Want to know the best bottle cleaning techniques as well as great ways to organize your baby bottles? Look no further because this post has you covered.
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As a new mom, everything is a stressor. I can easily spend hours researching the tiniest little things like what bath soap is best for baby’s skin, or which diaper rash cream to purchase. I’ve drained my battery more than once googling and Pinteresting it all. A topic I took special care in researching was how to properly clean and organize your baby bottles.
So many times I hear of people cutting corners when it comes to bottle cleaning. Either they rinse bottles out without soap, don’t take the pieces apart to clean each separately, or don’t use hot water. I can relate to these parents in that waiting for the water to turn hot can take a minute or that taking all the pieces apart takes extra time – but it’s worth it! You need to use soap and hot water every time to make sure bacteria is being killed and to separate the bottle parts to confirm germs and buildup aren’t hiding in the creases.
The next obstacle after you’ve washed the bottles is to figure out how to organize them so your countertop isn’t completely taken over. It will feel like you’re washing a hundred bottles every few hours so you need a strong and reliable set-up. There are so many amazing organizers out there but always make sure you’re selecting the one that works best for your space and needs.
This post will give you the best products and tips for how to successfully wash and organize your baby bottles.
Tips For Bottle Cleaning
1. Wash Your Hands First
It probably seems like a silly thing since you’ll be knuckles deep in water and soap as it is, but best to be on the safe side. You never know what chemicals or fibers could be hiding on your hands.
2. Take The Pieces Apart
It’s important to separate all pieces of the bottle (main container, nipple/topper, collar and bottle cap) to make sure there is no milk buildup in the creases and all bacteria is killed.
3. Rinse The Bottle Out Before Adding Soap
Always make sure to rinse the milk residue out of the bottle first so your brush and soap can do the job effectively and efficiently.
4. Use Various Bottle Brush Sizes
You’ll find the big bottle brushes are amazing and work so well for the main container and usually the topper too. Always have a small brush on hand that will fit into the bottle topper/nipple, especially when the bottle has been sitting a while (times when you’re out and about for the day and can’t wash bottles immediately) and the milk has started to solidify.
Bottle Cleaning Essentials
1. Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set
I can’t enough of this bottle cleaning brush set. If you hate the look of a bottle brush hanging out on your counter, than this is the solution for you. Your guests will easily think it’s a cute plant on your counter when they come over to visit. Plus it has everything you need included – a bottle brush, straw brush, nipple brush, and a detail brush to clean baby feeding essentials when on the go.
2. Momcozy Bottle Brush Kit
This brush can generate foam so you don’t need to have soap ready separately for cleaning. This also makes it easier to pack for trips since it’s an all-in-one. The brush is made with silicone bristles to avoid any scratches while you clean. It comes with a bag so you can take it with you without worrying about water and soap residue in your bag. You’ll also love how cute this brush is – it comes in baby pink and a soft green.
3. Classic Bottle Brushes
These are the OG of bottle brushes. You’ll find they are so easy to use and you can’t beat the price. These are also the perfect throw-in gift for your baby shower gift basket.
4. Brush 4 Piece Set with Key Ring
You’ll want these at home but also on trips and vacations. I always find myself needing these when bottles sit for a while before I can get to a sink to rinse them out after use. They clean the bottle toppers/nipples so perfectly.
5. All-in-One Sterilizer and Dryer
Having a bottle sterilizer is a great way to ensure your baby’s bottles get a massive detox from germs. This one eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, mold, and yeast. The bottle parts stay sterilized for up to 24 hours after sterilization is complete if the lid is unopened, so you can keep your bottles stored inside without contamination.
6. Momcozy 3 Layers Large Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer
This is a unique sterilizer and dryer because it has an extra layer that you can use to clean pacifiers, breast pump parts, and other toys that your baby often puts in his/her mouth. It kills 99.9% of germs. You’ll love how cute this looks on your counter too.
7. Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap
This soap was designed specifically for baby bottles and dishware. The foam pump bottle is easy to use and you can store it on or below your sink. When we travel as a family, we always make sure to take one of these with us.
8. Dreft Bottle and Dish Soap
This is another great option for bottle cleaning. It’s fragrance-free and easy to pump directly into the baby bottles.
9. Lawn Drying Rack
This style of drying rack has become so popular due to its cleverness in “watering the grass”. The “grass” is firm so your bottles and supplies won’t fall over after you stick them down.
10. Vertical Bottle Dryer Rack
This is a great design because your bottles will get all of the water out at a slant. It’s space efficient and provides lots of storage.
11. Tiered Drying Rack
This is another unique style that has two tiers and is a great option if counter space is tight.
12. Countertop Drying Rack
I personally own this exact drying rack and it hasn’t failed me for years. It’s affordable and can hold so many bottle parts, dishware, pump pieces, and more. It sits sturdy on the counter and I love it.
13. Dishwasher Basket
These are great if you want to give your bottles, pacifiers, toys or pumping parts a good clean but don’t have a sterilizer. These baskets will save you so much space in your dishwasher.
14. Travel Bottle Cleaning Brush Set
Not having your kitchen with you when you travel is so difficult when you have a little one. This travel set for bottle cleaning is amazing. It comes with a silicone bottle brush, nipple brush, straw brush, soap dispenser, and drying rack for baby bottle.
Tips For Bottle Organization
1. Centralize All Items
Keep everything in one place whether it’s on the counter or in a kitchen cabinet or drawer. This will elevate stress, condense space and make it easier to grab what you need in one swoop.
2. Buy Storage Bins
I personally love clean storage bins because you can see everything clearly and it simply looks really nice. Bins will help keep everything tidy while utilizing your space efficiently.
3. Organize By Kid/Age
If you have more than one child, keep bottles/drinkwear separate. For instance baby’s bottles in one bin and your toddler’s sippy cups in another.
Bottle Organization Essentials
1. Divided Bin for Bottle Supplies
This is perfect for keeping your baby bottles and supplies organized. These three compartments can house bottles, bottle tops, baby food jars and food pouches depending on your need.
2. Clear Organizer Bins
I personally use and love these storage bins. It keeps everything organized and separated since these bins are nice and large. I like having my clean bottles and supplies stored in the cabinet above my drying station and these bins are so easy to pull in and out when I need something.
3. Clear Stackable Storage Drawers
If you prefer having storage bins that can stack, these are the ones for you. They are spacious and will fit nicely on your kitchen counter, cabinets or a kitchen drawer.
4. Long Stackable Storage Bins
You’ll love these for bottles, baby jars, puff containers and more. The length of these bins makes them easy to store along your kitchen counter, leaving you with plenty of counter space.
5. Sliding Basket Storage Organizer
This slider is so great. It’s easy to use, you can see everything in it clearly and it has different depths for various bottle pieces.
6. 3-Tier Rolling Cart
If you don’t have a lot of kitchen storage space, this cart can help solve your problem. It can house absolutely everything and can be stored along the wall or in a nook in the kitchen. The best part is it has wheels so it’s super easy to maneuver around.
You are now fully prepared for baby bottle cleaning and organization with these tips and product essentials. Enjoy, Mama!
