7 Best Bottle Brushes of 2023

Mother cleaning baby milk bottles with bottle brush.

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  • A bottle brush comes in handy no matter the stage of parenting. 
  • Every bottle and nipple brush has its own set of advantages. 
  • A brush head with a sponge needs to be replaced every month. 
  • There are several factors to consider before choosing a bottle brush.

Admittedly, baby bottle brushes weren’t at the top of my baby registry. They were highly overrated in my book. That is until I found that bottle. You know, the one that’s been rolling around on the car floor, forgotten and growing who knows what inside. It was then that I realized bottle brushes would be part of my everyday baby gear!

Even when it comes to everyday use, they’re great for getting those stubborn dried milk stains out or for giving your toddler’s sippy cups a more detailed clean. Whichever stage of parenting you’re in, a good bottle brush will likely come in handy. 

Luckily, you don’t have to fuss with the research on which baby bottle brush is best. We’ve done the work for you! Take a look at the 7 best bottle brushes of 2023 that are sure to leave your baby bottles clean as ever!

Best Choice
OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand - Gray
Best in Value
Munchkin® Sponge™ Bottle Brush, 2 Pack, Green
Best in Travel
MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit, Baby Bottle Brush Set with Silicone, Bottle Cleaner Brush and Drying Rack for Travel and Family Visits, Gift for New Moms (Pink)
OXO Tot Bottle Brush
Munchkin Sponge Bottle Brush
MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit
$9.99
$7.44
$19.80
Best Choice
OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand - Gray
OXO Tot Bottle Brush
$9.99
Best in Value
Munchkin® Sponge™ Bottle Brush, 2 Pack, Green
Munchkin Sponge Bottle Brush
$7.44
Best in Travel
MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit, Baby Bottle Brush Set with Silicone, Bottle Cleaner Brush and Drying Rack for Travel and Family Visits, Gift for New Moms (Pink)
MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit
$19.80

Our Choice: OXO Tot Bottle Brush

Oxo brush collage.
OXO Tot Bottle Brush
  • Brush fits easily in stand for convenient, upright storage
  • Stand keeps countertops dry, has a pour spout and comes apart for easy cleaning
  • Combines soft bristles for gentle cleaning and firm ones for serious scrubbing
  • Soft, non-slip handle provides a firm grip, even when wet
Pros
Cons
  • Comes with a storage stand
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Non-slip grip handle
  • Flexible neck to reach inside
  • Detail cleaner for tight spots
  • BPA, phthalate, and PVC free
  • Stand doesn’t suction down
  • Bristles warp over time

A strong and powerful bottle-cleaning tool, the OXO Tot Bottle Brush will undoubtedly get the job done. With a flexible neck that’s able to maneuver through all those nooks and crannies of any bottle, you won’t miss a spot. The detailed cleaner attachment acts as a nipple brush and cleaner for pump accessories and the like, reaching the unreachable! 

It’s also dishwasher safe, so you can toss it in and pull it out knowing it’s safe and clean for future use. The storage stand it comes with also makes it simple to quickly grab, while the removable drain pan on the bottom ensures no mold growth. The handle, made with a non-slip material, makes it comfortable to hold and easy to control.

You won’t find many complaints about this bottle brush, but previous purchasers have mentioned a few consistent concerns. For one, the stand doesn’t have suctioning power on the bottom, so it tends to scoot around. Also, over time the bristles are known to warp, making for less consistent cleaning results. 

Handle Material: Plastic | Dimensions: ‎4.25″L x 3.05″W x 14.55″H
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Best Value Brush: Munchkin Sponge Bottle Brush

Munchkin brush collage.
Munchkin Sponge Bottle Brush
  • Includes (2) BPA-free bottle brushes that stand upright and off of counters
  • Durable nylon bristles are scratch-free, yet soft.Ideal for standard and angled bottles
  • Soft rubber nipple brush is gentle on small parts
  • Top rack dishwasher safe
Pros
Cons
  • Comes in a 2 pack
  • Bristle and sponge combo
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Built-in stand
  • Compact design
  • Small nipple cleaner
  • Replace every 30-45 days
  • Sponge can breed bacteria
  • Short handle
  • Less sturdy than others

A close second, the Munchkin Sponge Bottle Brush is well-loved by reviewers for its bristle and sponge tip combination that keeps the brush sudsy. A compact design that’s effortless to hold, you can set it right down on its built-in stand when it’s not in use. Sold in a two-pack, it’s a great value for quality brushes compared to other multipacks. 

