DIY Cleaning Methods for Baby bottles

Baking Soda and Warm Water for Cleaning Baby Bottles

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, warm water, a bottle brush, and a clean basin or sink. Make sure your hands are clean before you start—baby bottles are magnets for all sorts of gunk.

 

• Mix your solution: Add about one teaspoon of baking soda to every two cups of warm water. Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved. This mixture helps loosen residue and neutralize lingering odors in bottles.

 

• Disassemble the bottles: Take apart all the pieces—nipples, rings, caps, and bottles. This makes sure every nook and cranny gets attention. If you skip this, you’re basically inviting old milk to hang out in hidden spots.

 

• Soak the parts: Place all bottle parts in the baking soda solution. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This gives the solution time to work on any stuck-on milk or formula.

 

• Scrub thoroughly: Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of each bottle and all the small parts. Pay extra attention to the threads and the bottom, where residue likes to hide. For nipples, squeeze water through the holes to clear out any buildup.

 

• Rinse well: Rinse every part under running water until you’re sure all the baking soda is gone. Any leftover residue can affect the taste of the next bottle, and nobody wants a baby making faces at feeding time.

 

• Air dry: Place the clean parts on a clean towel or drying rack. Let them air dry completely before reassembling or storing. Damp bottles can attract unwanted smells or even mildew.

 

• Extra tip: If you notice cloudy buildup or stubborn odors, repeat the process or let the bottles soak a bit longer. For regular maintenance, this method can help keep bottles looking and smelling fresh between deeper cleans.

How to Clean Baby Bottles with Lemon Juice and Warm Water

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch), warm water, a bottle brush, and a clean drying rack or towel. Make sure your hands are clean before you start—baby bottles are magnets for all sorts of gunk.

 

• Mix your solution: Squeeze about a tablespoon of lemon juice into a large bowl or basin, then add enough warm water to submerge the bottles and parts. The warm water helps loosen residue, while the lemon juice’s acidity can help with odors and some stains.

 

• Disassemble the bottles: Take apart every piece—nipples, rings, caps, and bottles. This isn’t the time to cut corners. Milk can hide in the tiniest crevices, and you want to make sure every part gets attention.

 

• Soak the parts: Place all the pieces in your lemon-water bath. Let them soak for at least 5–10 minutes. This gives the solution time to work on any lingering milk film or smells.

 

• Scrub thoroughly: Use a bottle brush to clean the inside of each bottle. For nipples and smaller parts, a nipple brush or even a clean toothbrush can help. Pay special attention to any cloudy spots or stubborn residue.

 

• Rinse well: After scrubbing, rinse every part under running water. Make sure there’s no lemony residue left—babies are picky, and you don’t want any flavors sticking around.

 

• Dry completely: Place the clean parts on a drying rack or a clean towel. Let them air dry fully before reassembling or storing. Moisture can invite unwanted smells or buildup, so patience pays off here.

 

• Extra tip: If you notice any lingering cloudiness or odor, repeat the process or let the bottles soak a bit longer. Lemon juice can help with some stains, but it’s not a miracle worker for every type of buildup.