How to Sanitize Teethers and Pacifiers After Every Use
By RaZbaby - Home of the Keep it Kleen Pacifier and RaZ-Berry Teether | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the simple, daily routine to sanitize silicone teethers and keep-it-kleen pacifiers. This guide covers boiling, steaming, and cold cleaning methods that preserve the product's safety and lifespan.
Quick answer
For daily sanitizing, boil silicone teethers and Keep it Kleen pacifiers in water for 5 minutes, or use a steam sterilizer. For quick cleaning between uses, rinse with hot soapy water and air dry.
Why daily sanitizing matters
Teethers and pacifiers spend a lot of time in your baby's mouth, on the floor, and in your diaper bag. While a quick rinse removes visible dirt, it doesn't kill the bacteria and germs that can build up over a day. Daily sanitizing helps reduce the risk of oral thrush, gum irritation, and stomach upsets.
The good news is that both the RaZberry Teether and Keep it Kleen Pacifiers are made from silicone, which stands up well to high heat without melting or warping. This makes boiling and steaming safe, effective options.
Trade-offs: boiling vs. steaming vs. cold water
Boiling is the most reliable method for killing germs, but it can be time-consuming and requires you to watch the pot. Steaming is faster and uses less water, but you need a dedicated sterilizer. Cold water sanitizing (using a sterilizing tablet or solution) is convenient for travel but takes longer (usually 15-30 minutes) and leaves a slight chlorine smell if not rinsed well.
For the RaZberry Teether, which can be frozen for extra soothing, avoid boiling it immediately after freezing to prevent thermal shock. Let it come to room temperature first.
Daily sanitizing routine: step by step
- Step 1: Rinse and inspect: Immediately after use, rinse the teether or pacifier under warm running water to remove saliva and food debris. Inspect for any cracks, tears, or damage. If you see any, discard the item. Check for damage every time. Silicone can tear if bitten hard, and a damaged pacifier or teether is a choking hazard.
- Step 2: Choose your sanitizing method: For boiling: place the item in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. For steaming: use an electric steam sterilizer following the manufacturer's instructions (usually 5-8 minutes). For cold water: dissolve a sterilizing tablet in cold water and soak for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with cooled boiled water. Never leave silicone items in boiling water unattended or for more than 10 minutes, as prolonged heat can degrade the material.
- Step 3: Air dry completely: After sanitizing, remove the item with clean tongs or a sterilized fork. Place it on a clean, dry paper towel or a dedicated drying rack. Let it air dry completely before storing or using again. Do not use a dish towel to dry it, as towels can transfer bacteria. Moisture is a breeding ground for germs. If you need to store the item quickly, pat it dry with a fresh paper towel, but air drying is best.
Products that make sanitizing easier
- RaZberry Teether 2PK - Blue & Grey: The RaZberry teether is a soft silicone teether constructed of one single piece, whose multiple textures are specially designed to soothe your baby's sore gums. It can even be frozen for extra soothing! The silicone will get cold, but not hard. Because it's one solid piece of silicone, there are no seams or crevices where bacteria can hide, and it's safe to boil or steam without damaging the material.
RaZberry Teether 2PK - Blue & Grey - keep-it-kleen Pacifier 2PK - Elephant & Monkey: The only and original automatically closing shields that close when falling to keep the nipple clean. Shield is wrapped in soft materials to be gentle on baby’s sensitive skin. The self-closing shield reduces how often the nipple touches dirty surfaces, meaning you can focus sanitizing on the shield and handle rather than the nipple itself.
keep-it-kleen Pacifier 2PK - Elephant & Monkey