While the bristle and sponge tip combo has its merit, it’s also the reason for more frequent replacement. Sponges have a tendency to harbor bacteria no matter how clean you keep them, so the replacement cost is something to consider. Some customers have also said the handle is too short to reach the base of certain bottles.  

Handle Material: Plastic, Rubber | Dimensions: ‎6″L x 2.5″W x 11.75″H
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Best Silicone Brush: Dr. Brown’s Soft Touch No Scratch Brush

Dr. Brown’s Soft Touch No Scratch Brush
  • BABY BOTTLE CLEANING BRUSH. Durable yet soft synthetic rubber bristles effectively clean baby bottles, cups, breast pump parts, and more without scratching.
  • NO SLIP HANDLE. The long handle is perfectly sized for an easy grip, the grooved no-slip handle prevents the cleaning brush from sliding out of your hand.
  • BABY BOTTLE NIPPLE CLEANER. The specially designed ridged nipple cleaner at the base makes it easy to reach into small spaces for a complete clean.
  • STANDING BOTTLE BRUSH. Suction cup base keeps brush upright and nearby for hygienic sink-side storage.
Pros
Cons
  • Soft, scratch-free bristles
  • Suction cup base
  • Side sink storage option
  • BPA free
  • Chevron groove nipple cleaner
  • Doesn’t get sudsy
  • Misses spots when cleaning
  • Non-flexible neck
  • Bristles break off the top

If you’re looking to avoid sponges and hard bristles altogether, Dr. Brown’s Soft Touch No Scratch Brush is your best bet. Made with flexible silicone bristles, the Dr. Brown’s bottle brush is the perfect soft brush that won’t scratch bottles. With a suction cup base, it can be used on the counter or suctioned inside of the sink for vertical brush storage. 

The primary issue users have with this Dr. Brown’s bottle brush all silicone brush is its lack of lathering ability. The brush doesn’t get sudsy, and reviewers feel like because of this, it misses spots in the cleaning process. Some of the bristles are also known to break off of the top of what users say is a rather inflexible neck.

Handle Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 2″L x 2″W x 10.5″H
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Best Slender Brush: Haakaa Silicone Cleaning Brush Kit

Haakaa Silicone Cleaning Brush Kit
  • Haakaa Silicone Cleaning Brush Kit – Soft and flexible silicone bristle clean and care for your baby and maternity gear! 3 perfectly-sized brushes to scrub all your essentials efficiently, leaving them safe and hygienic.
  • 360°Overall Cleaning – 3 different brushes with 4 sizes of brush heads to reach every corner of the products you want to clean and satisfy your cleaning needs.
  • Multipurpose Brush – Four Different Sizes of Brush Heads: ①Bottle Brush Head – perfectly-sized for scrubbing your baby bottles, breast pumps, and breastmilk storage bags. ②Angled Brush Head with an angled tip – reaches corners of your breast milk collectors, bottle teats and more. ③Two different sized Silicone Tube Brushes with soft silicone edges – clean the inside of narrow openings, such as colostrum collectors and reusable straws.
  • Safe to Use: Made of durable food grade silicone and high-quality stainless steel. BPA, PVC and phthalate-free. Easy-grip non-slip handles can be hung up for convenient storage.
Pros
Cons
  • Slender brush head
  • Sturdy, stainless steel handle
  • 2 separate, small brush heads
  • Food grade silicone
  • Stays clean and bacteria free
  • BPA, PVC, and phthalate free
  • May leave a film behind
  • No soft-grip
  • Slippery handle
  • Bristles break off with regular use

A slender brush that’s sure to fit narrow-mouth baby bottles, the Haakaa Silicone Cleaning Brush Kit will work with a multitude of bottle brands. The heavy-duty stainless steel handle comes with smaller brush heads for the crevices. You can also rest assured it’s safe as it’s made with food-grade silicone and no BPA, PVC, or phthalates. 

