Families with children
How to Clean Baby Bottles and Sterilise the Parts Separately
Wash and rinse thoroughly first, then sterilise by verified guidance
Overview
Bottles, teats, rings, caps and feeding tools must be fully disassembled and washed thoroughly. Sterilising is a separate step after washing. Use current Hong Kong Family Health Service guidance and the specific manufacturer, without applying a fixed time, temperature or chemical ratio to different equipment.
Tools needed
- Current Hong Kong Family Health Service guidance
- Bottle and steriliser manufacturer instructions
- Dedicated clean wash basin
- Bottle and teat brushes
- Compatible dish detergent and clean water
- Tongs sterilised by the selected verified method and a covered container
Cleaning steps
Wash hands and clean the surface
Wash hands with soap and water and clean the bottle work surface. Keep feeding equipment completely separate from raw food, rubbish and diaper-changing areas.
Disassemble and rinse residue
Separate the bottle, teat, ring, cap and every approved removable part. Rinse visible milk residue away under running water, including the base and small channels.
Wash every part thoroughly
Use compatible dish detergent and clean water in a dedicated clean basin. Scrub the inside, outside, base, teat and every corner with dedicated brushes.
Rinse and inspect for damage
Rinse every part thoroughly under running water. Check for cracks, scratches, distortion and teat wear; isolate and replace anything damaged.
Sterilise separately after washing
Finish washing and rinsing before sterilising. Use only a method permitted by current Hong Kong Family Health Service guidance and the specific equipment manufacturer.
Handle and store hygienically
After the selected verified sterilising method is complete, use tongs sterilised by that same verified method, avoid touching inner surfaces and the teat, and place parts in a clean covered container as directed.
Common mistakes
Rinsing only the outside of an assembled bottle
✓ Correct actionFully separate bottle, teat, ring and cap and brush every inner and outer surface.
Treating sterilising as a substitute for washing
✓ Correct actionWash and rinse thoroughly first, then complete a separate sterilising step.
Applying a guessed fixed time or concentration
✓ Correct actionCheck current Family Health Service and specific manufacturer guidance.
Touching the teat or bottle interior after sterilising
✓ Correct actionUse tongs sterilised by the selected verified method and a clean covered container to prevent recontamination.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Keep the basin and bottle brushes dedicated to infant feeding items and clean them after use.
- Lay every part out separately so residue in the bottle base, teat edge and threads remains visible.
Tips for employers
- Keep current Family Health Service guidance beside the actual sterilising-equipment manual.
- Provide compatible replacement teats, seals and dedicated brushes and inspect wear regularly.
Completion checklist
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