How to Clean Sippy Cups

When there are youngsters in the house, sippy cups are extremely handy for offering drinks without the worries of spills. With many designs to prevent spills and make the cups easier to drink from, they can be a real challenge to clean well without the use of a dishwasher. Here are some handy cleaning methods and tools to make the job easier and keep your little one healthy.

• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Soft cloths
• Bottle brush
• Nipple brush
• Cotton swabs
• Toothpicks
• Bleach (optional)

1. Begin by filling the sink with warm water.
2. Add dish soap and agitate the water until suds begin to form.
3. Bleach can also be added to the water to sanitize the cups. This step is optional. It does not require much bleach (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water) to sanitize.
4. Empty the contents from the cups and allow them to soak in the water.
5. Use a soft cloth to wash the outside of the cups and lids as well as the rims. Pay careful attention to the grooves around the top of the cup and inside of the lid.
6. Use a bottle brush to clean the inside of the cup.
7. Use a nipple brush to clean the lid of the sippy cup and the valve. If the brush doesn’t reach the tight areas, try a cotton swab.
8. Toothpicks can also be used to scrape debris out of tight areas.
9. Rinse with hot water. The force of the water works well to dislodge loosened grime and dirt.
10. Rinse the cup completely and place it on a rack to dry.
11. Once dry, reassemble the cup so it’s ready for use.

• Clean the cups as soon as possible after your child is through using them. This will prevent any growth or film from developing and make cleaning much easier.
• If you have access to a dishwasher, they make for easy clean-up. The forceful spray of hot water removes debris and sanitizes at the same time.
• If there is build up or you don’t want to use bleach, sanitize the cups by boiling them in clean water for five minutes. It’s a good idea to do this on a regular basis.