As a new parent, one of the things I remember stressing about the most was keeping baby bottles clean. There are so many things to think about, from the right formula to making sure your baby is safe and happy, that the last thing you want is to worry about how to properly clean your bottles. When I had my first baby and after feeding for the first time, I felt accomplished. Soon after, I had to wash my baby’s bottles only to realize that I didn’t know if it was safe to place my baby bottles in the dishwasher. I was just trying to save some time but I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect if I placed their bottles in the dishwasher. Would that be safe? Or would it ruin the bottles and affect my baby’s health? 

I was surprised to find that most parents also wonder about this as well so it’s totally understandable. That was a relief. Baby bottles are delicate, and with the need to ensure everything is sanitized properly, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: Yes, baby bottles can generally go in the dishwasher, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that they stay safe, clean, and in good condition.

Why Cleaning Baby Bottles Is So Important?

When I first became a parent, I realized that keeping baby bottles clean wasn’t just about making sure they don’t look visibly dirty but also about if it is safe for baby products. Baby bottles can sometimes collect bacteria, and improper cleaning can lead to contamination. This is especially critical for newborns, whose immune systems are still developing. That’s why sterilization is very important! At first, I was meticulous about sterilizing each bottle with boiling water or using a dedicated sterilizer, but as I grew more comfortable with the process, I started looking for ways to save time while still keeping everything safe.

It wasn’t until I started researching about whether baby bottles could go in the dishwasher that I learned there are right and wrong ways to do it. It was such a big relief to discover that with a few simple steps, I could confidently clean and sanitize bottles without having to dedicate too much time to it.

Is It Safe to Put Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher?

The short answer is yes, most baby bottles can safely go in the dishwasher, but with certain precautions. I know many parents, myself included, often feel unsure about whether dishwashing is thorough enough to clean everything properly. While hand washing can give you more control over the process, the dishwasher is an efficient and often safe way to get the job done—if you follow the right steps.

• Check the Label

When I first started using a dishwasher for my baby bottles, I made the rookie mistake of assuming all bottles were dishwasher-safe. But not all bottles are created equal. Make sure to check the label or the manufacturer’s instructions on your bottles to confirm that they’re dishwasher-safe. For instance, bottles made of certain plastics or materials might be sensitive to the high heat in a dishwasher, causing warping or damage over time. If the label says they are dishwasher-safe, then you’re good to go.

• Use the Top Rack

After learning the hard way, I discovered that placing baby bottles in the top rack of the dishwasher is the best practice. The top rack ensures that the bottles won’t be exposed to the intense heat at the bottom of the dishwasher, which could cause them to crack, warp, or lose their shape. Plus, it prevents the bottles from knocking around with the heavier items like plates and pans.

• Separate All Components

If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent hours trying to figure out how to keep every tiny piece of the bottle clean—especially the nipples and lids. Here’s a quick tip: Always separate the components of your baby bottles before putting them in the dishwasher. I used to forget to remove the nipples, only to find milk residue stuck inside them after the wash. By taking apart each part—bottle, nipple, cap, and any other accessories—you ensure that each part gets thoroughly cleaned. Using a bottle basket or mesh bag can help keep all these smaller pieces together while preventing them from falling to the bottom of the dishwasher.

• Use a Gentle Cycle and Mild Detergent

The regular high-heat wash cycle of your dishwasher might be a bit too rough for delicate baby bottles. Opt for a gentle cycle or one that’s designed for baby bottles, if your dishwasher has this feature. Additionally, be sure to use a mild detergent that is free of harsh chemicals. Regular dishwasher detergents can leave a residue on bottles that could be harmful to your baby. I found that choosing an eco-friendly detergent gave me peace of mind and kept my baby bottles sparkling clean without any leftover chemicals.

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher

While cleaning bottles is one thing, sterilizing them is another. In the early days with my first baby, I was obsessive about sterilizing everything—bottles, pacifiers, toys, you name it. Sterilization was an extra step I took just to be cautious. Over time, I learned that some dishwashers can sterilize baby bottles as part of their wash cycle, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Check for a Sterilizing Function

Some dishwashers come with a sterilizing function or an option for high-heat washing that can kill germs and bacteria. If your dishwasher has this feature, that’s a huge bonus, as it can save you time. When I realized my dishwasher had this option, I used it to clean bottles after each use, giving me one less thing to worry about.

• Boiling Water Trick

If your dishwasher doesn’t have a sterilizing feature, you can always boil water separately and pour it over your bottles after the dishwasher cycle to ensure they’re fully sterilized. This was my go-to method when I wanted to make sure everything was truly germ-free, especially in the first few months when my baby’s immune system was still developing.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher

While dishwashing is convenient, there are a few common mistakes that parents often make when it comes to cleaning baby bottles in the dishwasher. Knowing what to avoid can help you maintain your bottles in the best shape.

• Avoid Using High Heat

I made the mistake of washing my bottles on a high-heat setting when I first started using the dishwasher. Over time, I noticed the plastic was starting to degrade and discolor. Avoid using the hottest cycle on your dishwasher, especially if you have plastic bottles. The heat can cause the material to break down, affecting the safety of the bottle.

• Don’t Skip Cleaning Between Cycles

It can be tempting to leave bottles in the dishwasher for a while before starting a new load, but make sure to rinse the bottles immediately after use before placing them in the dishwasher. If milk residue is left to sit for too long, it can be harder to clean, and bacteria can build up. I found that rinsing them right away saved me from scrubbing stuck-on milk later on.

The Convenience of Using a Dishwasher for Baby Bottles

In my experience, the dishwasher can be a huge time-saver, and I loved knowing I didn’t have to scrub every bottle by hand, especially when there was so much else to do as a new parent. Please make sure to remember these basic points the next time that you need to wash your baby bottles; choosing the right cycle, using safe detergents, and ensuring that your bottles are in good condition for dishwashing. With taking these basic steps, cleaning your baby bottles can be a simple task.

As a busy parent, I found that using the dishwasher made bottle cleaning much easier, and it also gave me peace of mind knowing that I was using a method that kept everything sanitized. Have you used the dishwasher for your baby bottles? What’s your best tip for bottle cleaning?