step by step
1. Remove everything and cool
Always remove the power cord and allow it to cool completely before starting. Drain off any remaining water at the bottom, as standing water is what causes mold and salt build-up.
2. Clean the removed parts
Remove the lid, bottle trays, baskets and tongs. Wash in warm, soapy water, using a soft brush to get into crevices and around small holes where milk residue can hide. Rinse well so that there is no soap residue.
3. Wipe the base with a heating plate
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the inside of the base, walls and heating plate. Do not submerge electrical appliances in water. A cotton swab is useful for getting into tight corners around the heater.
4. Turn down the heat
This is a step that many parents forget. Every week or two, mix equal parts white vinegar and water (or follow your machine’s instructions), pour it on a hot plate, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to dissolve. For more information, see our guide on how to reduce birth control.
5. Rinse and air dry
Rinse all parts and base with clean water to remove the vinegar smell, then leave everything open to dry thoroughly. Placing a damp cloth with the lid will trap moisture and invite mold directly.
How often should you wash the bottle cap?
Wash the removable parts quickly every few days, or if you see cloudiness or residue. Reduce the heat sink once or twice a week, and more often if you live in a hard water area where limescale builds up quickly. A thorough cleaning once a week will keep everything looking new and working properly.
Removing mold and stubborn residue
If you see mold, don’t panic. Wipe the affected area with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or mild detergent, use a cotton ball on stubborn stains, then rinse and rinse thoroughly. Run a full cycle and block afterwards. If the mold still returns, the culprit is always keeping the device still wet – always let it dry completely with the lid closed. Residues of dry milk are usually lifted and moistened in warm soapy water and gently washed with a bottle brush.
Does the type of sterilizer change how you clean?
The basics are the same, but there are a few differences. Sterilizers need to be diluted frequently because they directly heat the water. UV sterilizers are waterproof, so no limescale – instead you just wipe the inside and keep the UV lamp dust free. Microwave disinfectants must be emptied and dried after each use. If you’re trying to decide which style is right for you, our UV steriliser vs. steam steriliser comparison solves it. And if you’re still planning what to do, our guide on how to get rid of baby bottles has you covered.
One machine that heats, mixes and cools
If you’d rather not manage a separate steriliser, the Cherub Baby 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker & Steriliser heats, mixes, heats and sterilizes in one integrated unit – handy when making purees and keeping bottles clean at the same time. It cleans in the same way: wash the removable parts, wipe the base, and reduce the steam room every time. Check out our list of baby food manufacturers, or browse our gift packs for bundles for new parents.
Frequently asked questions
How do you properly clean a bottle opener?
Remove and remove, wash the remover in warm soapy water, wipe the base with a warming plate, rinse the plate with sparkling vinegar every week or two, then rinse and dry thoroughly before use.
How often should I reduce my cholesterol?
Lower the heating plate once or twice a week, or more often in hard water areas. A lower frequency keeps the system warm and prevents the formation of white limescale.
Can I use vinegar to clean the bottle opener?
Yes. Sparkling wine is a safe, effective way to remove limescale and refresh a hot dish. Rinse well afterwards so that the vinegar doesn’t have any taste or aftertaste left behind. Citric acid also works well.
Why is there mold in my sterilizer?
Mold grows when the watering can is kept wet or when water remains on the ground. Wipe the mold with vinegar, rinse and rinse, then always dry the appliance with a lid before storing.
Do I need to clean the kill switch if it kills itself?
Yes. Clogging kills germs in your bottles, but it doesn’t remove milk residue, limescale or mold from the machine itself. Regular cleaning keeps the sterilizer clean and working properly.
Can I put the dishwasher parts in the dishwasher?
Check the instructions for your model. Most trays and lids are safe, but the electrical base should not go in the dishwasher or be submerged in water.