Step-by-step guide to cleaning baby bottles, spoons, and breast pump parts

By , July 30, 2026

Keeping feeding items clean is one of the simplest ways to protect a baby from germs that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and other infections.

Newborns and young infants have developing immune systems, so bottles, spoons, and breast pump parts should be cleaned carefully after every use.

Here is a practical step-by-step guide for parents and carers.

Step 1: Wash your hands first

Before touching any feeding equipment, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Dry them with a clean towel or allow them to air-dry.

Step 2: Take everything apart

Separate all removable parts:

  • Bottle
  • Bottle nipple or teat
  • Ring and cap
  • Spoons and feeding accessories
  • Breast pump bottles
  • Flanges or breast shields
  • Valves, membranes, connectors, and tubing (if washable)

Cleaning items while assembled can leave milk residue trapped in small spaces.

Step 3: Rinse immediately after use

Rinse bottles, spoons, and pump parts under cool or lukewarm running water as soon as possible after feeding. This helps prevent milk from drying and sticking to surfaces.

Avoid using very hot water for the first rinse because it can cause milk proteins to cling more firmly to the equipment.

Step 4: Wash in hot soapy water

Fill a clean basin with hot water and a small amount of mild dish soap.

Use a dedicated bottle brush to scrub:

  • the inside of bottles,
  • the bottle neck,
  • nipples and teat holes,
  • spoons and feeding cups,
  • and all pump parts that come into contact with breast milk.

Pay special attention to small crevices where milk can collect.

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly

Rinse each item under clean running water until all soap is removed. Soap residue can irritate a baby’s mouth or affect the taste of milk.

Step 6: Sterilise when necessary

For newborns, premature babies, or infants under three months, many health professionals recommend regular sterilisation of feeding equipment.

Boiling method

  1. Place cleaned items in a large pot.
  2. Cover completely with water.
  3. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
  4. Boil for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove items with clean tongs and place them on a clean drying rack.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for breast pump parts, as some components should not be boiled.

Step 7: Air-dry completely

Place all items on a clean drying rack or a freshly washed towel and allow them to air-dry completely.

Avoid drying bottle nipples or pump parts with a kitchen cloth that may carry germs from other household surfaces.

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