Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart
How to clean and sanitize breast pump parts
What does the evidence say about cleaning and sanitizing breast pump parts?
- Begin each session with hands washed for 20 seconds and an inspection of the kit. After pumping, separate the flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, and collection bottles that contact milk or the breast. Rinse away residue, then clean promptly with dishwashing soap and water or an approved dishwasher method. The device instructions determine which small or delicate pieces tolerate each method. 1
- Sanitizing follows cleaning; it does not remove the need to wash away milk. CDC lists steam, boiling for five minutes when the parts permit it, or an appropriate dishwasher cycle. A dishwasher using hot water and heated drying, or a sanitizing setting, removes the need for a separate sanitizing step. Never boil parts the manufacturer says cannot tolerate heat. 1
- Thorough air-drying matters before reassembly and storage. Set washed parts on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in a protected area. Do not rub or pat them dry with a towel. Clean and dry the dedicated wash basin and bottle brush too, and store the completely dry kit where it will not collect dirt or moisture. 1
- A clean pump is only one part of milk handling. Cap or seal collected milk, label it, and cool it promptly when it will not be used soon. CDC home storage guidance for healthy full-term infants is four hours at 77 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for fresh milk and four days in the refrigerator. Follow a neonatal care team plan for medically fragile infants. 2
A practical pump-cleaning sequence
| When | Action | Detail to check |
|---|---|---|
| Before pumping | Wash hands and inspect the kit | Look for soil, moisture, mold, or damaged parts. |
| After each session | Separate, rinse, and wash milk-contact pieces | Use the cleaning method approved for your model. |
| When sanitizing | Clean first, then use an allowed heat method | Daily sanitizing is especially important for higher-risk infants. |
| Before storing | Let all pieces air-dry completely | Keep the dry kit in a clean, protected place. |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sanitize after every pumping session?
Washing after every use remains the baseline. CDC recommends sanitizing at least daily for extra protection, especially for babies younger than two months, those born prematurely, or those with immune problems. For an older healthy baby, careful washing after every use may make daily sanitizing unnecessary.
Is the breast-pump fridge hack proven safe?
No studies establish rinsing or wiping and refrigerating used parts as a safe replacement for washing after every session. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth without stopping it. If cleaning access is difficult, discuss a realistic plan and consider bringing additional clean kits, particularly for a young or medically vulnerable baby.
Can I use cleaning wipes instead of soap and water?
Wipes can be convenient for some surfaces, but they do not replace washing milk-contact parts with dishwashing soap and warm water before reuse. Follow the pump instructions for any wipe product. A wiped flange can still carry milk residue in connectors, valves, or small seams.
Should I put pump parts directly in the kitchen sink?
Use the cleaning setup recommended by the manufacturer and keep milk-contact pieces away from contamination. A separate wash basin used for infant feeding equipment helps keep them off sink surfaces. Rinse and air-dry the basin and brush after use, and wash them regularly too.
Does breast-pump tubing need washing every day?
Tubing that does not contact milk during normal use does not need routine washing. If there are only water droplets, CDC describes running the pump briefly with tubing disconnected from the collection kit to dry it. Milk or mold inside the tubing means it should be discarded and replaced.
Can I dry parts with a clean dish towel?
Place parts on a clean, unused towel or paper towel and allow them to air-dry. Do not rub or pat them dry, because a towel can transfer germs to cleaned surfaces. Wait until the parts are fully dry before putting them into a sealed storage container.
Are antibacterial soaps better for washing pump parts?
CDC recommends soap intended for washing dishes and advises against antibacterial soap for this use. Use the correct soap for handwashing dishes or for your dishwasher, then rinse thoroughly. Stronger-smelling or antibacterial products do not establish that milk-contact equipment is cleaner or safer.
How do I clean fragile valves without damaging them?
Check the exact pump instructions before scrubbing, steaming, or boiling. Some pieces can be brushed, while others need a gentler method or placement in a closed dishwasher basket. Replace cracked or worn parts. Damaging a valve during cleaning can interfere with the pump even when the rest of the kit looks intact.
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References
How to Clean and Sanitize Breast Pumps
CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/about-breast-pump-hygiene.html
Breast Milk Storage and Preparation
CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breast-milk-preparation-and-storage/handling-breastmilk.html
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.