How to Clean a Keep it Kleen Pacifier: Step-by-Step Care Guide
By RaZbaby - Home of the Keep it Kleen Pacifier and RaZ-Berry Teether | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to properly clean and sterilize your Keep it Kleen pacifier to maintain its self-closing hygiene feature and keep your baby safe.
Quick Answer
Clean your Keep it Kleen pacifier daily with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and sterilize weekly by boiling for 5 minutes or using a steam sterilizer.
Why Cleaning Matters for Self-Closing Pacifiers
The Keep it Kleen pacifier’s automatic closing shield is its main hygiene feature — it snaps shut when dropped to keep the nipple off the ground. But that shield only works if the entire pacifier is kept clean. Dried milk, saliva, or debris can build up around the hinge and prevent it from closing properly.
Daily cleaning removes surface germs and residue. Weekly sterilization kills bacteria that survive regular washing. Skipping either step can reduce the shield’s effectiveness and expose your baby to germs.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Rinse Immediately After Use: Run the pacifier under cool tap water to remove saliva and loose debris. Do this within 30 minutes of use to prevent milk or formula from drying on the nipple or inside the shield hinge. A quick rinse right after use makes the deep clean much easier.
- Wash with Warm Soapy Water: Fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the pacifier and gently scrub the nipple, shield, and hinge area with a clean sponge or soft brush. Pay extra attention to the hinge mechanism — residue here can prevent the shield from closing. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the shield surface.
- Sterilize Weekly (Boiling or Steam): Once a week, sterilize the pacifier by boiling it in a pot of water for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before use. Alternatively, use a steam sterilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not microwave or use UV sterilizers unless the pacifier packaging explicitly says it’s safe. Boiling is the simplest method, but always let the pacifier cool fully to avoid burns.
- Air Dry Completely: Place the clean pacifier on a clean, dry towel or drying rack. Let it air dry fully before storing it in a clean, sealed container. Moisture trapped inside the shield can encourage mold growth. Never store a damp pacifier — always wait until it is bone-dry.
- Inspect the Hinge Regularly: After each cleaning, open and close the shield a few times to check that it moves freely and snaps shut. If the hinge feels sticky or won’t close, repeat the cleaning steps or replace the pacifier. A stuck shield defeats the purpose of the Keep it Kleen design. If the hinge still sticks after cleaning, it is time for a new pacifier.
Product Spotlight
- keep-it-kleen Pacifier 2PK - Grey & Pink: The only and original automatically closing shields that close when falling to keep the nipple clean. This self-closing design is what makes Keep it Kleen different from standard pacifiers — but it only works if the hinge area stays clean and free of residue.
keep-it-kleen Pacifier 2PK - Grey & Pink
