Sterilisers are not dishwashers. You cannot just place them in the machine and let it run for a few minutes. That will ruin your steriliser, because no matter how clean you think that machine is, theres still going to be bacteria left behind. The best way to keep it safe is by thoroughly washing all dishes before use with soap and water or bleach solution of 50% vinegar/50% water (1/2 cup per gallon), then using hot soapy water after each use as well as every time you put something new into the dishwasher - this minimises any possible bacterial growth on the walls of your sterilizer!