I was just wondering if anyone uses the full-size Playtex Sippy Cups and noticed a black residue in the plastic valve and lid. I put the lid in the dishwasher but I still noticed it. I used Q-tips to clean this residue and it's still there. Any ideas? Thanks.
Thanks everyone for the advice. Yes, I always take out the valve but I guess mold is building up. I am not sure if I want to boil the sippy cups as someone told me not to because they might melt. I may consider the bleach but I am a little leery of using bleach. I guess I could use the bleach and then throw them in the dishwasher.
BTW: Using a pipecleaner was a great new idea that I didn't think of! I've tried Q-tips and toothpicks too.
I find that I only get the black residue when I put the valves in the dishwasher. When I wash them by hand (just rub in my hand with liquid detergent and warm water) there is no residue.
When I do see the black stuff I use rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.
Some people use pip cleaners every time they wash them..
I used to use Denture cleaning tablets.. Follow the directions..
I would throw it out if there's black stuff...yikes! Air drying also helps to keep them clean too. I wash mine both by hand and in diswasher and I make sure not to put the lids back on when I put them in the cupboard.
Use a tiny bottle brush for nipples. They usually come in a package with several sizes of brushes. This is mold and shouldn't be ignored.
Have had this problem with every kind of sippy & straw type of cup. Best thing to do is daily soaking & cleaning. Mostly soak in hot soapy dishwater, overnight if it's really bad. You can also soak in Vinegar overnight, then wash in hot soapy water. Pipecleaners are a must, & the only thing small enough to get all the tiny crevices in the valves & caps. Great on the stralw type cups too.
I put them in bleach water for a while and use friction to get it out then wash again. A bottle brush with the small side will help too.
I've gotten that too! I just bought new ones. The sippy cup lids and valves need to be cleaned VERY regularly and try boiling them once a week to prevent any build up.
Are you taking the valve out to clean it? It might be mold and in that case, I'd just throw it away. If you get new ones, make sure to take the valve out before washing them. You can buy a basket that sits on the top shelf of your dishwasher to put the valves and the lids in. If you're hand washing, rinse immediately after use, soak in bleach water (very diluted) and boil at least once a week.
