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Baby bottles require special maintenance that conventional dish soaps cannot provide. Although a separate dish soap for the child’s bottles may seem unnecessary, they are required to maintain the bottle’s quality and utility. The best dish soaps for baby bottles are free of added colors, harmful chemicals, and toxins. They can remove odors and stains from the bottle, thus keeping it clean and minimizing potential health hazards. As breast milk tends to be greasy, it can leave a layer of fat in the bottle, which is not easy to clean and may end up putting your child off the bottle. Therefore, in my quest for high-quality dish soaps for cleaning baby bottles, I consulted Paula Tarling, a professional domestic cleaning expert. Here are some of the best dish soaps that can get the job done while ensuring your child’s good health and safety.
Top Picks
22 Best Dish Soaps For Baby Bottles
1. Best Cruelty-Free: Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap
This is one of the best baby dish soaps popular for cuting through tough residue and grease effortlessly, leaving your dishes sparkling like crystal. Though tough on dishes, it’s extremely gentle on your hands as it contains no dyes, fragrances, triclosan, or phosphates.It is formulated with plant-based ingredients to ensure safety of your baby and your hands. This gentle baby dish soap also contains glycerin, which acts as a foam stabilizer. The packaging is made with 86% post-consumer recycled material and 97% of that is recyclable. Check out a reviewer’s experience with using the baby bottle washing liquid in this video.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Made for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- USDA-certified biobased product
Cons
- Contains sulfates
"This non-toxic dish soap is quite efficient, especially on plastic and grease. It doesn't hurt my sensitive skin. Despite not being dishwasher-safe, it's my favorite because of how well it works on various utensils."
2. Best Fragrance-Free: Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap
This fragrance-free dish soap for baby bottles features a pump-top dispenser that is extremely convenient and easy to use. It’s perfect for washing baby bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, and breast pump components, as it completely removes odor and residue left behind by milk. Made with plant-based and baby-friendly ingredients, it’s 50% more effective than other brands. This trusted and gentle baby dish soap is completely free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, fragrances, synthetic dyes, chlorine, alcohol, formaldehyde, DEA, MEA, and TEA. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review video.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Dermatologist-tested
- Never tested on animals
- Winner of the Clean Label Project Purity Award
Cons
- May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
"After extensive use, I've found this dish soap to be quite effective for cleaning baby items. It's fragrance-free, cuts through milk odors, and doesn't leave a cloudy film. Also, a single bottle goes a long way! I'm pretty happy with this product."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying The product has garnered more than 15,319 positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Environment-Friendly: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap
Crafted with plant-derived ingredients, this biodegradable dish soap cuts through grease effortlessly and leaves dishes bright and sparkling with no residue. It has a fresh lavender fragrance and a neutral pH which is gentle on your hands. This baby safe dish soap contains no animal derived ingredients, MEA, DEA, or artificial colors. Infused with essential oils, aloe vera extract, and glycerin, this baby bottle dish soap is available in other fresh floral scents as well. Click this video to learn more about the gentle baby dish soap.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens
- No phthalates
- Environment-friendly
Cons
- Contains fragrance
"This one's by far my favorite. It's mild and biodegradable, with a subtle lavender scent that's not overpowering. Also, it's kind on the hands. It would be even better if the soap lasted longer, but I would still recommend it for its safe ingredients."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 18,145 reviews on Amazon.
