Can I Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher? | Yes, With Care

Yes, the dishwasher can clean baby bottles effectively, but only if the bottles are marked dishwasher safe and you use a hot-water cycle.

You’ve probably heard the dishwasher is the easiest way to clean baby bottles. Just load them up and hit start, right? Not quite — the answer depends on what kind of cleaning your baby’s age and your dishwasher’s heat actually provide.

Many parents ask this question because they want to save time without sacrificing safety. The good news is you can absolutely use the dishwasher, but there’s a critical difference between “sanitize” and “sterilize” that matters for newborns. Here’s what the experts say about doing it right.

The Short Answer: Yes, With the Right Settings

Yes, you can wash baby bottles in the dishwasher, provided the bottles and parts are labeled “dishwasher safe.” The CDC recommends using the dishwasher’s hot water cycle along with a heated drying cycle or a sanitizing setting to effectively clean and sanitize infant feeding items.

You also need to fully disassemble bottles before placing them in the dishwasher, advises Texas Children’s Hospital. Rinse parts immediately after use to prevent milk residue from drying on, then position everything so water can reach every surface.

For tiny items like nipples and rings, the CDC suggests placing them inside a closed-top basket or a mesh laundry bag. This keeps small parts from slipping through the racks and ending up in the dishwasher filter — a common frustration that many parents discover the hard way.

Why Parents Worry About Dishwashers and Bottles

It’s natural to worry: a dishwasher seems so automated, yet bottle cleaning feels high-stakes. The real concerns usually come down to a few common scenarios:

• Easy cleanup vs. sterilization worry. The dishwasher is convenient, but many parents fear it isn’t hot enough or long enough to kill all germs — and for newborns, that fear has some basis.
• Risk of small parts falling into the filter. Without a basket, nipples and rings can drop into the mechanism, causing cleaning gaps or dishwasher damage.
• Need to disassemble completely. If you leave the bottle assembled, water can’t reach the interior threads, leaving milk residue behind.
• Position matters. The NHS advises that bottles, lids, and teats should face downward in the rack so water drains and doesn’t pool.
• Teats may need separate hand washing. The NHS also notes that silicone nipples can trap residue in their narrow openings, so some parents find a quick hand scrub with a dedicated brush more reliable.

These concerns are valid, but most have straightforward fixes — and once you understand the sanitize vs. sterilize difference, you can choose the right method for your baby’s age.

Sanitize vs. Sterilize: What the Experts Say

The key nuance is that a standard dishwasher cycle sanitizes but does not sterilize. The NHS bottle sterilization guidance states that putting feeding equipment through the dishwasher will clean it but does not sterilize, because sterilization requires sustained exposure to temperatures above 100°C (212°F).

Most household dishwashers reach around 50–70°C (122–158°F) during a normal cycle. A sanitize setting can push that higher and maintain it for longer, but many still fall short of the heat needed for full sterilization. That’s why the NHS and CDC treat a dishwasher as a cleaning step, not a sterilization method.

For babies older than 3 months, thorough cleaning — whether by dishwasher or hand — is generally considered sufficient, according to WICHealth.org (a USDA program). Frequent sterilization isn’t needed once a baby’s immune system is more developed. However, for newborns under 3 months, a separate sterilization step is still recommended after each wash.

If your dishwasher has a sanitize setting that reaches at least 70°C for a sustained period, it can be a strong option for daily cleaning. But for babies under 3 months, you’ll still want to follow the dishwasher step with a separate sterilizing method — boiling or steam — at least once a day.

How to Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher Safely

To get the cleanest result from your dishwasher, follow these steps each time. Adding a little intention avoids the common pitfalls parents mention.

1. Disassemble completely. Twist off rings, remove nipples, take apart any valves or vent inserts. If the bottle has complex parts (like Dr. Brown’s), separate everything.
2. Check the “dishwasher safe” label. Most major brands like Philips Avent, MAM, Tommee Tippee, and Dr. Brown’s are dishwasher safe, but check the packaging or the base of the bottle. If you’re unsure, hand wash instead — high heat can warp some plastics.
3. Place small parts in a basket. Use a dishwasher basket or a mesh laundry bag to keep nipples, rings, and valves from migrating. The CDC’s hygiene FAQ specifically recommends this to prevent lost parts.
4. Run a hot cycle with heated dry. Select the hottest water setting your dishwasher offers, and turn on heated drying or sanitize if available. Avoid energy-saver cycles that skip dry heat.
5. Store clean bottles properly. Once the cycle finishes, remove bottles with clean hands. Let them air-dry completely on a clean towel or drying rack before assembling. Store assembled bottles in a clean, dry area.

If you prefer hand washing as an alternative, the CDC describes it simply: use hot, soapy water and a clean brush dedicated only to infant feeding items, then rinse and air dry.

When Sterilizing Still Matters

Even with a good dishwasher, the dishwasher basket for small parts approach won’t replace sterilization for the youngest infants. The CDC recommends sterilizing baby feeding items at least once a day for babies under 3 months, and before the very first use for any baby.

WICHealth.org (a USDA program) adds that for babies older than 3 months, sterilizing after every use isn’t necessary as long as bottles are thoroughly cleaned with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher. That threshold at 3 months marks a meaningful shift in immune maturity, and many pediatricians echo the same timeline.

For first-use sterilization, boiling bottles and nipples in rapidly boiling water for 5 minutes is the classic method. Microwave or electric steam sterilizers offer a quicker alternative and are widely considered safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If your baby was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system, your pediatrician may advise continuing daily sterilization beyond 3 months. Individual health circumstances always take priority over general timelines.

The Bottom Line

The dishwasher is a perfectly reasonable way to clean baby bottles — just know that it sanitizes rather than sterilizes. For newborns under 3 months, pair a dishwasher cycle with a separate sterilizing method at least once a day. For older babies, thorough dishwashing is typically sufficient. Check the “dishwasher safe” label, use a basket for small parts, and always run a hot cycle with heated drying.

Your pediatrician or family doctor can give personalized guidance based on your baby’s health history, especially if your baby was premature or has any medical concerns. They know your baby’s specific needs better than any general advice can.