If you intend to sterilize your baby's bottles or the bottles in which you store food and drinks, you can choose between several methods to rid them of germs. The best known technique involves using boiling water, but some kitchen appliances, such as a dishwasher or microwave, can also help you. Another option is bleach. Use these methods for any type of reusable bottle, but if they are plastic, make sure they are "BPA-free" before heat sterilizing them. As a precaution, it is always better to sterilize new bottles, those of others or that have been used by a sick person. Sterilize them even if you notice dirt inside or if for some reason you don't have access to safe drinking water.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Using Boiling Water
Step 1. Separate the parts that make up the bottle
To be sure that each piece is sterilized, disassemble the bottle and all the parts that compose it. If you don't, the germs hidden in the tiny crevices could survive and end up in your or your baby's mouth.
Step 2. Fill a saucepan with water and put it on the stove
Choose a pot of the appropriate size considering that all the pieces of the bottle (or bottles) will have to be completely submerged. Use enough water to cover them and bring it to a boil over the heat. Don't put anything else in the pot for now. Wait for the water to start boiling by heating it over high heat.
To make it boil faster, put the lid on the pot. Do not add salt or other substances to the water
Step 3. Immerse all parts of the bottle in the water and let them soak for 5 minutes
When the water starts to boil, place all the pieces in the pot. To avoid splashing and burning your hands, use a pair of tongs or a spoon or put on oven gloves and gently drop the pieces within inches of the water.
After 5 minutes, turn off the stove
Step 4. Remove the pieces from the water with a clean pair of tongs and let them dry naturally
Do not touch them with your fingers for any reason as they will be hot. Use a clean pair of tongs or another utensil that will allow you to remove the pieces from the water with ease. Arrange them to air dry on a clean towel or rack, in an area free of dust and dirt.
Avoid wiping the bottle with a cloth to avoid the risk of transferring germs. Leave it where you put it to dry until you are ready to use it. Wash your hands thoroughly before reassembling the bottle pieces
Method 2 of 4: Using the Dishwasher
Step 1. Check your dishwasher's instruction manual to see if it complies with sanitization regulations
The sanitation certificate demonstrates that the hygiene and health regulations imposed by the bodies in charge are respected. The rinse water temperature must reach the safety threshold required by European regulations. This is the only way to be sure of killing 99.99% of the bacteria. Read your dishwasher's instruction manual to make sure it has both this certificate and a high-temperature wash cycle.
If your dishwasher is not compliant, it means that it is not suitable for sterilizing bottles because it cannot kill the correct amount of bacteria
Step 2. Disassemble the bottles completely
Remove the caps, teats (if it's a bottle) and any other pieces. You need to make sure that bacteria can't get stuck inside the small crevices.
Step 3. Put the bottles in the top cart and the small parts in a basket
The bottles must be placed upside down in the trolley generally reserved for glasses. Small parts, such as caps and teats, can be placed in the cutlery basket.
Do not place small parts directly on the trolley as they could fall to the bottom of the dishwasher and be damaged by the arm as it rotates
Step 4. Set up a high temperature wash cycle
Pour the detergent into the detergent compartment as you always do. Set the most appropriate wash cycle and then press the dishwasher's power button. Wait for the cycle to finish before removing the bottles.
The high temperature wash cycle can take a long time. Don't be in a hurry and don't interrupt it, otherwise you won't be sure that the bottles are perfectly sterilized
Step 5. Let all parts of the bottles dry
They can stay in the dishwasher until they are cold enough for you to pick up, in which case don't open the door until you are ready to take them out. If you need to take them out as soon as the cycle is complete, use a clean pair of tongs to avoid burns.
Arrange all pieces on a clean tea towel or rack in an area free of dust and dirt. Let them dry naturally and don't touch them until you're ready to use the bottles
Method 3 of 4: Using the Microwave
Step 1. If the bottles are plastic, check if they are suitable for the microwave
If they are made of glass, you don't have to worry, while not all types of plastic are suitable for putting in the microwave. On the bottom or side, you should find "microwave safe" (or something similar).
Step 2. Disassemble the bottles completely
Remove the caps, teats (if it is a bottle) and any other pieces. You need to make sure that bacteria can't get stuck inside the small crevices. This is the safest way to make sure your bottles are perfectly sterilized and to avoid the risk of you or your child ingesting bacteria.
Step 3. Fill the bottles with water halfway
Use cold tap water. As it heats up it will create steam inside the oven, which will sterilize the bottles.
When you need to heat the water it is always better to start with the cold one. This is because hot water may contain traces of lead or other substances stolen from the pipes in the house. Cold tap water is more likely to be perfectly clean
Step 4. Place the smaller parts in a bowl and submerge them with water
Make sure it is a suitable container for use in the microwave. Take smaller pieces, such as caps or teats, and place them in the bowl. Add enough cold water to completely cover them.
Step 5. Turn the oven on at maximum power for 90 seconds
Put the bottles and accessory parts in the microwave, then set the temperature, time and then press the power button. Wait for the steam to do its job.
Step 6. Let the bottles dry
Remove them from the microwave along with the accessory parts after washing your hands. Empty the bowl and bottles, then arrange all parts to dry on a clean tea towel or rack in an area free of dust or dirt. Do not touch them until use.
Method 4 of 4: Using Bleach
Step 1. Dilute one teaspoon (5ml) of bleach in 4L of water
Pour the water into a clean basin that is large enough to hold all the bottles and accessories. Precisely measure the bleach (which must not be scented) and pour it into the water.
Step 2. Remove the caps, teats and all other parts from the bottles
Disassemble them completely and keep all pieces separate. You need to make sure that bacteria can't get stuck inside the small crevices.
Step 3. Soak the bottles in water and bleach for 2 minutes
Place them in the basin along with the accessory parts and make sure that all the pieces are completely submerged and that there are no air bubbles. If you are sterilizing your baby's bottles, run the disinfectant solution through the holes in the teats.
Step 4. Remove the bottles from the water with your hands or a clean pair of tongs and allow them to air dry
Arrange all the pieces that compose them on a clean cloth or on a grid, in an area protected from dust and dirt, and do not touch them until ready to use. Do not rinse them with the idea of eliminating the bleach, otherwise you will give free access to other germs. The bleach residue will evaporate as the bottles dry and will not harm your health or that of your baby.
Advice
- You can use these methods to sterilize anything that comes into contact with your baby's mouth, such as pacifiers or toys.
- If you are using a steam sterilizer or sterilizing tablets, follow the instructions in the instruction manual or on the packaging.
Warnings
- These methods are only suitable for reusable bottles. Do not try to sterilize disposable plastic ones, for example those that contain water or drinks sold in the supermarket. Heat or bleach can break down chemicals in plastic and you may ingest them during next use.
- Let the bottles cool after sterilizing them to avoid burns.
- If a bottle appears damaged, throw it away. If the plastic is deformed or scratched or if the glass is cracked, throw the bottle away immediately.
- Sterilize new, dirty bottles or bottles that have been used by a sick family member. In other cases, normal washing should suffice. Do not sterilize reusable plastic bottles too many times because over time the material will still tend to decompose.
- Sterilize the bottles before each use if you don't have access to healthy drinking water. Try to use glass bottles so as not to repeatedly expose the plastic to heat.