Seventh Generation Dish Liquid Soap Best Cruelty-Free | Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap Best Fragrance-Free | Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap Best Environment-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 3.8 x 9.4 inches | 7.25 x 4.13 x 8.31 inches | 7.88 x 2.94 x 10.25 inches |
| Weight | 7.41 Pounds | 1.06 Pounds | 3 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,636 | 15,319 | 18,145 |
| Price | $20.61 | $14.88 | $10.99 |
4. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Babyganics Foaming Dish + Bottle Soap
Formulated with plant derived ingredients, this foaming dish soap leaves baby bottles, nipples, sippy cups, and breast pump components squeaky clean and without any gel or chemical residue. Completely free of phthalates, phosphates, and dyes, it’s very safe for your baby and non-irritating for your hands. This hypoallergenic baby bottle dishwasher can be used for everyday dishes as well. As this baby safe dish soap contains dual cleaning agents, it needs less water for washing and rinsing, thus saving you time.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Not tested on animals
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Contains sulfates
"This soap creates a rich lather and cleans my baby’s items without leaving a sticky residue. It's fragrance-free, which is excellent, but sometimes, I wish it had a scent to eliminate that musty smell. Nevertheless, this product is efficient and also gentle on my skin."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying More than 9,342 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
5. Best Plant-Based: Draft Bottle & Dish Soap
Comprising 90% plant-based ingredients, this baby bottle cleanser is perfect for cleaning baby bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, breast pump components, silicone bibs, and utensils. It’s non-irritating for the skin and contains no harsh chemicals like phthalates, phosphate, parabens, alcohol, formaldehyde, chlorine, MEA, DEA, TEA, and methylisothiazolinone. This baby safe dish soap gently and effectively cleans your baby’s bottles of milk residue and leaves no odor or flavor in the bottle.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- No dyes
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Dermatologist-tested
- USDA certified biobased product
Cons
- Contains sodium lauryl sulfate
"I love how well this dish soap works on baby bottles and pump parts. It has a good lather, is unscented and gentle, yet tackles milk stains efficiently. Also, it doesn't leave a residue or smell. Overall, I'm quite pleased with this eco-friendly product."
6. Best Hypoallergenic: Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Packs – Free & Clear
Available in a pack of 50, these detergent pods comprise plant-derived enzymes that take care of stubborn breast milk stains in no time. Even if the water is hard, the formula of this dish soap will thoroughly clean baby bottles and leave no residue. These pods can be used for all dishwasher-safe dishes whether they are made of ceramic, glass, plastic, crystal, silicone, porcelain, or metals. This dishwasher soap for baby bottles contains no harsh ingredients like perfume, bleach, sulfates, or gluten.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Biodegradable
- Cruelty-free
- Contains no dyes
- No petroleum-based ingredients
Cons
- The pods may create way too much foam
Quick tip
7. Best Sulfate-Free: Attitude Baby Bottle & Dishwashing Liquid
This fragrance-free and hypoallergenic dish soap for baby bottles is made with potent
saponin and other ultra-efficient plant and mineral ingredients that remove milk residue, grease, bacteria, and odors. It’s free of harmful chemicals, is very gentle on your hands, and has minimal impact on the environment. This baby safe dish soap doesn’t leave any smell or flavor in the bottle that can put your baby off milk. It’s as effective for sippy cups, pacifiers, and breast pump components and makes them sparkling clean.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Ecologo-certified
- Graded A by EWG for healthy cleaning
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a safety seal
"I've used this soap to clean various items, from my daughters' bottles to pumping accessories. While it's effective and eco-friendly, the consistency is watery. Despite this, it cleans well and leaves no peculiar scents behind."
8. Best Biodegradable:Caldrea Dish Soap
Bring this biodegradable Caldrea Dish Soap home for the most eco-friendly cleaning experience. This effective liquid soap made of soap bark and other plant ingredients cuts through oil and stains while being gentle on your hands and the environment. It is free of nasties such as phthalates, parabens, glycol solvents, chlorine, and formaldehyde.
Pros
- Removes tough grease
- Has a pleasant scent
- Contains aloe vera to be gentle on the hands
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
Cons
- Pump may not be highly durable
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Method Gel Dish Soap
Method Gel Dish Soap is an environmentally friendly dishwashing soap formulated with plant-based ingredients. The grease-cutting soap helps effectively clean baby bottles and other dishes. Its clean formula is free of parabens and phthalates and is available in different fragrances.
Pros
- Contains lime and sea salt
- Easy-to-grip bottle
- Mild fragrance
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a runny consistency
10. Best With Aloe:Cleancult Liquid Dish Soap
With Cleancult Dish Soap Liquid, you can experience the true meaning of cleanliness. It pampers your hands and leaves them soft and supple while also effectively cleaning dishes and bottles. This dish soap is free of harmful chemicals and formulated with natural and effective ingredients such as aloe and essential oils.
Pros
- Cuts through grease and grime
- Pack of three
- Free of dyes, SLS. and SLES
- No phosphates, phthalates, or petroleum-based ingredients
Cons
- May have a slightly watery consistency
- Fragrance may be strong
11. Best Versatile: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Baby Unscented
With 90% organic ingredients and 70% certified fair trade ingredients, this dishwashing liquid for baby bottles is completely biodegradable and vegan. It contains organic oils like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, and jojoba oil. This baby safe dish soap is safe for your baby, your hand, and the environment, as it contains no thickeners, preservatives, or foaming agents. It’s three times more concentrated than most other liquid dish soaps and can also be used for mopping, laundry, cleaning, and washing pets.
