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How to sanitize a sippy cup: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Learn how to easily sanitize a sippy cup with E-Cloth. Simple, effective cleaning for peace of mind—no harsh chemicals needed.

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How to sanitize a sippy cup: Step-by-Step

Tools:

E-Cloth
Dish soap
Cleaning brush or sponge
Bleach
Drying rack or paper towels

Disassemble the Sippy Cup

Take apart every component of the cup—including the lid, spout, and any extra parts—to ensure all surfaces receive a proper scrub and sanitize.

Wash with Hot, Soapy Water

Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water and a few drops of dish soap.
Use a clean brush or sponge to thoroughly scrub each part of the cup.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse each piece under running water to remove any soap residue—soap left behind can affect taste and isn’t food-safe.

Sanitize Properly

Fill a clean container with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water, or use a baby bottle sanitizer if you prefer a ready-to-use solution.
Submerge all parts fully in the solution. Let them soak for at least 2 minutes, making sure the bleach-water touches every nook and cranny.
If using a baby bottle sanitizer, follow the instructions on the package for proper usage time.

Final Rinse and Air Dry

After sanitizing, rinse each piece again under cool running water to remove any lingering sanitizer.
Place the parts on a clean drying rack or a paper towel to air dry completely before reassembling.

Precautions:

Review Manufacturer Guidelines

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sanitizing recommendations to avoid damaging the cup.

Disassemble All Parts

Ensure you separate all removable parts (spouts, valves, straws) to allow thorough cleaning.

Use Approved Cleaning Agents

Stick to cleaning products that are safe for food-contact surfaces; avoid harsh chemicals that could leave toxic residues.

Avoid Mixing Chemicals

Do not combine different cleaning agents; mixing can create harmful fumes or ineffective sanitizers.

Ensure Thorough Rinsing

After cleaning, rinse each part completely to remove any residual cleaning agent that might affect your child.

Maintain Appropriate Water Temperature

Use hot water as recommended to help kill germs, but verify that the temperature won’t warp the plastic.

Inspect for Damage or Wear

Regularly check for cracks, discoloration, or other signs of deterioration that can harbor bacteria and compromise cleaning efforts.

How to Correctly Sanitize The Sippy cup: Extra Tips

Rinse Immediately After Use

After every use, quickly rinse all parts of the sippy cup with clean water to remove residual milk or juice.
This prevents bacteria buildup and makes the final cleaning process more effective.

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Disassemble All Parts

Take apart the cup, lid, and straw (if applicable) to ensure every component is sanitized.
Removing small pieces allows you to clean hidden areas that might otherwise be neglected.

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Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Fill a basin with hot water and a few drops of dish soap to create an effective cleaning solution.
Let the parts soak for at least 10-15 minutes to loosen stubborn residues while killing germs.

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Use a Bottle Brush for Deep Cleaning

Grab a bottle brush to scrub inside the cup and straw, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.
This ensures that the cup is thoroughly cleaned, leaving no spots for bacteria to take hold.

Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Sippy cup

Incomplete Disassembly of the Sippy Cup

Overlooking the removal of detachable parts such as spouts, valves, and straws leads to inadequate cleaning.
Missing these parts means hidden areas may harbor dirt, bacteria, and residue.

Using Harsh or Unsuitable Cleaning Solutions

Using bleach or overly strong detergents can degrade the cup’s plastic and leave harmful residues.
These chemicals may not be safe for the little ones who drink from the sippy cup.

Neglecting to Clean and Dry Hidden Crevices

Overlooking areas like the valve or nib contributes to mold and unpleasant odors over time.
Moisture and trapped grime in these spots can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

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How Often to Sanitize Sippy cup

Sanitizing Frequency for Sippy Cups

Daily Sanitization: At a minimum, sanitize your child’s sippy cup once a day. This ensures that any bacteria or residues accumulated from multiple uses and saliva during the day are thoroughly eliminated.
After Illness or Visible Soiling: If your little one has been sick or the cup shows signs of stubborn residue, sanitize it immediately after use in addition to the daily routine. This helps reduce the risk of reinfection or unwanted germs.
Why Daily? Sippy cups are in constant contact with your child’s mouth, and even a carefully cleaned cup can reintroduce bacteria if not sanitized properly. A daily cycle of sanitization minimizes microbial buildup and promotes a healthier environment for drinking.
Consistency is Key: Maintaining a regular sanitization schedule creates a reliable pattern that not only keeps the cup safe but also helps establish good hygiene practices for young children.

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