How do I clean sterilisers?

[ETsMum]

Hi,
I have an electric steriliser that sits on the bench. It says on the side to de-scale it and it needs it. What is safe to use?

[reAllytee]

I'd say vinegar but maybe im wrong ?

[Mum2Lucas]

Yeah I'm retty sure you use vinegar because I've got one of those baby bottle warmer thingy's and you use vinegar for that too so im assuming you use the same thing.

[Tizi]

One part vinegar to two parts water, just enough to sit on the bottom of the unit. Let it boil for about a minute then turn it off and let it sit for a while. Rinse it out then give it a run through without any bottles etc.

Try and do that once a month or so and that should keep it de-scaled:)

[Jamily]

I have the Avent one and was told to use citric acid (available from the pharmacy). Its 10g and 200ml water I think - the website has the instructions.

Vinegar would probs do the same thing but I am not sure I could do with the smell!

[tickle]

I was told de scaling solution.
Vineagar sounds great though!:)

[bpato]

Avent say to use either cirtic acid, or vingegar.

I found the citric acid cleans it better then the vinegar and doesn't take as long.

You mix 10mg (2 teaspoons) of citric acid with 200mls of water, place it in the sterlizer with the lid off, and nothing in and turn on the sterilzer for 2 minutes, then switch it off and let it sit for 30 minutes. After the 30 mins is up, you rinse the sterilzer (I usually use preboiled water) and then run it for a full cycle (with the lid on) with nothing in it. You can do this a couple of time until you think it is clean. Mine usually only take once and it is clean.

I use preboiled water when adding the water to sterilse DS stuff, as this helps to keep scaling at a minimum, and you don't need to clean as often.

Hope this has helped

Belinda

[ETsMum]

Thanks everyone. :)

[Crazy Monkey]

Was going to ask the same question but found this thread...
Thanks for the info... I will be doing this tomorrow..
I think I will try the vinegar before going out to buy the citric acid....

Also, I sterlise DS bottles (only use bottles for water as I am breastfeeding) at night and boil the water before going to bed, and leave the bottles in the sterilser overnight.. Is this OK or should I get them out and let me air dry before filling with water??

[Tizi]

It depends on what sort of steriliser I think.
I know that with the Avent, the bottles are only sterile for three hours.
What I would do is sterilise the bottles then put the boiled water (after cooled slighty) into the bottles and put them into the fridge already filled. This way they are sterile for 24 hours. Don't let them air dry because there are pathogens in the air as well and they won't be sterile any more.

[ETsMum]

I wouldn't let them air dry. No need as you are only going to wet them again. I think 3 hours in the steriliser and 24 hours in the fridge is what "they" tell us is OK.
I only air dry bottles if I am going to pack them in the cupboard, then I sterilise them before I use them again.