Pros
- Versatile
- Non-GMO
- Not tested on animals
- 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottle
- Includes a 2-ounce travel bottle
Cons
- Some may find the consistency a little runny.
"This soap has long been a part of my daily routine. I use it for everything, from washing dishes to cleaning my clothes. It is pretty effective for thorough cleaning and lathers well. Moreover, the natural ingredients are a bonus."
12. Best For Milk Residue: Dapple Baby Bottle And Dish Soap
The award-winning plant-based formula of this soap for baby bottles is ideal for getting baby bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, and breast pump components sparkling and clean. You can say goodbye to smelly bottles that are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and greasy, cloudy-looking bottles. It cuts through the milk residue on the sides and bottom of bottles and leaves no scent or flavor in the bottle, making it one of the best baby dish soaps. Its natural formula binds calcium and other minerals found in breast and formula milk and rinses them completely away. It contains no harmful chemicals and is completely cruelty-free.
Pros
- Free of sulfates
- No dyes
- Paraben-free
- No phosphates
- No phthalates
- Alcohol-free
- Free of chlorine and formaldehyde
- Pediatrician-recommended
Cons
- Contains benzothiazolinone
"I came across this dish soap when looking for a fragrance-free formula. It has made cleaning dishes, sippy cups, and baby bottles a breeze. Its packaging could have been better, but its cleaning properties remain unmatched."
Dapple Baby Bottle and Dish Soap Review
13. Best Septic-Safe:Molly’s Suds Natural Liquid Dish Soap
The Molly’s Suds natural dish soap is a powerful and effective cleaning solution made from plant-powered ingredients. This soap is long-lasting and can cut through tough grease and grime on dishes and kitchen surfaces. It is one among the best baby dish soap, as it is unscented and fragrance-free, making it suitable for those sensitive to strong scents. This gentle soap leaves no residue, ensuring a thorough and safe cleanse every time.
Pros
- Septic-safe and eco-safe
- Moisturizing on skin
- Free of toxins and harsh ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
- Not suitable for the dishwasher
"Despite being free of harsh chemicals, this soap effectively removed grease stains from my dishes. Its consistency is a bit thin, but a little amount goes a long way. And the lavender fragrance is very soothing."
14. Best Additives-Free:Palmolive Ultra Pure & Clear Dish Liquid
Make cleaning baby bottles simple and quick with the Palmolive Ultra Pure & Clear Dish Liquid. This effective cleaner is strong on grease and gentle on the hands and senses–it contains no additives or overpowering aromas. The dish liquid is formulated with biodegradable cleaning agents and leaves no residue behind.
Pros
- Mild scent
- Paraben- and phosphate-free
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Does not irritate skin
Cons
- Might have a watery consistency
15. Best For Cleaning Pacifiers:Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap
This powerful dishwashing liquid dish soap from Dawn Ultra effectively cuts through grease and grime and is perfect for cleaning clean bottles, pacifiers, and other baby utensils. It doesn’t leave any streaks or residue and has a mild scent of apple blossoms, which helps fight the odor of milk and juices. This antibacterial soap can effectively cleanse with 2x the grease-cleansing power.
Pros
- Pack of two
- Has antibacterial properties
- Free of phosphate
- Can be used as a hand soap
Cons
- May have a watery consistency
- Fragrance may not be liked by all
16. Best Odor-Free:Method Dish Soap, Lime + Sea Salt
Clean your baby’s bottles and utensils effortlessly with the Method Dish Soap. It comes with the goodness of lime and sea salt that cuts through grease, leaving the utensils clean, odor-free, and germ-free. The formula contains plant-based ingredients that fight tough stains, leaving the bottles and dishes sparkling clean.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Free of parabens and phthalates
- Hypoallergenic
- Has a good scent
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Pump may not be easy to use
"I was surprised by this dish soap's effectiveness on my baby's bottles. Its plant-based formula and fresh scent are commendable. It is also mild on the skin, which is always a plus, and it creates a lot of suds from a tiny amount."
