Dr. Brown bottle warmer is one of the best you can put your trust in among the bottle warmers. But how to clean Dr Brown bottle warmer when you use it regularly to avoid it from gathering mold and smell?
Keeping it clean for hygiene and better performance is not a big deal, and if you’re worried about the cleaning process, please don’t. When we use a bottle warmer regularly, it is common for germs and mold to reside inside. But fear not; you will learn the easy and quick cleaning ways in this article because we have your back. Let’s dive into the details.
❔Why Does My Dr. Brown Bottle Warmer Smell?
If you are sensing a strange odor from your Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer, the smell is likely because of milk or formula residue that wasn’t properly taken care of. If you do not pay attention or somehow miss cleaning the residue completely, it can build up over time, leading to an unpleasant odor in the air.
It can also be the home for germs and bacteria; obviously, you wouldn’t want that for your child. To avoid the accumulation of odors, pay attention to and follow the cleaning instructions for your bottle warmer meticulously. Make sure you frequently clean it as well.
How to clean Dr Brown bottle warmer?
Are you seeing the milk build up inside the bottle warmer? Then worry not because the cleaning or descaling process of Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer is no hard job. You can easily remove the water reservoir and the warming basket while cleaning; the basket is also dishwasher safe, saving you from extra work. I personally enjoy the bottle warmer’s cleaning process; it feels like therapy to me. Seeing a clean and shining warmer every day and knowing that my baby will get a germ-free warm bottle is one of the best feelings. Let me share this soothing information with other parents who wish the best for their little ones.
✨ The tools for routine cleaning 🧼🧴🧽
- A soft sponge or cleaning cloth.
- Mild dish soap, add 3-4 drops of the dish soap inside one small bowl of water to make the solution.
- 24 g or 2 tables spoons of rice.
- Funnel (if needed).
- Thick and dry towel.
- Clean or running water.
Step 1: Unplug the unit
Once you have gathered all the cleaning tools, it’s time to act on the first cleaning step. This step determines your safety. I always check if the unit is unplugged and if the warmer is cold. Before you start cleaning, remember to see the manual guide of the warmer and check for any special cleaning instructions. First, remove the warmer plug from the socket and let it cool down if it is warm. While cleaning this electric appliance, you must follow the right safety precautions to avoid accidents and mishaps.
Step 2: Fill the water reservoir with soapy water
The best thing I like about cleaning a bottle warmer is that you do not need to buy any extra solutions or bleach to clean them; instead, you can do it only with mild soap. This step will require you to remove the water reservoir from the warmer and fill it with the warm, soapy water you made. The water reservoir is a translucent piece setting at the right side of Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer. Discard any stored water inside it and refill it with soapy water. Set this aside for a couple of minutes. Make sure that the soapy water is not spilling out from the reservoir.
💡Cleaning tip!
While the reservoir is soaking, you can wash the basket and wipe the unit with a damp cloth. This way, while you are washing the reservoir, the warmer and basket will dry out.
Empty the reservoir
Once the water reservoir has been soaked for 5 minutes in the soapy water, discard the solution. Put 2 tbsp of uncooked rice and 1 tbsp of water inside the reservoir. Don’t worry about the exact measurements of water and rice; you can do as you choose. You can also use a funnel if the reservoir hole is too small to add rice inside. I sometimes make a paper cone to add rice inside it. Vigorously shake the reservoir for around 20-30 seconds. Cover the upper hole with your finger. Ensure that every part of the reservoir is in contact with rice water.
Discard the rice water
This agitation will remove any soapy residue inside the reservoir. Now discard the rice water from the reservoir and wash it multiple times with running water.
Step 3: Empty the heating chamber
Hold the Dr. Brown bottle warmer over your sink, tilt it a bit, open the cover, and discard any stored water from the warming chamber in the sink.
