Can You Put Baby Bottles in Dishwasher With Other Dishes?

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

Yes, you can put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes. However, you should place the bottle parts and other feeding items inside a closed-top basket or mesh laundry bag to disinfect before putting them in the dishwasher. 

You should also activate the hot water cycle with a heated drying option (or sanitizing setting) to eliminate more germs as much as possible.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages of putting baby bottles in the dishwasher and the factors to consider when deciding can baby bottles go in dishwasher with other dishes. So, keep reading!

Can You Put Baby Bottles in Dishwasher With Other Dishes?

Yes, I’ve already mentioned that you can put babies bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes. However, you need to take some precautions. 

You must ensure that bottles are well separated from other dishes to prevent cross-contamination of bacteria or germs. 

Additionally, you need to remove the residue inside the bottles before placing them in the dishwasher.

However, as a registered dietitian, my personal opinion is that you should not put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes. It’s not worth the risk of contamination, as baby bottles are often very sensitive and can easily develop bacteria.

Moreover, many dishwashers don’t have a hot water cycle or heated drying options that may be necessary to disinfect baby bottles and other feeding items completely.

So, theoretically, it’s possible to put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes, and many parents do. But it’s not advisable. 

It is always best to use a bottle brush and warm soapy water to clean your baby’s bottles by hand.

After that, you must sterilize the bottles with boiling water for about 10 minutes or place them in the steam sterilizer.

This is the best option for cleaning baby bottles and other feeding items, and it will give you peace of mind that your baby’s bottles are clean and safe for use.

However, if you don’t have enough time to hand wash them, you can put them in the dishwasher.

Also read: Can you use dish soap on baby bottles

When putting baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes, there are some guidelines you should follow:

– You need to ensure that the dishwasher is functioning correctly and all parts are in working order. If the water temperature is too high, it can cause damage to both plastic and glass baby bottles.

– You must be aware that some dishwashing detergents may contain harsh ingredients that could irritate a baby’s skin. Therefore, selecting a detergent specifically designed for baby bottles or one with mild ingredients is important. 

Additionally, it is best to avoid using any type of scented detergent, as the scent could cause irritation for babies.

– Clean off any excess milk or formula residue from the outside of each bottle before placing it into the dishwasher. This will help reduce any unpleasant odors that might come from the bottles.

– Make sure to take apart each bottle and remove any nipples, rings, and lids before placing them into the dishwasher. This will help ensure that all of these parts get properly sanitized.

– Place the bottles upside down on your dishwasher’s top rack to ensure they get cleaned thoroughly.

– Use the hottest cycle available on your dishwasher to ensure that the bottles are properly sanitized and clean.

– Once the dishes have finished washing, take out each bottle and make sure it is completely dry before adding back in any nipples, rings, or lids.

– Place the bottles back together and store them in a clean, dry place until you are ready to use them.

By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your baby’s bottles are safe for their use.

Also read: What is the best way to warm a baby bottle

Watch this video on How to wash baby bottles in the dishwasher

Advantages of putting baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes

The main advantage of using a dishwasher to clean baby bottles is that you save your time and effort. However, there are other benefits of using a dishwasher. These are:

– It is a more efficient and convenient way to keep bottles clean.

– Dishwashers can reach temperatures that are necessary for killing bacteria.

– Using the dishwasher can help save time and energy compared to handwashing bottles.

– Using a dishwasher with other dishes makes it easier to clean lots of items at once.

– It can save money on water bills since running a full dishwasher cycle is more economical than washing bottles by hand.

– It can also help save on soap costs as the detergent used in a dishwasher is generally more concentrated and effective than what’s used for handwashing.

– It can help reduce bacteria growth and make it easier to clean bottles if they have been used for multiple feedings.

– Lastly, it can help reduce the spread of disease as it is more effective at sanitizing items than traditional hand washing methods.

However, you should use a mild detergent when doing so to ensure that the bottles remain safe for use. Furthermore, it is best to follow manufacturer instructions regarding cleaning and sanitation of baby bottles to ensure the safety of the child.

