Milton Sterilising Fluid - 1L

What Is Milton Sterilising Fluid and How Does It Help?

When you have a newborn at home, keeping feeding equipment clean isn't just about hygiene — it's about protecting a tiny immune system that hasn't yet built up its defences. Milton sterilising fluid has been trusted by parents in the UK for decades as a straightforward, no-fuss way to sterilise baby bottles, teats, dummies, and other feeding accessories. Available here at Cured Pharmacy for just £5.99, the 1-litre bottle offers excellent value and is simple enough to use even on the most sleep-deprived of nights. You'll find it listed under our Baby and Toddler range alongside other essentials for your little one.

The NHS advises that all feeding equipment should be sterilised until your baby is at least 12 months old, because young infants are particularly vulnerable to infections caused by bacteria and viruses that can survive on surfaces. Milton's cold-water method means there's no need for a microwave or steam steriliser — just water, the solution, and a suitable container.

How Does Milton Sterilising Fluid Work to Kill Germs?

The active ingredient in Milton Sterilising Fluid is sodium hypochlorite (2% w/v), combined with sodium chloride. Sodium hypochlorite is a well-established antimicrobial agent that works by disrupting the structural integrity of microbial cell membranes, effectively destroying bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact. Here's how the sterilisation process works:

• Sodium hypochlorite releases hypochlorous acid when dissolved in water, which penetrates microbial cell walls.
• It oxidises essential proteins and enzymes within the microorganism, preventing it from functioning or reproducing.
• At the recommended dilution, it achieves broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity — including against E. coli, Salmonella, and common viruses.
• Full sterilisation is achieved within 15 minutes of complete submersion.

Because it works in cold water, there's no heat involved — which means no warping of plastic items and no waiting for equipment to cool down before use.

Who Should Use Milton Sterilising Fluid?

This product is primarily designed for parents and carers of babies under 12 months, but it has a broader range of uses too. It's particularly useful for anyone who needs reliable, chemical-based sterilisation without specialist equipment. It's suitable for:

• Parents sterilising baby bottles, teats, breast pump parts, and dummies.
• Carers in nursery or childminding settings where multiple items need sterilising regularly.
• Travellers who need a portable sterilising method — no electricity required, making it ideal for holidays abroad.
• Anyone needing to sterilise food preparation equipment in situations where boiling isn't practical.

It is not suitable for use on skin, as a wound cleanser, or for internal use. Always keep it out of reach of children.

How Does Milton Sterilising Fluid Compare to Steam Sterilising?

Is Milton Sterilising Fluid Safe to Store at Home?

Yes — provided you follow a few straightforward storage guidelines. Keep the bottle tightly closed, stored below 25°C, and away from direct sunlight. Don't transfer the solution into unlabelled containers, and always keep it out of reach of children. The 1-litre bottle is compact enough to store in a kitchen cupboard without taking up much space. If you're heading abroad and want to pack it in your luggage, it's worth checking airline liquid restrictions beforehand — it may be easier to purchase on arrival or use Milton Sterilising Tablets as an alternative for travel. For other travel health essentials, browse our Travel collection.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Milton Sterilising Fluid and What Is It Used For?

Milton Sterilising Fluid is a cold-water sterilising solution containing sodium hypochlorite 2% w/v and sodium chloride. It is used to sterilise baby feeding equipment — including bottles, teats, dummies, and breast pump components — as well as food preparation utensils and other items that require thorough disinfection. The NHS recommends sterilising all feeding equipment until your baby is at least 12 months old, as infants are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria and viruses that can persist on surfaces even after washing.

Milton Sterilising Fluid is for external use only — specifically for immersion sterilisation of objects. It must never be swallowed, applied to skin as a treatment, or used as a wound cleanser.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Milton Sterilising Fluid?

Before using this product, read the following warnings carefully:

• Do not use on skin, wounds, or mucous membranes.
• Do not swallow — if ingested accidentally, seek immediate medical advice or contact NHS 111.
• Avoid contact with eyes; if splashed, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
• Do not use undiluted — always dilute as directed before use.
• Not suitable for sterilising metal items, as sodium hypochlorite can cause corrosion.
• Keep out of reach of children at all times.
• Do not mix with other cleaning products, particularly those containing ammonia or acids, as this can release toxic chlorine gas.
• Individuals with known hypersensitivity to sodium hypochlorite or chlorine-based compounds should avoid handling this product.

Drug interactions: This product is not taken internally, so systemic drug interactions are not applicable. However:

• Do not mix with acidic cleaners (e.g. vinegar-based products) — this releases chlorine gas.
• Do not combine with ammonia-based products.
• Do not use alongside other disinfectants in the same sterilising solution.

How Should You Use Milton Sterilising Fluid?

Always wash all items thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse well before sterilising. Then follow these steps:

1. Fill a clean sterilising container with 4.5 litres of cold tap water.
2. Add one 30ml capful (one measure using the bottle cap) of Milton Sterilising Fluid.
3. Stir gently to mix the solution evenly.
4. Fully submerge all items to be sterilised, ensuring there are no air bubbles trapped inside bottles or teats.
5. Leave items submerged for a minimum of 15 minutes.
6. Remove items and use immediately, or shake off excess solution — rinsing is not required but you may rinse with cooled boiled water if preferred.
7. Discard the solution after 24 hours and prepare a fresh batch.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Milton Sterilising Fluid?

When used correctly as a sterilising solution for objects, Milton Sterilising Fluid does not cause systemic side effects. However, accidental misuse or exposure can lead to the following:

Common effects from accidental exposure:

• Skin irritation or redness if undiluted solution contacts skin for a prolonged period.
• Mild eye irritation if splashed — rinse immediately with water for at least 10 minutes.
• Bleaching of fabrics or surfaces if spilled.

Less common or serious effects:

• If swallowed — nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and potential chemical burns to the mouth and throat. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Inhalation of fumes from undiluted solution in a poorly ventilated space may cause respiratory irritation.
• Allergic reaction (rare) — symptoms may include rash, itching, or breathing difficulty. If this occurs, seek medical help promptly.

If you're looking for products to soothe minor skin irritation caused by accidental contact, our Creams and Ointments collection may be helpful.

How Should You Store Milton Sterilising Fluid?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness of the solution and keeps your household safe. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Store in the original container — never decant into unlabelled bottles.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children at all times.
• Do not store near food, drink, or animal feed.
• Check the expiry date on the bottle before use — do not use after the stated date.
• Once the sterilising solution is made up (diluted), discard after 24 hours.

For parents who are also managing other aspects of infant health, our First Aid collection includes a range of products useful for families with young children.