If you’ve got a little one who’s teething, then you already know that teething toys become their best friends—and your saving grace. But with all that chewing, drooling, and dropping on the floor, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t overlook: keeping those toys clean.

Sterilizing teething toys isn’t just about wiping off some drool; it’s about making sure harmful bacteria and germs don’t get a free pass into your baby’s mouth. Whether it’s soft silicone, wood, or plastic, each material needs a little TLC—and a specific cleaning method to go with it.

So, how do you actually sterilize teething toys? Is there a best method? What about natural versus chemical cleaning options? Can you toss them all in the dishwasher and call it a day?

Let’s get into all of that and more. This guide covers everything you need to know—from daily cleaning routines to deep sterilization techniques—so you can feel confident that your baby is safe while chewing away.

Methods to Sterilize Teething Toys: What Works and What Doesn’t

First things first: not all teething toys are created equal. The way you clean a soft silicone teether is going to look different from how you clean a wooden ring. Below is a handy table to break it all down by material and what method works best for each.

Each material has its own “personality,” so to speak. Understanding what it can and can’t handle makes your cleaning efforts not just more effective, but safer too.

Let’s walk through the methods in more detail, shall we?

Different Ways to Sterilize Teething Toys (And When to Use Each)

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sterilizing teething toys, but there are a few tried-and-true methods that parents have relied on for generations. Here’s a closer look at your options.

Boiling Water Method

Best for: Silicone and some plastic toys
Not ideal for: Wood, rubber, or anything with electronic components

This is probably the oldest method in the book, and it’s incredibly effective. Simply place the teething toys in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Be sure to use tongs to remove them safely and let them cool on a clean towel.

Boiling kills most germs and bacteria. Just check the packaging or brand website first to make sure the toy is boil-safe. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Dishwasher (Top Rack Only)

Best for: Silicone and some BPA-free plastic toys
Avoid for: Wood, rubber, and anything soft or delicate

Pop those toys onto the top rack of your dishwasher and run a hot cycle. Bonus points if your dishwasher has a “sanitize” setting. Just make sure the toy is dishwasher-safe, and don’t forget to rinse it afterward in case any detergent residue is left behind.

Natural Vinegar Solution

Best for: Wooden toys, rubber, and items that can’t be exposed to high heat

Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the teething toys, or soak them briefly (for about 5–10 minutes) if they’re really gunky. Let them air dry completely—don’t rinse with water, or you’ll lose the disinfecting power.

It’s natural, safe, and gentle—especially good for porous materials like wood that can get damaged by soap or boiling.

Steam Sterilizers

Best for: Silicone, plastic, pacifier-like teethers

These handy devices are originally meant for baby bottles, but they work beautifully for teethers too. Steam sterilizers use high-heat steam to kill germs—no chemicals required.

They’re a great investment if you have a baby and plan to sterilize a lot of items regularly.

Freezer Method

Best for: Silicone and some rubber-based teethers
Note: This is more for soothing gums than sterilizing

While the freezer won’t actually sterilize a toy, it does help slow down bacteria growth and can make a teether feel extra soothing on sore gums. Just be sure to clean the toy properly before and after freezing.

UV Sterilizers

Best for: High-end sterilizing with minimal effort
Avoid for: Toys not marked as UV-safe

UV sterilizers are becoming more popular and are a great chemical-free, water-free option. Just place the teething toy inside, close the lid, and let the UV light do its magic.

These units can be pricey but offer a great level of convenience, especially if you’re sterilizing multiple small items daily.

FAQs About Sterilizing Teething Toys

How often should I sterilize teething toys?
Ideally, you should give teething toys a quick clean every day, especially if your baby drops them a lot. Deep sterilization (boiling, steam, etc.) can be done 1–2 times a week or more often if your baby has been sick.

Is it safe to use bleach to sterilize baby toys?
Not really recommended. Even though diluted bleach solutions can kill germs, the risk of residue is high, and babies put these toys straight into their mouths. Stick with boiling, steaming, or natural solutions.

Can I use baby-safe dish soap for cleaning teething toys?
Absolutely. A mild, fragrance-free baby dish soap with hot water is perfect for everyday cleaning, especially for silicone and plastic toys.

What if the teething toy has multiple materials (like wood and silicone)?
In that case, go with the gentler method. Avoid soaking, and wipe it down using a vinegar solution or warm soapy water with a cloth. It might take a bit longer, but it’ll preserve the toy’s structure.

Is putting teething toys in the washing machine okay?
Only for soft fabric or cloth-based teethers. Use a mesh laundry bag and choose a gentle cycle with fragrance-free detergent.

At the end of the day, sterilizing teething toys isn’t just about keeping things looking clean—it’s about giving your baby a healthy start and protecting them from germs they’re not yet ready to fight off.

The good news? It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds. Once you know what your teething toy is made of, you can easily pick the right method and build it into your daily or weekly routine. Whether you’re team boiling pot, steam sterilizer, or all-natural vinegar—what matters is consistency.

Keeping your baby safe doesn’t mean scrubbing every hour. Just stay on top of regular cleaning, give a deep sterilization every few days, and you’ll be golden.

And hey—if a toy falls on the floor while you’re out and about? Don’t panic. Wipe it down if you can, sanitize it when you get home, and remember: you’re doing a great job.