17. Best Faster Cleaner:Clean Revolution SuperWash Dish Soap Spray
With speed and efficiency, this dish soap spray tackles dirty dishes faster than regular liquid dish soap. The formula contains powerful cleaning agents that effortlessly penetrate grease and eliminate residue on contact. It can be used for cleaning water bottles, glassware, baby bottles, and lids, and its rigger spray dispensing mechanism makes dishwashing a breeze.
Pros
- Requires less water than conventional dish soap
- Not made with animal-derived ingredients
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find the smell strong
18. Best Non-Foaming Formula: Grab Green Baby Bottle & Dish Soap
This plant-based and biodegradable dishwashing liquid for baby bottles is extremely gentle and effective in tackling and eliminating stubborn milk residue and stains. As it has a non-foaming formula, it rinses quickly, saving both water and time while washing dirty bottles, nipples, sippy cups, and pacifiers. One of the best baby dish soaps, it comes in a pack of three 16-ounce bottles and has a mild bamboo fragrance. It contains plant-based ingredients and is infused with cypress, bergamot, and mandarin essential oils.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- High quality ingredients
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No phosphates
- No dyes
Cons
- The fragrance may not be liked by all.
"Its plant-based formula is gentle yet cleans all the bottles, pump parts, and other dishes quickly and efficiently. The lather was lower than expected, but that drawback only made it easy to rinse the utensils post-wash. Overall, it serves the purpose well."
19. Best Gluten-Free: Ecos Disney Baby Bottle & Dish Wash
Put a sparkle in your baby’s bottles, pacifiers, nipples, dishes, and breast pump components with this baby bottle soap and dish wash that comes in a pack of 6 bottles of 17 ounces each. The concentrated formula of this baby dish wash soap packs a plant-powered formula into a gentle and effective, fragrance-free liquid. Now you can tackle stubborn stains, milk fat, and grease with just a drop of the liquid without worrying about your baby’s safety or an aftertaste or odor that might put your baby off the bottle.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Not tested on animals
- Gluten-free
- Greywater and septic safe
- Sustainably produced
- Powered by 100% renewable energy
- USDA-certified biobased baby product
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified
Cons
- Contains preservatives
"What I like about this soap is that it is fragrance-free and gentle on my hands. Even though the bottles are quite small, I still prefer them because of their efficiency and residue-free cleaning."
20. Best Plant-Based Formula:Biokleen Dish Liquid Soap
Biokleen Dish Liquid Soap is a natural, plant-based formulation containing extracts of citrus and grapefruit seed to cut through tough grease and stubborn residues, simplifying the process of dish cleaning. Enriched with soothing aloe and vitamin E, the soap not only cleans dishes but also nurtures the skin. It comes with an ergonomically designed bottle and is infused with a sweet citrus scent.
Pros
- Not tested on animals
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Free of artificial fragrances
- Free of phosphate, chlorine, ammonia, and dyes.
Cons
- May not be as effective with hard water
21. Best pH-Balanced: SimpliGrown Dish Soap & Bottle Wash – Fragrance Free
You don’t have to worry about what your baby is ingesting anymore as this dish soap only contains food-grade and plant based ingredients. The soap rinses off easily without leaving any residue and is perfect for baby bottles, sippy cups, breast pump equipment, pacifiers, and even regular dishes. It contains only pure essential oils and the best certified organic ingredients. It is also devoid of dyes, parabens, sulfates, silicone, artificial fragrances, and phthalates. This dish soap for baby bottles effectively removes stubborn stains and milk residue and does not leave an odor or aftertaste.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- pH balanced
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Pediatrician-recommended
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- Has a mild fragrance
"I landed on this one while looking for a sulfate-free formula. It's safe and does a decent job without leaving behind any residue. I'm not a fan of strong scents, so this fragrance-free product works fine. It does require a bit of extra effort with greasy utensils, but it still cleans pretty well."
22. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Orange House Baby Bottle Dish Soap
The plant-based dish soap is made with all-natural ingredients, including essential oils, that are gentle on your little one’s sensitive skin. It’s also biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly.
