Bottle warmers have many advantages, including their speed and the fact they allow you to multitask while your baby’s milk is being warmed up.
If you have decided to invest in one or received one from your baby registry, then it’s important to regularly clean it to not only ensure it works properly, but also to prolong its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
But how do you actually clean or descale a one?
Should you use vinegar?
And does cleaning vary depending on the brand you have?
Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
How To Clean Your Bottle Warmer
Although not all dvices are the same, there are enough similarities in design and function to mean that the cleaning process is generally the same from brand to brand.
Here is the most popular and easy way to clean a bottle warmer:
- Ensure the applicate is unplugged and has cooled down completely. If you’ve just used the appliance, it might take 30 minutes or more to fully cool down and to get to a safe enough temperature to allow you to clean the appliance.
- Remove all the parts – if this is the first time, you may need to refer to your manual to check exactly which parts can be removed.
- Use a damp cloth and some mild liquid soap to wash inside the appliance.
- Wash all the removable parts with soap and water, and place on your drying rack to allow the parts to air dry naturally.
- Once dry, reassemble ready for future use.
- Never immerse your bottle warmer in water or use solvents to clean your appliance, as this may lead to permanent damage.
How To Descale A Bottle Warmer
Bottle warmers need to warm up water in order to work, natural occurring mineral deposits will build up in the base.
It is therefore recommended to descale your bottle appliance often to ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned and to keep it working properly – some manufacturers advise doing this as often as every two weeks.
Here is a common and effective way to descale or clean a bottle warmer with vinegar:
- Ensure the appliance is switched off at the socket and has completely cooled down.
- Pour equal parts of white vinegar and cold water into the device so that it covers the heating plate.
- Leave to stand for approximately 20 minutes. This action will result in the mineral deposits being dissolved.
- Pour out all of the liquid down your sink.
- Clean the appliance with water.
- Repeat the process if necessary, because sometimes it takes a few goes to get rid of all the deposits.
How To Clean Philips Avent Bottle Warmer
Philips advise descaling their popular Avent Bottle Warmer by following the instructions below.
They also advise only using citric acid or vinegar, because using any other substances could damage your appliance.
- Mix 60ml/2oz of white vinegar with 120ml/4oz of cold water to descale your bottle warmer.
- Pour the solution into the device.
- Switch on the appliance and select the express milk warming setting 1 and let the appliance operate for 10 minutes.
- Leave the solution in the bottle warmer until all scale has dissolved.
- Pour away the solution and rinse with tap water. If you still see traces of scale after rinsing, repeat the descaling procedure.
How To Clean The First Years Bottle Warmer
To remove mineral deposits, the manufacturers of the First Years bottle warmer advise parents to follow these instructions:
- Unplug the unit
- Remove the basket, and wash separately with warm water and soap.
- Pour 2 oz. vinegar into the warming chamber and let it stand for 1-2 hours.
- Pour out the vinegar and rinse the chamber two or three times with 3 or 4 oz. of clean tap water.
- Wipe dry or air dry.
How To Clean A Munchkin Bottle Warmer
Munchkin advise following the method below to clean their Speed bottle warmer:
- Mix 2oz of white vinegar with 2 oz of water and pour into the water.
- Leave the liquid to stand for 15-20 minutes so that it covers the heating plate. This action will result in the mineral deposits being dissolved.
- Discard / pour out all of the liquid.
- Clean the appliance with water.
- Repeat if necessary – sometimes it takes a few goes to remove all the deposits.
Related: Deciding What Baby Gear You Really Need – The Complete Guide