How to Clean Your Breast Pump
Between your bottles and breast pump, you probably already have a cleaning routine. While that is wonderful, it's good to be mindful of some small details when cleaning a breast pump that can help keep both you and your little one safe.
Breastfeeding is one of the best ways to provide your little one with all the nutrients they need. As healthy as breast milk is, exposure to the wrong bacteria, even just once, can cause your baby to become ill. If not carefully cleaned after each use, the build-up of breast milk can cause mold, which is similar to mold found in bottles that aren’t cleaned properly. While some pumps are dishwasher safe, we find it best to wash your breast pump parts by hand. This guide will walk you through how to clean your breast pump after every use.
Parts of the breast pump (these may vary depending on which pump you have):
• Breast pump
• Breast shields
• Valves and Membranes
• Tubing
• Milk Collection Bottles
• Connectors
• Back Flow protectors.
1. Immediately after pumping, place your bottles of freshly pumped milk in a refrigerator or cooler.
2. Disassemble the pump.
3. If you are not washing your pump parts and bottles in a dishwasher, you can wash them in the sink, but it is best to do so in a washbasin used only for your breast pump parts, ensuring that no parts touch the actual sink. (Think about it like this: anything that touches a part of your breast pump can enter your little one's system).
4. Begin by rinsing all detachable pieces – shields, valves, membranes, excess bottles - in cool water.
5. Fill the washbasin with warm water and dishwashing liquid, such as Dawn or Gain, and let parts soak for five minutes.
6. Using a clean dishcloth each time, wash each piece individually.
7. After thoroughly washing, rinse each piece of your breast pump with hot water.
8. To dry, use either a paper towel or lay parts on a towel or drying rack to air dry. We recommend staying away from cloth towels as they can carry extra bacteria.
9. Pro tip: If you have time to wait for all the parts to dry, we also recommend reassembling the pump after it is dry, being careful not to touch any parts that come into contact with your breast or milk.
It is not necessary to wash the tubes from your pump. If you find that small liquid particles are in the tubes after you pump, turn the pump on until the particles work themselves out. ALWAYS wipe down the actual pump after use. NEVER submerge the pump in water.
These are universal tips for cleaning your breast pump, but you should remember to consult your breast pump manual first for any specifics. If by any chance you damage any piece of your pump in the process of washing or using, additional pieces can be purchased in most cases. Remember to give yourself grace with learning to breastfeed. If you've made some of the common mistakes cleaning your pump in the past, don't beat yourself up. No mom knows it all, but the best moms adapt and allow themselves space to grow. For more information on tips and tricks for breastfeeding mamas, read check out our Breastfeeding Info in our Resources section.