What factors do you take into account when choosing a new cup for your baby or toddler? The colour - naturally. How easy it is for your little one to hold by themselves - hugely important. Whether it's easy to clean - of course.
But seriously - is it actually easy to clean? Does it allow you to thoroughly clean every single part, so you can prevent mould build-up?
We know that children's cups, bottles, lunchboxes and snack containers are in heavy daily rotation and need frequent cleaning. We're used to washing these items.
But every parent fears the 'mould trap'. It's usually a silicone part - the seal, spout or straw. Silicone is a wonderful, safe, durable material, but it can easily trap small food particles if it is not washed and dried properly.
Luckily, b.box products are designed to be easily disassembled and cleaned, reducing the risk of mould and unpleasant odours.
Why does mould form?
Mould develops when moisture and organic residues become trapped in hard-to-reach areas. Slightly damp corners, seals, spouts and straws make an ideal breeding ground for nasty microorganisms.
That’s why it is essential to:
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Completely disassemble the product after use, separating all the components
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Wash them with soapy water and a soft-bristled brush (or in the dishwasher), and rinse thoroughly
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Ensure they're completely dry before reassembling.
We also recommend storing your children’s hydration and feeding products in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
b.box: Problem solved
Every b.box item is designed to simplify parents’ lives. It's our whole design ethos as well as wanting our products to be child-friendly, we want maintenance to be as simple and practical as possible for parents, because we are parents.
Most of our products are dishwasher-safe (on the top rack please!) and can be safely placed in a steriliser.
When we develop new products, we put extensive research into materials. We choose materials certified to withstand high temperatures, such as silicone (up to 180°C), Tritan (up to 90°C), and PP (up to 100°C).
We also choose materials that are easy to disassemble and clean and put them together in a modular composition that allows worn components to be replaced, rather than replacing the whole item. It's more cost-effective and better for the environment.
For our sippy cup, for example, we provide a replacement silicone straw set - we know small children can chew through those things like no one's business.
How to clean b.box products
b.box products are designed for everyday use by kids, meaning they come into contact with food, drinks, and often messy little hands. Thorough cleaning helps keep accessories safe and ready to use while preserving the quality of the materials and their functionality over time.
Let’s look at how to handwash b.box products, and which ones can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Handwashing
To handwash b.box products, first disassemble all parts, such as spouts, straws, seals, handles, and dividers. We recommend using warm water and mild soap, avoiding aggressive or abrasive detergents, along with a soft-bristled brush.
After thoroughly rinsing each part, allow them to air dry before reassembling the product.
Dishwasher cleaning
For those b.box products marked 'dishwasher safe', we strongly recommend you place them on the top rack of the dishwasher. The heat is less intense and gentler on silicone parts.
Products that can be washed this way include lunch boxes and snack boxes, sippy cups, and insulated bottles. Extra care should be taken with metal parts or items with decorative prints, which may fade if regularly washed in the dishwasher.
Simple to clean by design
Just a few simple precautions are enough to prevent mould from forming on your b.box products. By design, we've made it as easy as possible to disassemble, thoroughly clean and reassemble our products, for your convenience and for the safety of your little ones.
b.box was established by two Aussie mums specifically to simplify their own lives and the lives of other parents. You can rely on us as trusted allies for your kids' feeding and hydration needs.
Need advice on cleaning a specific product? Get in touch today!