Step 4: Wash the basket
Plastic tends to hold germs on it, so it is better always to keep it clean. Wash the plastic basket of Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer with your hand. You can also use the top rack of a dishwasher to clean it. Once you have washed it, take a thick towel and place the basket upside down to air dry. Take my advice and never put the basket in the last rack of the dishwasher; it will damage the basket.
Step 5: Clean the bottle warmer
Dip a cloth or soft sponge into the soapy water in this step. Make sure that the sponge or cloth is non-abrasive. I use the sponge brush to clean the warming chamber. Squeeze the excess water and gently clean the warmer from the inside out. You will notice the instant shining and cleanliness of the warmer. Take any dry cloth or towel and gently remove the foam from the warmer (if any).
Step 6: Air dry
You have made it this far; now you would think that cleaning the warmer is not difficult. In the last step, let the bottle warmer, especially its parts, and air dry completely for 60 minutes. Take the towel and place all parts on it to dry. I sometimes use kitchen napkins too, so if you are ever out of towels, there are plenty more options. It is not necessary to dry out the inner part of the reservoir; if it is still wet after 60 minutes, let it be. Before assembling other parts of the bottle warmer, ensure they are dried up completely.
Step 7: Assemble
Now is the time to put all the soldiers back in the tank. Push the water reservoir into the slot and reattach it. Place the basket inside the warming chamber, or keep it out until the next use.
For better performance, repeat this cleaning process at least once a week.
⛔ Don’ts of cleaning Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer
❌ Do not put the unit straight underwater.
❌ Do not clean the unit if it is plugged in.
❌ Do not clean the unit if it is still hot from the last warming process. At least wait for 30 minutes to cool it down.
❌ Never use harsh liquids or abrasive solvents to clean the warmer, as they may damage the body and the performance of the Dr. Brown bottle warmer.
❌ Do not add cooked rice inside the water reservior, it will only mess up the part from inside and the cleaning will be hard.
Why Should You Clean Dr. Brown Bottle Warmers?
As parents, we strive to protect our children from germs and bacteria. To ensure this, paying attention to the cleanliness of products used for them, such as bottle warmers, is necessary. Regular use can result in the accumulation of residue and bacteria that can reduce its efficiency. Cleaning your Dr. Brown bottle warmer is essential for your baby’s well-being. This prevents any bacterial build-up and keeps the warming process in top condition, ensuring your little one is safe from potentially dangerous bacteria or residue.
When do you need to clean Dr. Brown bottle warmers?
For optimal performance and hygiene, it’s advised to clean your Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer each time you use it. If you’re using it frequently, make sure to clean it at least once daily. If you are busy parents and cannot clean it every day, you can clean it once or twice a week. The least you can do is clean the warming chamber with a dry cloth at the end of your day. In this way, no water residue will be stored inside. Any discoloration or build-up should be immediately addressed by cleaning the device.
Summing up…
As a mother, I understand how significant hygiene is for my little one and that’s why discovering the right technique of cleaning a Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer has been a game-changer for me. It gives me the assurance that my baby’s food and beverage are safe and free from germs. Cleanliness is something that all parents should prioritize when it comes to their baby’s feeding items.
Although the cleaning process can be tedious, it’s worth taking the time to do it right in order to ensure that your child is safe from bacteria and residue. In the end, it will provide you with a great sense of assurance knowing that your little one is being fed from clean equipment. It is essential to adhere to the cleaning instructions meticulously, and form a habit of regularly sanitizing your Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer for better results.
Parents Also Ask
Can you put boiling water in Dr. Brown’s bottles?
Dr. Brown’s bottles are ideal for use with boiling water as they are built to withstand high temperatures and be safe for use. Yes, you can put boiling water in them without worry!
What is the green thing in Dr. Brown’s bottles?
Dr. Brown’s bottles come with a green vent system that reduces air intake during feeding and reduces gas and instances of colic.
Why does Dr. Brown bottle warmer leak?
The unit often leaks if you overfill it during the warming process. To avoid leakage, ensure you don’t overfill your Dr. Brown bottle warmer and look at the seal to ensure it is in good condition before using it.