Unfortunately, it’s said to leave a film behind on the bottle after washing. Many users weren’t a fan of the handle in particular either. The stainless steel made it slippery and hard on the hands when used at any length. Bristles were also reported to fall off within the first year of use. 

Handle Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 1.7″L x 1.7″W x 10.5″H
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Best Travel Brush: MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit

MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit
  • 6 IN 1 BABY BOTTLE CLEANING SET – Upgraded travel baby bottle brush kit includes a 9.8″ baby bottle brush with an extendable wand, a 5.5″ nipple brush, a 5.1″straw brush, a 5.9″baby bottle drying rack, a 1.7oz baby bottle soap dispenser and a container case/bottle warmer. Meet your cleaning needs for different baby accessories.
  • EXTENDABLE BABY BOTTLE CLEANER BRUSH – The 9.8″baby bottle brush with liquid silicone bristles and an extendable handle can easily reach the bottom to clean milk residue. This baby bottle brush for cleaning could be disassembled into two parts in the container case for space-saving, easy access, and storage.
  • BUILT-IN DRYING RACK – The magnetic cover top of the baby bottle brush cleaner kit can be used as a bottle drying rack which has four branches. It can be used for air drying bottles, nipples, sippy cup lids, breast pump parts and mugs etc. Ideal for working mom to drying pumping parts & pack in pump bag on the go.
  • SAFE & DURABLE MATERIAL – This baby bottle brush cleaner is made of high-quality food-grade ABS and liquid silicone that won’t scratch bottles, without BPA. The whole set is dishwasher safe, the brushes heads are suitable for boiling, but the brush wands are not suitable for boiling.The bristles are less sticky and do not collect dirt like spongs and nylon brushes,allowing mom to use more peace of mind.
Pros
Cons
  • 6-in-1 all-inclusive set
  • Extendable handle
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Separate nipple cleaner
  • Portable brushes and case
  • Wobbly handle
  • Attachments are hard to clip in

Trips with baby have never been easier with the MeryStar Travel Bottle Cleaner Kit. Three brush heads, a magnetic drying rack, and a soap dispenser can all be found in the organizer case making for ultimate portability you can toss right into your diaper bag. 

Its extendable handled brush makes it ideal for cleaning, and you can put the entire 6-piece set in the dishwasher. Though its convenience is hard to beat, these baby bottle brushes do have their downfalls. 

Since the handle clips into each attachment, it’s not the most solid brush handle on the market. The clip can also be hard to manage, not always keeping its attachments in place. 

Handle Material: Silicone, Abs | Dimensions: 3.15″L x 2.76″W x 6.18″H
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Best Brush Set: Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set

Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set
  • Keep it Clean: This baby brush set is the ideal drying rack companion and is perfect for cleaning baby accessories like baby bottles, sippy cups, and pump parts
  • Cute Baby Bottle Cleaner Set: The Boon Cacti brush set pack includes a bottle brush, straw brush, nipple brush, and a detail brush to clean baby feeding essentials in one go
  • Built to Last: The bristles on each brush in this bottle cleaner brush set are made out of durable nylon which is great for thorough cleaning and getting the goop out of bottles
  • Easy Brush Storage: The included vase keeps each of the Boon Cacti bottle brushes contained and catches drips inside for quick and easy cleaning and emptying of excess water
Pros
Cons
  • Durable nylon bristles
  • Countertop organizer vase
  • Several styles and designs
  • No BPA or PVC
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Big brush wears down quickly
  • Nylon bristles can be stiff
  • Uncomfortable handle grip

A fun brush set with no shortage of brush options, the Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set gets the job done in style. Manufactured with nylon bristles, the brushes are ultra-durable. This set gets high praise for its aesthetics, not creating an eyesore by your sink. Coming in several designs, there’s a set for everyone’s style. 

While the nylon bristles clean well, some say they’re too stiff, and the main brush wears down pretty fast. The purely plastic handle is also reported to become uncomfortable when you’re using it for a while.  

Handle Material: Polypropylene | Dimensions: 1.22″L x 1.22″W x 10.81″H
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Best Combo Brush: Nuk Triple Action Baby Bottle Brush

Nuk Triple Action Baby Bottle Brush
  • Unique combination of 3 powerful cleaning materials: bristles, sponge and scrubber for a more thorough and effective cleaning than bristles alone.
  • Scrubber effective removes dried up milk and formula. Angle bristles on top and bottom easily reach all bottle corners.
  • Nipple brush effectively cleans nipples and other small parts and conveniently stores inside handle.
  • Non-slip comfortable handle features a built-in stand so bottle brush stands upright on your countertop
Pros
Cons
  • Bristle and sponge combo
  • Angled bristles
  • Non-slip handle
  • Fits narrow bottles
  • Built-in nipple brush
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Side sponges warp
  • Nipple brush is rough
  • Nipple brush retains water

A truly unique design, the Nuk Triple Action Baby Bottle Brush integrates both sponges and bristles on all sides for a thorough cleaning. Angled bristles on the main brush ensure no spot is left untouched, while the built-in nipple brush cleans those hard-to-reach places. Leave it on its built-in stand or toss it in the dishwasher for cleaning. 

Even though the side sponges are a highlight of the brush, they’re said to warp fast. The main complaint, though, is the nipple brush. Reviewers say the plastic is too rough for a nipple cleaner and that it also retains water which becomes a home base for bacteria. 

Handle Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 1″L x 1″W x 1″H
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How Often Should You Replace a Baby Bottle Brush?

Even the best baby bottle brush will need replacing after some time. How often will depend on which type of baby bottle brush you’ve chosen. For instance, a bottle brush with both bristles and a sponge should be replaced every 30 to 45 days. 

Sponges are the main culprit here because they are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Silicone brushes and nylon bristle bottle brushes don’t have this problem quite as much. You can get away with using them a lot longer, but once the bristles start to fall off or deteriorate, it’s time to throw them out. 

Both oxo and munchkin brushes

What to Look for When Buying a Baby Bottle Brush

Nothing’s worse than making a purchase only to find it doesn’t fit your needs. Before selecting your bottle brush, consider these factors to be sure you’ve got the one that’ll work best for you.

  • Bottle size: You may have found the best bottle for a breastfed baby or the perfect travel bottle for your formula feeder but finding a bottle brush to fit it is another story. Bottle size matters when you pick a bottle brush simply because the mouth of each bottle is different. A wide mouth bottle like the Philips Avent baby bottle might fit every brush head, but the same can’t be said for narrow bottles like Dr. Brown’s.
  • Brush length: The same concept applies to the brush length of your bottle brush. Each brush handle will come in different lengths. If you’re cleaning a smaller bottle with a 4 oz capacity, it won’t matter as much. When you’re cleaning taller bottles with double the capacity, though, a bottle brush with a shorter handle may not reach the base of the bottle. 
  • Bristle type: When you’re looking for the best brush for you, you need to take into consideration the bristle type. Nylon or silicone bristles, a combination of bristles and a sponge—whichever you choose, each has its own pros and cons. Namely, how often they’ll need replacing and how soon you’ll see wear and tear. 
  • Nipple cleaner: Baby bottle nipples might be the hardest part of the bottle to clean. Even so, not every bottle brush comes with a nipple cleaner brush. If you’re having trouble cleaning the nipples with precision, be sure you select a bottle and nipple brush combo. 

FAQs

How can you sterilize a baby bottle brush?

First, let’s clear up some terms that often get misinterpreted. Cleaning is when you remove surface dirt, whereas sterilizing kills the microorganisms. As it relates to the bottle brush, you can clean it by running it through the dishwasher or rinsing it with hot water and soap. A gentle cleaning with normal dish soap will do the trick. 

Sterilizing can be done through diluted bleach or boiling, though the latter is much preferred when you’re dealing with delicate baby items. You’ll find that many products aren’t able to be boiled, but most of the silicone brush heads will be. Always check the manufacturer’s directions on your specific bottle brush before cleaning or sterilizing. 

How many baby bottle brushes do you need?

You really only need one bottle brush. The handle and nipple cleaner are usually made of strong plastic or stainless steel, so those parts are reliable. It’s the bottle brush heads you’ll want more than one of. As mentioned, certain bottle brush heads need replacing monthly, so having some on hand is convenient when they start to deteriorate.

Best Bottle Brushes


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