How to Sterilize Silicone Teethers Without Damaging Them

Quick answer

First, wash the teether with warm water and mild dish soap, then sterilize it by boiling for 5 minutes, steaming, or soaking in a cold sterilizing solution. Never microwave silicone teethers unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is microwave-safe. Always check the teether for damage before and after every sterilization.

Why silicone teethers need sterilization (and when)

Silicone teethers like the RaZberry Teether Plus are made from non-toxic food-grade silicone that is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and cadmium. That makes them safe to chew, but it does not make them self-cleaning. Germs from hands, floors, and saliva can build up on the surface and in the berry bumps. Sterilize a new teether before first use, then sterilize regularly—especially after your baby has been sick, after the teether has been dropped outside, or if it has been shared with another child.

Daily cleaning with soap and water is usually enough for routine use. Sterilization is for deeper germ reduction. You do not need to sterilize after every single chew, but a consistent routine protects your baby and keeps the silicone in good condition.

How to sterilize silicone teethers: 5 safe methods

Each method below works on silicone teethers, but they differ in speed, equipment, and risk. Pick one that fits your kitchen and your schedule. No matter which method you choose, start by washing the teether thoroughly with warm water and mild dish soap to remove saliva, food, and visible debris. Skipping this step traps dirt under the sterilizing action.

• Boiling: Place the teether in a clean pot of water, bring to a rolling boil, and boil for 5 minutes. Use tongs to remove it, and let it air dry on a clean towel. Do not let the silicone touch the hot bottom of the pot for long periods.
• Steam sterilization: Use a dedicated steam sterilizer or a microwave steam bag designed for baby items. Follow the device instructions for time. This is faster than boiling but requires equipment.
• Cold-water sterilizing solution: Soak the teether in a food-safe sterilizing solution mixed according to the product label. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward. This method is gentle on silicone but takes longer.
• Dishwasher: If your dishwasher has a heated drying cycle, place the teether on the top rack. The heat can sterilize it, but repeated high heat may shorten the silicone's life. Check the teether often for changes in texture.
• UV sterilizer: Some parents use UV-C sterilizers for baby items. These are effective for surface germs but can be expensive and may not reach into deep crevices. Follow the sterilizer's instructions and do not overcrowd the chamber.

Common mistakes that damage silicone teethers

The most common mistake is microwaving a silicone teether without checking whether it is microwave-safe. Microwaving can cause hotspots that warp or melt the silicone, even if the teether looks fine afterward. Another mistake is boiling for too long or leaving the teether sitting in the hot pot after the water cools. Extended heat exposure can make silicone sticky or cause it to lose its shape.

Using harsh chemicals is another risk. Bleach, undiluted vinegar, and abrasive scrubbers can break down the silicone surface and leave residue that your baby might chew. Stick to mild dish soap for washing and a labeled sterilizing solution for soaking. Also, never sterilize a teether that already has cracks, tears, or a change in color. Damage creates hiding places for germs, and the teether should be replaced.

How to dry and store teethers after sterilization

After sterilizing, shake off excess water and place the teether on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack with good airflow. Do not rub it with a shared kitchen towel, which can transfer germs. Let it air dry completely before storing. Store teethers in a clean, dry container or a dedicated drawer away from raw food, pets, and dirty dishes. If you use a wet bag or sealed container, make sure the teether is completely dry first to prevent mold.

Check the teether before each use. If it feels slimy, smells unusual, or has visible changes, wash and sterilize again. If the damage is permanent, replace it.

Step-by-step: sterilize a silicone teether safely

1. Wash first with soap and water: Rinse the teether under warm running water, then scrub it with mild dish soap and a soft brush or cloth. Pay attention to the berry bumps and any textured areas. This removes saliva, food, and visible dirt before sterilization. Checkpoint: If you still see residue, wash again before moving on.
2. Choose your sterilization method: Boil for 5 minutes, use a steam sterilizer, soak in a cold sterilizing solution, or use a dishwasher top rack if it has a heated dry cycle. Avoid microwaving unless the manufacturer says it is microwave-safe. Common mistake: Microwaving a non-microwave-safe teether can warp the silicone.
3. Sterilize for the correct time: Boiling: 5 minutes at a rolling boil. Steam: follow your device's instructions. Cold solution: follow the label's soak time. Do not exceed recommended times, as over-sterilizing can degrade silicone. Checkpoint: Set a timer. Longer is not better for silicone.
4. Remove and rinse (if needed): Use clean tongs to remove the teether from hot water. If you used a cold sterilizing solution, rinse thoroughly with clean running water. For boiling or steam, no rinse is needed if the water was clean. Common mistake: Using dirty tongs or hands reintroduces germs.
5. Air dry completely: Place the teether on a clean towel or drying rack with good airflow. Do not rub it dry with a shared towel. Let it air dry fully before storage to prevent mold or bacterial growth. Checkpoint: The teether should be completely dry, including crevices.
6. Inspect and store: Look for cracks, tears, discoloration, or a sticky feel. If damaged, replace the teether. Store it in a clean, dry container away from dirty dishes or raw food. Next step: Replace the teether if you see any damage. Sterilizing a damaged teether is not safe.

Product facts for RaZberry Teether Plus

• RaZberry Teether Plus - Red: SOFT SILICONE: Non-toxic food grade silicone and is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead and cadmium Food-grade silicone can handle gentle sterilization methods like boiling and steam without leaching harmful chemicals, but it still needs proper care to last.
• RaZberry Teether Plus - Red: BERRYBUMPS: Patented bumps soothe baby's swollen gums and emerging teeth. Perfect texture to chew The textured bumps can trap saliva and debris, so wash them thoroughly with a soft brush or cloth before sterilizing.
• RaZberry Teether Plus - Red: FRONT AND BACK TEETH: RaZberry Bites Teether is perfect for front and back teeth Because it reaches both front and back teeth, it gets heavy use. Inspect the entire surface for wear each time you clean it.
• RaZberry Teether Plus - Red: PERFECTLY SIZED: Perfectly shaped and sized for your little one's hands. Ages 3 months plus Its size makes it easy for babies to hold and chew, which also means it can be dropped often. Keep a simple sterilization routine ready.