Disadvantages of putting baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes

There are some disadvantages to putting baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes. These are the following:

– Putting baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes may compromise the safety and hygiene of the baby’s bottles. 

– Germs, bacteria, and dirt on other dishes can be transferred to the baby’s bottle while washing them together, thus leading to health issues for your child. 

– If you don’t place the bottles correctly in the dishwasher, they could be damaged by coming into contact with other utensils or spinning arms inside it.

– High heat settings used for cleaning dishes may cause damage to plastic components of a bottle, like a nipple and valves, which are essential for the proper functioning of a bottle, making it difficult for your little one to drink from it effectively. 

– Detergents used for cleaning dishes may contain harmful chemicals which may react with the material of a baby bottle and cause harm to your child’s health.

– The dishwasher can also oxidize the bottles’ material, leading to discoloration or breakage.

– Even if you use a special cycle for baby bottles, there is no guarantee that all the milk residues will be removed from inside the bottle, thus making it unhygienic for further use.

All these reasons make it evident as to why putting baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes is not safe and should be avoided at all costs. It is advised to hand wash them separately instead of using mild soap and warm water. 

Also read: Can you sterilize baby bottles in the microwave

Factors to consider when deciding whether to put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes

When deciding whether or not to put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes, there are a few factors to consider.

Read the manufacturer’s instruction

It is essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sterilization of baby bottles. Some manufacturers may recommend handwashing only or may have specific guidelines for using a dishwasher. 

Use mild dish soap

You need to use a mild detergent that will not likely cause skin irritation.

Check the heat-resistant capability

Another factor to consider is how often and how long the bottle will be exposed to high temperatures. If a baby bottle is placed in the dishwasher with other dishes that are cooked at high temperatures during each cycle, it could potentially lead to warping. 

Cross contamination

You must consider the possibility of cross-contamination when deciding whether or not to put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other items.

By considering these factors, parents can make an informed decision about the best way to clean and sterilize baby bottles.

Also read: Can you microwave water before adding formula

How to properly clean baby bottles in the dishwasher?

Before putting baby bottles in the dishwasher, you need to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and sterilization. If these instructions are not available, or if there are no specific guidelines for using a dishwasher, then following simple steps can help ensure that baby bottles remain safe for use.

Step 1

First, ensure that all bottle parts are disassembled and free from food residue. 

Step 2

Then, use a mild detergent that is not likely to irritate the skin and pre-rinse dishes with warm water.

Step 3

Next, place items in the dishwasher according to manufacturer instructions and select an appropriate cycle (e.g., regular or light).

Step 4

Finally, allow bottles to air dry or hand dry with a clean cloth. Doing so can help reduce the risk of bacteria growth and cross-contamination in baby bottles.

By following manufacturer instructions and the steps outlined above, parents can ensure that their child’s bottles and other items remain safe for use.

Alternative methods for cleaning baby bottles

In addition to putting baby bottles in the dishwasher, there are other methods you can use to clean and sanitize them.

Handwashing

Using hot water and soap is the most traditional method for cleaning baby bottles.

Boiling

Boiling bottles is a good method for sterilizing them and killing bacteria.

Disinfectants

You can use certain disinfectant solutions to clean bottle nipples and parts.

UV Sterilizers

You can also use specialized ultraviolet light sterilizers designed to kill bacteria and germs on bottles and other items.

Steaming

Most importantly, you can also use an electric steamer to steam clean bottles and other items.

By exploring these various methods, parents can decide which one is best for cleaning their baby’s bottles. With careful consideration and research, parents can ensure that their baby’s bottles are safe and clean for optimal use.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading this blog post about whether you can put baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dishes. The answer is yes, but it’s not advisable as there are chances of contamination when doing so. 

Furthermore, some dishwashers often don’t have the hot water cycle and heated drying options that are essential to thoroughly clean baby bottles and other feeding items.

So always remember to use a bottle brush and warm soapy water to clean your baby’s bottles by hand and sterilize them with boiling water for at least 10 minutes or place them in the steam sterilizer before using. This will ensure that your baby’s bottles are clean and safe for use.

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you for reading this blog post once again. Until next time, stay safe and take care of yourself. Goodbye! 

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