How to Clean and Maintain Baby Teethers: Safety Tips for Every Type

Quick Answer

To clean baby teethers safely, wash silicone teethers with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher, wipe wooden teethers with a damp cloth, and never boil or freeze gel-filled teethers. Always inspect for damage before each use and replace at the first sign of wear.

Teething is a tough phase for babies and parents alike. A good teether can soothe sore gums, but only if it's clean and safe. With so many types on the market—silicone, wood, gel-filled, and more—it's easy to wonder which cleaning method is right. The good news: most teethers are simple to maintain if you follow a few key rules.

This guide walks you through the best ways to clean and maintain baby teethers, with safety tips for every type. You'll also learn what to avoid, like harsh chemicals or high heat, and when to replace a teether for good.

Why Proper Teether Cleaning Matters

Babies explore the world with their mouths, and teethers spend a lot of time there. That means they pick up saliva, food particles, and germs from every drop and toss. If not cleaned regularly, teethers can harbor bacteria that may lead to oral thrush or stomach upsets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends washing teethers after each use and sanitizing them periodically.

Beyond germs, regular cleaning helps you spot wear and tear. Cracks, holes, or sticky spots can trap moisture and mold, which is a serious health risk. By making cleaning a habit, you're also doing a quick safety check every time.

• Clean teethers after every use, even if they just touched the floor.
• Use a dedicated brush for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
• Check for damage while washing—it's the perfect time.

Cleaning Methods by Teether Material

Silicone teethers are the most common and easiest to clean. They're heat-resistant and can go in the top rack of the dishwasher or be boiled for 2-3 minutes. For everyday cleaning, wash with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly. The Dr. Brown’s 100% Silicone Baby Bottle Dishwasher Bag is a handy tool here—it keeps small parts like teethers from getting tossed around and can hold awkward shapes.

Wooden teethers require gentler care. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately. Never soak or boil wood, as it can crack and harbor bacteria. Gel-filled teethers (often used for cooling) should never be boiled or put in the dishwasher—the heat can break the seal and leak gel. Wipe them with a soapy cloth instead.

For any teether, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers. These can damage the surface and leave residues that are unsafe for your baby.

• Silicone: dishwasher top rack or boil for 2-3 minutes.
• Wood: wipe with damp cloth, never soak.
• Gel-filled: wipe only, no heat.

Daily Maintenance and Storage

Keeping teethers clean is only half the battle. Proper storage prevents recontamination. After cleaning, let teethers air-dry completely on a clean surface or use a drying rack. Store them in a sealed container or a clean, dry place away from pets and shoes.

Also, consider your baby's teething needs. Some teethers have multiple textures to massage different areas of the mouth. For example, Dr. Brown's Teething Tubes – Bee & Snail are 100% silicone with hollow, collapsible tubes that are satisfyingly chewy and reach all areas of the mouth. Rotating between a couple of teethers ensures each one gets fully dry between uses.

• Air-dry teethers completely before storing.
• Use a clean, dry container for storage.
• Rotate teethers to extend their life and keep your baby engaged.

When to Replace a Teether

Teethers don't last forever. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear: cracks, tears, sticky spots, or discoloration. If a teether becomes sticky, it may be breaking down and should be replaced. Also, replace teethers that have been dropped on dirty surfaces and can't be properly sanitized, or that have been used for more than a few months.

Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Some teethers have a recommended lifespan printed on the packaging. When in doubt, throw it out—a new teether is a small price for your baby's safety.

• Replace at the first sign of damage or stickiness.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule.
• If you're unsure, err on the side of caution.

Step-by-Step Teether Cleaning Routine

1. Step 1: Rinse Immediately: Rinse the teether under warm running water to remove saliva and debris. Do this right after your baby finishes chewing. This prevents residue from drying on and makes deep cleaning easier.
2. Step 2: Wash with Mild Soap: Use a mild dish soap and a soft brush or cloth to clean all surfaces. For silicone teethers, you can also place them in a dishwasher bag like the Dr. Brown's Silicone Dishwasher Bag and run them on the top rack. Avoid using bleach or antibacterial soaps, which can leave harmful residues.
3. Step 3: Sanitize Periodically: For silicone teethers, boil for 2-3 minutes or use a steam sterilizer. For wooden or gel-filled teethers, skip this step and rely on soapy water. Over-sterilizing can damage some materials, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Step 4: Air-Dry Completely: Place the teether on a clean, dry surface or a drying rack. Ensure it's completely dry before storing to prevent mold growth. Moisture is the enemy—never store a damp teether.
5. Step 5: Inspect and Replace: Check for cracks, tears, or sticky spots. If you see any damage, replace the teether immediately. Regular inspection is your best safety net.

Teether Cleaning Tools and Accessories

• Dr. Brown’s 100 % Silicone Baby Bottle Dishwasher Bag with Adjustable Sizing for Small Parts, Bottle Nipples, Breast Pump Accessories and Pacifiers: The soft yet durable silicone lets you shape the bag how you need it, folding both vertically and horizontally to accommodate even those awkwardly shaped items. Simply fill it up, snap it shut, and toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher. This bag is perfect for cleaning silicone teethers in the dishwasher without them bouncing around. Its adjustable shape fits teethers of various sizes, making it a versatile tool for your cleaning routine.
• Dr. Brown's Milestones Wide-Neck Sippy Spout Bottle with Silicone Handles, 9 oz/270 mL: The soft silicone sippy spout is used in place of the nipple on the Dr. Brown’s bottle that’s already familiar to baby. Transition from bottle nipple to soft silicone sippy spout to teach baby new drinking skills using the bottle they love. While not a teether, this sippy spout bottle is part of the same feeding transition. Cleaning it properly ensures your baby moves from teething to independent drinking with safe, hygienic gear.

Cleaning and maintaining baby teethers doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can keep your baby's teethers safe, hygienic, and ready for action. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out and grab a fresh one. Your baby's health is worth the extra effort.