If you own a Dr. Browns bottle warmer, then you know how easy they are to use and just how handy they are.
A bottle warmer is just another one of those things that make life with a newborn easier.
The warmer automatically heats up bottles at the push of a button without fussing with microwaves and hot water.
You might be wondering if cleaning the bottle warmer is as easy as using it. It certainly is! Cleaning the warmer takes just a few simple steps. Let’s see how it’s done.
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How To Clean Dr.Brown’s Bottle Warmer?
All you need to is empty all the water out of the machine and pull out the reservoir. With a damp cloth and a little dishwashing soap, you can wipe both the exterior and interior of your warmer. The baskets are removable and can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The baskets can be hand washed if you prefer. Once done with that, let everything air dry completely and reassemble.
Cleaning Out The Water Tank
Located on the side of your machine, there is a little tank that holds the water. You just need to pull it up to remove it.
Empty all the water out and start to clean the tank with warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. You can leave the cleaning mixture soak in the tank for a few minutes.
Dishwashing liquid is enough for cleaning the machine. Using any harsh cleaners can damage the machine.
While the tank is soaking, you can use this time to wipe down the outside of your machine.
Now you need to slightly tilt the warmer onto the side, which will allow the water to drain out of the heating chamber; it is a good idea to do this over your sink.
Open the cover and have the machine tilting to the side, so the chamber is facing up. Any water remaining here will drain out.
Cleaning The Outside Of Your Bottle Warmer
This part only requires a clean cloth and some soapy water. Dip the cloth into the soapy water and squeeze out as much water as you can.
Now just gently wipe down the exterior of the bottle warmer and inside the heating chamber if you haven’t already.
You cannot place the bottle warmer underwater and avoid using abrasive cleaners and sponges that can scratch the outside surface and damage the coating.
Cleaning Out The Reservoir Using Rice As A Scrubber
Another way to clean your reservoir if it is heavily soiled or it is second-hand, and you are not sure when it was cleaned last.
For cleaning this way, you need to empty out your reservoir and put in a couple of tablespoons of rice with a few spoons of water.
You can use a funnel if you have trouble getting the rice to go into the small hole.
Ensure you do not use cooked rice as it will become stuck and cause bacteria and will not clean the reservoir properly as the uncooked rice will.
Once the rice is in you need to put your finger over the hole and shake the container firmly back and forth a few times.
You want to make sure you distribute the rice around the inside of the tank evenly. The agitation that the water and the rice together creates will remove any residues or grime on the inside of the container.
Once done, you can pour out the rice and rinse the container. If you feel it still isn’t cleaned well enough, you can repeat the process.
Ensure you flush the container out well under running water a couple of times. If you find there are still more suds left in the tank, add some more rice and shake vigorously before rinsing well.
Drying Everything Once It Is Cleaned
Once everything is cleaned, you need to place the parts on a towel so they can air dry completely.
You don’t need to worry about how dry the water tank is, as later on, you will be adding water to it anyway.
Ensure all the parts are dried through completely before putting the parts back together again.
Descaling Your Bottle Warmer
Your Dr. Brown’s bottle warmer needs to be de-scaled every few weeks so that it continues to run properly.
First of all, you need to remove the water that is sitting in the reservoir and the chamber before de-scaling.
Now you can use 2 ounces of Pure vinegar with 4 ounces of water and put it into the water reservoir.
Now you will need to run the machine just like you would with the cleaning mixture in it. The vinegar will help to remove build-up and works well as a natural, mild disinfectant.
Precautions When Cleaning Your Bottle Warmer
It is important that you unplug your machine before you attempt any sort of cleaning. The baskets in this type of bottle warmer can be removed to clean, which can either be hand washed or placed inside your dishwasher on the top shelf.
The baskets should not be cleaned with harsh products or scouring pads as this can damage their coating.
If you clean the machine, often there will be no need for scrubbers and harsh cleaners.
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to clean your bottle warmer properly, you won’t have a problem with build-up and grime or smelly odors lingering around.
A simple cleaning process can have your bottle warmer looking like new in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean Dr. Brown’s Bottle Warmer
How Often Do I Descale My Dr. Brown’s Bottle Warmer?
This needs to be done every few weeks or before if you notice odors or the machine doesn’t seem to be functioning as it should be.
I Have An Odor Coming From Dr. Brown’s Bottle Warmer?
If your bottle warmer has an odor, you might have milk inside the heating area. This can be cleaned thoroughly. This happens when too much pressure builds up and forces milk to spill out. Loosen the collar and nipple before heating to avoid pressure building up.