8 answers

Playtex Sippy Cups and Cleaning

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.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

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.

Featured Answers

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

More Answers

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

Some people use pip cleaners every time they wash them..

I used to use Denture cleaning tablets.. Follow the directions..

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

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.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

Next question: Mildew in Sippy Cups

Related Questions

Required Fields

Our records show that we already have a Mamapedia or Mamasource account created for you under the email address you entered.

Please enter your Mamapedia or Mamasource password to continue signing in.

Cancel Login
Forgot Password?
Required Fields

, you’re almost done...

Since this is the first time you are logging in to Mamapedia with Facebook Connect, please provide the following information so you can participate in the Mamapedia community.

As a member, you’ll receive optional email newsletters and community updates sent to you from Mamapedia, and your email address will never be shared with third parties.

By clicking "Continue to Mamapedia", I agree to the Mamapedia Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Cancel Login