Milton Sterilising Tablets -28 Tablets

What Are Milton Sterilising Tablets and How Do They Help?

When you have a newborn, keeping feeding equipment clean is one of those things you simply cannot cut corners on. Babies' immune systems are still developing, which means bacteria and viruses that adults shrug off can cause real harm to a young infant. Milton sterilising tablets offer a straightforward, no-fuss way to sterilise baby bottles, dummies, teats, and other feeding equipment using cold water — no electricity, no steam, no complicated setup required. Each pack contains 28 tablets, giving you a reliable supply at an accessible price point of just £2.69. You can browse our full range of baby and toddler essentials at Cured Pharmacy for everything else you might need alongside these tablets.

The NHS recommends sterilising all feeding equipment until your baby is at least 12 months old. That guidance exists because young babies are particularly vulnerable to infections such as gastroenteritis, which can cause dangerous dehydration. Cold water sterilisation using tablets like these has been a trusted method for decades, and it remains one of the most convenient options — especially when you are travelling or do not have access to a steam steriliser.

How Do Milton Sterilising Tablets Work?

The active ingredient in Milton sterilising tablets is sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) at 67 mg per tablet. When you dissolve a tablet in water, it releases hypochlorous acid — a form of chlorine that is highly effective at destroying the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This process is known as cold water chemical sterilisation, and it works without any heat at all.

• One tablet dissolves in 5 litres of cold tap water to create the sterilising solution.
• The solution reaches effective sterilisation levels within 15 minutes of immersion.
• Hypochlorous acid disrupts microbial cell membranes, killing pathogens on contact.
• The prepared solution remains active for up to 24 hours before it needs replacing.
• No rinsing is required — any trace solution left on equipment is safe at this dilution.

Who Should Use Milton Sterilising Tablets?

These tablets are designed primarily for parents and carers of babies under 12 months, though they have broader uses too. Anyone who needs a reliable, chemical-based sterilisation method without specialist equipment will find them useful. They are particularly well suited to:

• Parents sterilising baby bottles, teats, and dummies at home.
• Families travelling abroad where steam sterilisers are impractical.
• Breastfeeding mothers sterilising breast pump components.
• Carers who need to sterilise weaning equipment and spoons.

They are not intended for internal use and should never be swallowed. If you are unsure whether this method is right for your situation, your health visitor or pharmacist can advise.

How Do Milton Sterilising Tablets Compare to Other Sterilisation Methods?

How Should You Store Milton Sterilising Tablets?

Store your Milton sterilising tablets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed between uses, as exposure to humidity can degrade the tablets over time. Always check the expiry date on the pack before use — expired tablets may not provide adequate sterilisation. If you are also looking after your own health while caring for a baby, our vitamins and supplements range includes options that may support postnatal wellbeing.

Keep all tablets out of reach of children. The tablets themselves are not for consumption, and the concentrated form can cause irritation if handled directly. Always wash your hands after preparing the solution.

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 Are Milton Sterilising Tablets and What Are They Used For?

Milton sterilising tablets are cold water chemical sterilising tablets used to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on baby feeding equipment and other household items. Each tablet contains 67 mg of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) as the active ingredient. They are used by dissolving in water to create a sterilising solution in which items are submerged. The NHS advises that all feeding equipment — including bottles, teats, and dummies — should be sterilised until your baby is at least 12 months old, as young babies are at higher risk of infections such as gastroenteritis.

Beyond baby equipment, these tablets can also be used to sterilise surfaces, food preparation equipment, and items used during illness in the home. They are a general sale product available without a prescription.

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

Before using these tablets, there are some important points to be aware of. Do not use them if any of the following apply:

• You or anyone in your household has a known sensitivity or allergy to chlorine-releasing compounds.
• You intend to use the solution on metal items not specified as suitable — prolonged contact can cause corrosion.
• You plan to use the tablets in a way not described in the product instructions.
• The tablets are past their expiry date.

There are no known significant drug interactions at the recommended dilution, as this is an external-use sterilising product. However, note the following general warnings:

• Do not swallow tablets or the prepared solution.
• Avoid direct contact with eyes — if solution enters the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
• Do not mix with other cleaning products, particularly those containing ammonia or acids.
• Keep out of reach of children at all times.

How Should You Use Milton Sterilising Tablets?

Using these tablets correctly is straightforward, but following the steps in order matters. Proper cleaning before sterilisation is just as important as the sterilisation process itself — sterilising dirty equipment is not effective.

1. Wash all items thoroughly in hot soapy water and rinse well.
2. Fill a clean sterilising container with 5 litres of cold tap water.
3. Drop one tablet into the water and allow it to fully dissolve (approximately 1–2 minutes).
4. Fully submerge all items in the solution, 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 — no rinsing is required.
7. Replace the solution after 24 hours or if it becomes visibly contaminated.

If you are also managing other aspects of your baby's health, our first aid range includes essentials that every family home should have to hand.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Milton Sterilising Tablets?

At the recommended dilution, Milton sterilising tablets are considered safe for use around babies and adults. However, as with any chemical product, there are some potential effects to be aware of — particularly if the product is used incorrectly or in concentrated form.

Common effects (usually from direct contact with undiluted tablets or concentrated solution):

• Mild skin irritation or redness if undiluted solution contacts skin for prolonged periods.
• A faint chlorine odour from the prepared solution, which is normal and not harmful.

Less common effects:

• Eye irritation if solution splashes into the eyes.
• Mild respiratory irritation if used in a very poorly ventilated space in large quantities.
• Skin sensitisation in individuals with pre-existing chlorine sensitivity.

If the solution contacts eyes or skin, rinse thoroughly with clean water. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and contact NHS 111 or your nearest A&E.

How Should You Store Milton Sterilising Tablets?

Correct storage keeps the tablets effective for their full shelf life. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
• Always replace the lid tightly after use to prevent moisture ingress.
• Do not store near food, drinks, or medicines.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Dispose of unused solution responsibly — do not pour large quantities down drains unnecessarily.

For parents managing multiple aspects of infant care, you may also find our baby and toddler collection useful for stocking up on other essentials in one place.