Nursing & Feeding Products The Best Bottle Brushes to Make Cleaning Easier By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 18, 2022 Medically reviewed by Vanessa Nzeh, MD Medically reviewed by Vanessa Nzeh, MD Facebook Twitter Vanessa Nzeh, MD, is an internal medicine and pediatrics physician who is passionate about patient advocacy, the integration of maternal and child health, as well as increasing diversity and inclusion in medical education. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Amelia Manley There are many crevices inside a bottle that breast milk, formula, and cow’s milk can get stuck in. You want to be sure your bottles and sippy cups are good and clean before you give them to your baby. To do that, give them a good scrub with a brush specifically designed for cleaning bottles and cups. Choose a bottle brush that's convenient, durable, and fits the needs of your family. We carefully considered design, material, value, size, and additional attachments when reviewing products. A pediatrics physician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in bottle brushes, how often you should clean bottles, and which type of soap to use. Here are the best bottle brushes on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Munchkin Bristle Bottle Brush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Boon Portable Bottle Brushes at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Breast Pump Parts: OXO Tot Water Bottle & Straw Cup Set at Walmart Jump to Review Best Silicone: MAM Baby Bottle Cleaning Brush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Long Brush: Dr. Brown's Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Bottle Brush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Small Brush Set: Munchkin Bottle and Cup Cleaning Brush Set at Walmart Jump to Review Best Mixed-Material Brush Head: Munchkin Miracle Dual-Sided Bottle Brush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Soap Dispenser: Boon FORB+ Silicone Bottle Brush at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Munchkin Bristle Bottle Brush 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Suction base Two-in-one design to clean bottles and nipples Non-slip handle Dishwasher-safe Cons Not ideal for narrow bottle openings We named the Munchkin Bristle Bottle Brush our best overall because it has a two-in-one design that's convenient for families. A small rubber nipple brush tucks into and comes out of the handle of the larger brush. When using it, the brush moves around the bottle easily thanks to the flexible neck, and the non-slip handle makes the process a little bit easier. When you’re done with the brush, use the suction cup bottom of the brush to perch it upright to dry, or toss it onto the top rack of the dishwasher for a deep clean. Price at time of publish: $6 The 10 Best Baby Bottles of 2023 Best Portable Boon Portable Bottle Brushes Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Set includes two dual-ended brushes Made without BPA or PVC Cons Metal coil isn't flexible You’ll be able to reach every inch of a bottle, sippy cup, and even breast pump parts like valves with this two-pack brush set because it includes a regular brush as well as a double-brush wand that can easily get into the hard-to-clean spots. Additionally, the bottom of the larger brush has a grooved tip which is designed to gently scrub rubber nipples that need a little extra cleaning. Price at time of publish: $11 The Best Glass Baby Bottles, According to a Dietitian Best for Breast Pump Parts OXO Tot Water Bottle & Straw Cup Cleaning Set OXO View On Walmart View On Oxo Pros Ergonomic design and grip on handles Set includes storage caddy Good mix of large and small brush heads Cons Brush heads aren't flexible Bristles don't wrap around the entire brush head This brush set will see you through the bottle stage and well into the sippy cup phase. It comes with one bottle brush, one detail brush, and one straw brush that can all be stored upright on a single included stand for drying. The bristles of each brush provide a deep cleaning without scratching any surfaces, and are meant to reduce the amount of spray that comes off them during cleaning. The straw and detail brushes are well-designed for cleaning breast pump parts. Price at time of publish: $15 Best Silicone MAM Baby Bottle Cleaning Brush Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Double-sided brush to clean bottles and nipples Hanger hole for easy storage Cons Thicker silicone bristles don't remove residue as well as finer bristles Unlike traditional bottle brushes, this one has soft, BPA-free silicone bristles that won’t risk scratching your cups and bottles. On the opposite end of the brush, there is a grooved tip that’s made to easily clean the inside of rubber nipples (and works especially well with MAM brand nipples). The handle also has a hole cut into it so you can easily hang it on a hook to dry after using. Price at time of publish: $20 The Best Baby Bottle Drying Racks Best Long Brush Dr. Brown's Dr. Brown’s Deluxe Baby Bottle Brush Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Suction cup base Set includes one dual-sided brush and a smaller brush Dishwasher-safe Cons Few bristles at the very top of the brush head This bottle brush set uses angled nylon bristles to gently, but thoroughly clean bottles and nipples. Along with the large dual-sided brush, you get a narrow cleaning brush that will help you get into tough-to-reach spots in bottles, nipples, sippy cup straws, and breast pump parts. When it’s not in use, the brush sits upright with the suction cup handle. Also, it’s safe to clean in the dishwasher. Price at time of publish: $7 Best Small Brush Set Munchkin Bottle and Cup Cleaning Brush 4-Piece Set Munchkin View On Walmart View On Target Pros Great for hard-to-clean crevices Includes ring clip Dishwasher-safe Cons Lacks a large brush Handles may be too small for larger hands You can clean basically anything with this