Can You Put Bottles in the Dishwasher?

4 min readUpdated Feb. 28, 2025Lyle WeischwillDishwasher
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When you’re a busy parent, every minute counts. Between diaper changes, feedings, and the occasional (or frequent) sleepless night, finding ways to simplify your routine becomes a priority.

So, it’s no surprise that one common question pops up: Can you put baby bottles in the dishwasher?

The short answer is yes, but there are some essential details you need to know to ensure it’s safe and effective. Let’s break it down step by step so you can make an informed choice.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Most modern baby bottles are designed with convenience in mind and are labeled dishwasher-safe. However, this doesn’t mean you can toss them in without a second thought.
  • To clean bottles effectively, rinse them beforehand, use a dishwasher basket for small parts, place items on the top rack to avoid damage, and select settings like sanitizing or high-temperature washes. Baby-safe detergent is essential to avoid harmful residues.
  • Wash bottles by hand if they are made of sensitive materials, show signs of wear or damage, or if you need them cleaned quickly. Handwashing allows for closer inspection and avoids potential issues with the dishwasher.

Are Baby Bottles Dishwasher-Safe?

Most modern baby bottles are designed with convenience in mind and are labeled dishwasher-safe. However, this doesn’t mean you can toss them in without a second thought.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your bottles. The label or guide will clearly indicate if dishwasher use is appropriate and, if so, whether there are any specific guidelines to follow.

Generally, bottles made of BPA-free plastic, glass, or stainless steel can handle the dishwasher. Teats, lids, and other components are usually safe as well, but they require special handling.

How to Properly Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher

If you’ve confirmed that your bottles are dishwasher-safe, follow these tips to ensure they get clean without compromising their safety or integrity:

1. Disassemble Everything

Take apart the bottle completely. Remove the teat, collar, cap, and any other parts. This ensures that every nook and cranny gets cleaned thoroughly, reducing the risk of milk residue or bacteria lingering.

rinse-bottles-before-loading-in-the-dishwasher

2. Rinse Before Loading

While dishwashers are powerful, they’re not magic. Rinse out any milk or formula left in the bottle before loading it into the machine. This prevents caked-on residue and ensures better cleaning.

3. Use a Dishwasher Basket

Small bottle parts like teats and valves can easily get lost or damaged in the dishwasher. Place these items in a dishwasher basket specifically designed for baby bottles. These baskets keep everything secure and allow water and detergent to flow freely around the parts.

4. Choose the Top Rack

Heat and pressure are more intense on the bottom rack of your dishwasher, which could warp or damage plastic parts. Place all bottle components on the top rack to protect them while still ensuring a thorough clean.

5. Select the Right Settings

Many dishwashers have a sanitizing cycle or high-temperature wash option. Use this setting if available, as it helps kill bacteria and sanitize the bottles effectively. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a sanitizing cycle, a regular wash with hot water and a heated drying cycle can also do the trick.

If you use the sanitizing cycle but the light doesn’t come on to indicate that sanitation temperature was reached, you may need to schedule dishwasher repair to have a service technician examine and repair the appliance.

6. Use Baby-Safe Detergent

Regular dishwasher detergents can contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that may leave residue on the bottles. Opt for a baby-safe detergent that’s free of dyes and fragrances to keep things gentle and safe for your little one.

hand-washing-a-baby-bottle

When to Skip the Dishwasher

There are a few instances when it’s better to wash baby bottles by hand:

  • Sensitive Materials: If your bottles have unique finishes or materials not suited for high heat, handwashing is safer.
  • Old or Damaged Bottles: Cracks, scratches, or worn-out teats can harbor bacteria. Handwashing these items ensures you can inspect them closely for damage.
  • Quick Turnaround: If you need a clean bottle immediately, handwashing might be faster than running a full dishwasher cycle.

Putting baby bottles in the dishwasher can save time and simplify your routine, especially if you follow the proper steps. By disassembling the bottles, using a basket, and selecting the right settings, you can ensure your baby’s feeding gear stays safe and hygienic. Just remember to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and inspect bottles regularly for signs of wear and tear.

Ultimately, the choice between handwashing and using the dishwasher depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Either way, keeping those bottles clean is what matters most—because a happy, healthy baby means a happy, less-stressed parent.

Another way to avoid stress is to make sure that your dishwasher stays in top shape by scheduling annual professional dishwasher maintenance and cleaning service. A technician will visit your home and check all aspects of dishwasher operation. The tech will also thoroughly clean all internal parts of the dishwasher to ensure that it washes your bottles safely. Schedule your Dishwasher Cleaning & Maintenance Service now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stainless steel bottles go in the dishwasher?
Generally yes. Most stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe. Check the label on the stainless steel bottle before washing it in the dishwasher. Some types of stainless steel can corrode or warp in the dishwasher.
Does putting bottles in the dishwasher sterilize them?
Although some dishwashers have a sterilization cycle, the water in that cycle won’t reach the temperature required to sterilize baby bottles for infants less than 12 months old. You can wash the bottles in the dishwasher before sterilizing them but you’ll still need to boil the bottles, steam sterilize them or use sterilizing solution after washing them in the dishwasher – even if you use the sterilization cycle.
Do I really need to sterilize baby bottles?
Yes. You should sterilize baby bottles for infants less than 12 months old to help prevent infections, diarrhea and vomiting. Sterilize the teats, lids, caps and other feeding equipment as well.
What dishwasher detergent is safe for baby bottles?
Because baby bottles need to be sterilized after dishwashing, most dishwasher detergents are safe for washing baby bottles. Some specialized dishwasher detergents are available for washing baby bottles. These detergents are designed to prioritize safety over strong cleaning performance. They are formulated with milder ingredients, typically lacking harsh chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and other additives that could potentially irritate a baby's skin if residue remains on the bottle or feeding components.

Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!

Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.

Call (213) 596-2538 or schedule online now.

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher basket is a removable container designed to securely hold small items like cutlery and utensils during the wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning without loss or damage.

A dishwasher end panel is a finishing piece installed on the exposed side of a dishwasher, primarily when it is at the end of kitchen cabinetry, to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look in the kitchen.

A dishwasher diverter motor controls the direction of water flow to different spray arms within the dishwasher, ensuring optimal water distribution during each wash cycle for thorough cleaning.

A dishwasher drawer is a compact, space-saving kitchen appliance designed to clean dishes efficiently, resembling a standard kitchen drawer that slides out for easy loading and unloading.

Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms

The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher won't drain are a failed drain pump, faulty pump and motor assembly or a cracked drain hose.

The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.

The most common reasons your Electrolux dishwasher is not heating are a defective electronic control board, faulty pump and motor assembly or a damaged user interface control.

The most common reasons your Kenmore dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dishwasher is not washing are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a clogged spray arm.

The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher display is not working are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a damaged power supply board.