To use your Philips Avent microwave sterilizer, you will typically clean and prepare your baby items, add water to the sterilizer, load the items, secure the lid, and then place the sterilizer into the center of your microwave, following the specific wattage and timing instructions found in your appliance's instruction leaflet for effective sterilization.
Ensuring your baby's feeding equipment is thoroughly sterilized is crucial for their health and well-being. The Philips Avent microwave sterilizer offers a quick and efficient way to achieve this, using the power of steam to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Getting Started: Preparation is Key
Before you begin the sterilization process, proper preparation of your items is essential. This ensures that any milk residue or food particles are removed, allowing the steam to work effectively.
- Clean All Items Thoroughly: Wash all bottles, teats, caps, and other feeding accessories (e.g., breast pump parts, pacifiers) with warm soapy water immediately after each use. Use a bottle brush to reach all corners and ensure no milk residue remains. Rinse them well under running water.
- Disassemble Components: Separate all parts of bottles, teats, and other items. This allows the steam to reach all surfaces during sterilization.
Step-by-Step Sterilization Process
Once your items are clean and disassembled, you're ready to load and operate your Philips Avent microwave sterilizer.
- Add Water to the Base:
- Carefully measure the recommended amount of water (usually 200 ml / 7 fl oz) and pour it into the base of the sterilizer. Always refer to your specific model's instruction manual for the exact water quantity, as this is crucial for effective sterilization.
- Load the Sterilizer:
- Place the cleaned and disassembled items into the sterilizer tray.
- Ensure all bottle openings face downwards to allow steam to penetrate properly and water to drain.
- Arrange items loosely to allow steam to circulate freely around them.
- Secure the Lid:
- Place the lid firmly onto the sterilizer base. Ensure it is properly sealed to contain the steam during the microwave cycle. You should hear a 'click' sound if your model has a locking mechanism.
- Microwave Sterilization:
- Place the sterilizer into the center of your microwave. This ensures even exposure to microwave energy.
- Refer to the instruction leaflet for microwave wattage and timings. Sterilization times vary significantly based on your microwave's wattage.
- Typical examples (always verify with your manual):
- 2 minutes for 1100-1850W microwaves
- 4 minutes for 850-1000W microwaves
- 6 minutes for 500-800W microwaves
- Typical examples (always verify with your manual):
- Cooling Down:
- Once the microwave cycle is complete, carefully remove the sterilizer from the microwave using oven mitts or a heat-resistant cloth. Be extremely cautious, as the sterilizer and its contents will be very hot and filled with hot steam.
- Allow the sterilizer to cool down for at least 2 minutes (or as recommended in your manual) before opening. This allows items to cool and prevents steam burns.
- Safe Removal:
- Carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid residual steam.
- Use sterilized tongs (if available) or clean hands to remove the sterilized items. Avoid touching the inside surfaces of bottles and teats to maintain sterility.
- If items are not used immediately, they will remain sterile inside the unopened sterilizer for up to 24 hours.
Important Tips for Optimal Use
- Always Check Your Microwave Wattage: Knowing your microwave's wattage is vital for setting the correct sterilization time. This information is usually found on a sticker inside the microwave door, on the back of the appliance, or in your microwave's manual.
- Descaling: Over time, limescale can build up in the sterilizer base, especially in hard water areas. Regularly descale your sterilizer according to the Philips Avent manual (typically using a citric acid solution or white vinegar) to maintain efficiency and hygiene.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety. The steam is extremely hot, and improper handling can cause severe burns. Allow adequate cooling time before handling the sterilizer or its contents.
- Inspect Before Use: Before each use, quickly check the sterilizer for any cracks or damage. If damaged, do not use it.
By following these steps and consulting your specific Philips Avent microwave sterilizer's instruction leaflet, you can ensure your baby's feeding equipment is safely and effectively sterilized.
