Can I Wash my Baby Bottles in a Dishwasher?

Cleaning, sterilising, and drying baby bottles is an essential part of every parent’s daily routine. The NHS recommends sterilising until your baby is at least 12 months old, so it’s natural for parents to wonder if their dishwasher is up to the task. With busy schedules and endless feeds, the big question is: can you safely wash baby bottles in a dishwasher? 

The simple answer is yes, you can wash baby bottles in a dishwasher. However, washing is not the same as sterilising. A dishwasher will clean your bottles, but it will not sterilise them, which means germs can still remain. 

Sanitising vs Sterilising  

Sanitising refers to cleaning away dirt, milk residue, and most germs using soap or detergent and water. This is the first step to making bottles safe to use, but it does not guarantee that harmful bacteria are fully removed. Sterilising, on the other hand, goes much further. To sterilise, bottles and parts must be exposed to boiling water at 100°C for a minimum of five minutes in order to eliminate nearly all germs and bacteria. Most dishwashers do not reach this temperature for the required length of time, which means bottles washed in a dishwasher are sanitised but not sterilised. 

Things to Consider When Using a Dishwasher 

If you do choose to wash baby bottles in the dishwasher, there are several important things to keep in mind. Always check that your bottles and accessories are labelled dishwasher-safe, as some plastics and silicone parts may warp or degrade. Leftover milk should be rinsed out before loading, since bacteria can grow quickly in residue that isn’t fully removed during the cycle. Place bottles on the top rack, away from the heating element, and make that all parts face downwards so water and debris don’t collect inside. Be cautious with silicone teats, which can wear out faster in the dishwasher. Finally, only use baby-safe detergent and avoid additives such as dishwasher salt, which can be harmful to your little one. 

Even when following these precautions, remember that bottles will still need to be sterilised afterwards. 

Sterilising Solutions 

Baby Brezza has created three options designed to fit different routines, so parents can keep bottles hygienic without adding extra stress to their day. 

Baby Brezza SuperFast Steriliser Dryer - Sterilises and dries 6 bottles or pump parts in just ten minutes, so you have clean and safe bottles almost instantly. 

You can wash baby bottles in a dishwasher, but it is important to remember that this only sanitises, it does not sterilise. Germs and bacteria may still remain, which is why sterilising is recommended for babies under 12 months. While a dishwasher can be part of the process, a dedicated steriliser or the Bottle Washer Pro provides complete peace of mind by ensuring bottles are safe, hygienic, and ready for every feed.