brush set because it comes with four separate brushes that are all different lengths and designs. You get one straw brush, one detail brush, a lid and threads brush, and one spout brush. All four brushes come together on a keyring-like holder so they can be stored together or taken off individually when in use. Price at time of publish: $7 Best Mixed-Material Brush Head Munchkin Miracle Dual-Sided Cup and Baby Bottle Brush Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Mixed-material brush head design Suction cup base Good for large and small bottles Cons Other brushes have softer, more flexible bristles Bristles don't go all the way around the brush head Believe it or not, this single brush gives you three different ways to wash bottles and cups. The front brush is a traditional bottle brush with soft bristles and a flexible neck to make it easier for you to clean. On the back of that brush is a “small surface brush” with short bristles meant to clean the rims of cups and lids. Finally, a small straw brush is tucked inside the handle and can be pulled out when it’s needed and serve as a suction cup base when it’s not. Price at time of publish: $7 Best Style Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Includes a storage container with nested draining bowl Versatile collection of brush head sizes Cons Some handles may be too small for larger hands Bristles on top of the largest brush head may flatten quickly Who says bottle brushes have to be boring? This cacti set looks like an adorable house plant when it’s not in use, but actually holds four brushes in the planter. You get a bottle brush, straw brush, detail brush, and nipple brush in the set, and they all tuck away into a holder that’s designed for draining to avoid odors and mold. Price at time of publish: $17 Best Soap Dispenser Boon FORB+ Silicone Bottle Brush Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Dual-sided brush for cleaning bottles and nipples Includes counter stand for easy storage Cons Not ideal for narrow bottles Large silicone "petals" don't remove residue as well as finer bristles Not only is this a cute flower-inspired silicone brush, but it’s also a soap dispenser. You can pour soap into the handle of the brush to make cleaning bottles and nipples even easier. The flexible flower petals serve as the brush bristles, and the bottom of the handle is designed to gently clean rubber nipples. When you’re not using the brush, you can perch it in its little white stand until the next time you need to do some cleaning. Price at time of publish: $10 Final Verdict Any of these bottle brushes will serve you and your baby well, but if you’re looking for one that will last you the longest, the Munchkin Bottle and Cup Cleaning Brush 4-Piece Set and the OXO Tot Water Bottle and Straw Cup Cleaning Set will both get you from the bottle to the sippy cup stage. What to Look for in a Bottle Brush Fits Your Needs Breastfeeding parents who rarely pump or bottle feed don’t likely need to invest in a bottle cleaner with many bells and whistles. However, they might consider a bottle brush kit that has components that can be used for cleaning breast pump parts. If you are someone who will be preparing many bottles for your baby, you will want to have at least one highly quality bottle brush. It’s probably a good idea to have more than one brush handy, in case one needs to be washed or you need to take one on the go. Durability If you are expecting to prepare and clean a lot of bottles for your little one, you want to purchase a bottle brush that is made of high quality material, even if that means spending a little more upfront. It’s also important to pick a brush that is flexible enough to get into the tiny crevices of your baby’s bottle that are hard to clean. You also may want to consider purchasing a bottle cleaner that can also be used when your baby transitions to sippy cups, because that will happen before you know it! Convenience Busy parents appreciate convenience more than anything. Selecting a bottle brush that is dishwasher safe is important to many of us. Bottle brushes that are compact and can be easily transported are great to have as well, because there are going to be many times that you are prepping bottles while out and about. Frequently Asked Questions When should I replace my bottle brush? You should check your manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure, but most bottle brushes should be replaced every month or two. It also may depend on the type of material your bottle brush is made of. Silicone brushes, for example, may last longer than a bottle brush made of softer material. You can also look at the bottle brush itself. Once the bristles have started to fray or look dull, it’s time to replace it. Can I use regular dish soap for baby bottles? Neither the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) nor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend a particular kind of dish soap to clean your baby’s bottles. However, since babies are especially vulnerable to harsh chemicals and additives, many parents decide to use soaps that are scent-free, dye-free, and free of other harsh ingredients. Do you have to sterilize baby bottles after every use? The CDC recommends you wash your baby’s bottle after every feed. If your baby is healthy and full-term, you can sterilize your baby’s bottles just once per day. However, if you have a baby under 3 months, a premature baby, or a baby with a medical condition, you might need to sterilize your baby’s bottles more frequently. As your baby gets older, you usually can stop daily sterilizing and opt for hand- or dishwasher washing. Check in with your pediatrician for guidance. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Academy of American Pediatrics. How to sterilize and warm baby bottles safely. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to clean, sanitize, and store infant feeding items. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit