Cleaning Out the Mesh Bag Food Holder

I just scrub and scrub until it all comes out. But, I do find it is easier if you clean it immediately after your child is done with the mesh feeder.

Mesh bags are really gross. I hated them. I used them a few times with both of my girls and stopped shortly after. If your looking for a good veggie teether use a big fat cold carrot. Cut up your babies veggies in very small pieces and let her pick them up.

Good Luck,
D.

I have had one of these for each of my 3 kids. I have noticed that it takes a bit to get it cleaned out. One way to do it is to boil it in a pan and it will help loosen up the food particles and it also disinfects it at the same time. Try that and I hope it works for you too.
R. M.

I took a clean, old toothbrush and put a little dish washing liquid on it ands scrubbed out the stuck bits of food (peaches are pretty tenacious too).

Soak overnight in vinegar and then wash as normal. The vinegar is acidic and dissolves the fruit or veggies.

Hey K.,
Great question... I don't think there is a better way to clean them out though. That is what happened to me and I tried to clean it and couldn't. I just threw it away. Now I just put ice cubes in them for teething and then throw it in the dishwasher.

Good luck. Let me know if you do find a way so that way with my next daughter coming I can try it. :)

Hi K.,

I put some hot water into a glass and soaked the mesh bag in it for a while, then used dish soap and more water and it needed some extra scraping, but it is worth it. I just love to watch my gr grand daughter who is 9 months also use it. So cute and responsible !! Feeding herself. C. N.

it's funny i think all moms want to know how to clean those things! i soak mine in a bowl of hot water then run them in the dishwasher and they're usually still dirty..so i try to clean them w/ my hands..and then run them thru again if i do more dishes later..i'll be curious if someone knows the secret to how to clean those things! hang on to them..my son is 22 months..hates bananas but will eat them in one of those.

I used the mesh bag with my first child, I recall banana's being messy as well but really, why put banana's in the mesh bag anyway? Mash it up and let her eat it with a spoon or her hands. I'd use the bag for teething more than anything and put frozen peas, grapes or ice in it. Otherwise, I think it is better used with foods she might otherwise choke on if not in the mesh bag. But to better answer your question, I'd rinse it completely as soon as she is done then soak it or put it in the dishwasher.

Honestly, I think they are more trouble than they are worth! I use to toss them and buy the replacement bags. I think they are meant for more solid/frozen foods.
Good luck

You cant. Its always going to be like that. bleach would be the only thing, BUT YOU CANT USE THAT!!!

I read all your other responses and just wanted to add that Melons are GREAT in those bags and they clean in the dishwasher. My kids love to eat watermelon in one. I tried bananas too... I spent a hour with a toothbrush... it was horrible, good luck

I made the same mistake with the old kind where the bag was attached to the ring, then I read the instructions. It said not to put banana in it as banana stains and the little strings dont come out well. So I bought the kind that you just drop in the little mesh bag, that way you only throw away the bag if it gets gross. But I have read that a toothbrush should do the trick.

Yuck!! Banana is the worst offender, I would stop feeding banana in that thing and just get a pack of replacement bags. Most other stuff washes out WAYYY better.

Is this a plastic item? Why would you want a child to chew on plastic? A convenience item? EH

I use the bottle brush - I squeeze it in the bag then let the sink water spray over it with the brush in there. That usually works - I'm sure you know this but... they sell extra bags if yours have gotten too dirty.

Bleach:-) Get an old cup, put bleach a tbsp or two of bleach and rest water, soak a little while, I soaked while we were eating dinner and rinse and wash with soap and water.
I use to use them all the time. When i have a lot to do I put them in a linen bag and washed then with my whites in the bleach cycle.

I put mine in the washing machine

You have to scrub them by hand. I use the nipple brush from the bottle scubber. The pouches are handy, but a bear to clean.

Kristen,

I should think that at 9 months old, you don't need the bag much, especially for bananas (check with your pediatrician to be certain). Small pieces of banana (1/2 slices) on her tray should be totally fine for her. I did mashed cubes of tofu, roasted sweet potato & 1/2 slices of banana for my daughter at that point. Perhaps use the bag to introduce other fruit/veggies that aren't as chewable, or for teething. . . bananas have a particularly bad habit of staining with those little strings that turn dark brown
cheers, a Mom from Altadena (my daughter is 3 1/2 now)

Did you get any tips on this? I am going nuts with these too!!??!! I throw out too many... I bought a multi-pack (Sassy brand) at Toys R Us I think? All I know to do is throw them out if they can't come clean?? ugh?

I would feed her the banana mashed directly, as usually these bags are meant for food that might typically choke them. Unfortunately, bananas tend to leave brown stains. When banana gets on clothing, it is almost impossible to get out. You might try soaking in diluted bleach and rinse very well. Good luck.

It is a general consensus with my mommy friends that banana and the mesh feeders do not mix. I had to scrub with a kitchen brush to get the banana out. Too much effort as far as I am concerned.