It effectively removes milk and food residue from your baby’s bottles and has a fresh, citrusy scent that will leave your kitchen smelling clean and refreshing. It’s suitable for all types of bottles, including plastic, glass, and silicone, and can be used to clean sippy cups, pacifiers, breast pump parts, bibs, and utensils.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested and safe for babies
- Paraben-, phthalate-, and mineral oil-free
- Does not leave residue
- Contains 100% cold-pressed orange oil
Cons
- Soap may be a bit watery
- May have to use in excess for satisfactory results
"This plant-based dish soap has been a delightful addition to my daily dish duty because it cleans thoroughly and has a delicate citrus aroma that doesn't linger. It also effectively eliminates stubborn odors and milk film. While the consistency is runny, leading to more rinsing, its hypoallergenic formula suits me well."
How To Choose The Right Baby Bottle Dish Soap?
Consider these factors to choose the best dish soap and ensure your baby is always safe and protected.
- Ingredients: All ingredients should be natural as, if not washed properly, your baby might ingest them and may suffer a reaction or allergy. Many dish soaps come loaded with chemicals that not only harm your hands but also leach onto dishes, especially if you have washed the bottles in a hurry. Harsh ingredients can cause health problems if small amounts are ingested over a period of time. They are also not eco-friendly as these chemicals eventually enter the water supply. Try to choose unscented dish soaps as scented ones can leach onto bottles too. Glass bottles actually work best if you want scented soap but want to avoid the scent from passing on to the bottle.
- Cleaning milk fats: Milk fats tend to leave a film of milk and sometimes trap milk at the bottom of the bottle. Choose one that doubles as breast milk remover soap and can tackle milk residue, as it will help the bottle last longer.
- Antibacterial: It is extremely important to opt for a non-toxic dish soap that also kills the bacteria in the bottle. Though of course you want your baby’s bottle to be bacteria-free, do remember that ingredients like benzalkonium chloride and triclosan which are used for this purpose can be very harmful. High exposure to these chemicals can compromise the immune system.
- Vegetable based: Choose an organic liquid soap that is vegetable or plant based as they are hypoallergenic, and free of harmful chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I properly wash baby bottles with dish soap?
It’s essential to invest in the right cleaning dish soap designed exclusively for baby bottles and a good bottle brush for the sides and bottom of the bottle. Such soaps should be non-toxic and gentle and not leave behind a residue.
Take the bottle apart and wash the bottle, the nipple, and the ring separately, rinse thoroughly with hot water, and allow them to dry completely. If the bottle is dishwasher-safe, you can also wash them in the dishwasher.
2. Can I use regular dishwashing detergent for baby bottles?
The problem with conventional dish soaps is that they contain harsh ingredients linked to endocrine disruptors, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. They often don’t cut through the grease on the sides of the bottle and are not easy to rinse off completely. Chemicals from the dishwashing detergent can leach onto it and contaminate the bottle. So, prefer using a quality dish detergent for baby bottles.
3. Can I use baby bottle soap on all my dishes?
Using baby bottle soap might not be ideal for all dishes. Baby bottle soap may not be effective on stubborn stains on your dishes.
4. Is a fragrance-free product necessary for my baby?
Scented products might cause irritation on the baby’s sensitive skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use fragrance-free products for babies.
5. Do I need to sterilize baby bottles after cleaning them with dish soap?
Sterilizing your baby bottles after cleaning them with dish soap is not particularly necessary. Make sure you use hot water with your dish soap.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced writers and reviewers have created this list of the best dish soaps for baby bottles that are free of chemicals and naturally formulated. We have gone through several parental reviews and product quality parameters of numerous trusted websites to understand the concerns associated with the right soap for baby bottles. The article includes a detailed description of each high-quality baby dish soap, along with a buying guide, and a FAQ section for your convenience and help.
The Bottom Line
Investing in the best dish soaps for baby bottles can help you ensure access to clean, residue-free, and germ-free bottles every time you feed your baby. This means you should check the baby dish soap’s ingredients to ensure it is eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals. The Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap is one such option. A good dish soap effectively eliminates milk fats from the bottles and has antibacterial properties; hence, the residue-cleaning Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Soap is one of our top picks. We also recommend the dermatologist-tested Babyganics Foaming Dish And Bottle Soap as it is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. Once you pick a suitable dish soap for baby bottles, you can feed your baby fret-free.
Infographic: How To Wash Baby Bottles With Dish Soap?
Cleaning baby bottles, sippy cups, straws, nipples, and pacifiers daily is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent disease in babies. While rinsing these bottles with clean water is recommended, washing them with dish soap is also important. Check out the infographic below for stepwise instructions to clean and wash baby bottles with dish soap.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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