I'm a Lactation Consultant and Mother - Here's How I Clean My Breast Pump Supplies

Breastfeeding and pumping is an incredible way to nourish and bond with your baby, but the added clean up of washing pumping parts can be overwhelming. 

“As a mom, I understand the overwhelming toll breastfeeding and pumping can have on your body,” says lactation consultant, Susan Ludwig. “If you’re breastfeeding, there’s no cleanup. If you’re pumping, it requires an added layer of effort to clean all of your supplies, but it’s still worth it, if you can manage.” 

Bacteria and other germs may grow quickly in breast milk that sits out. Anything that’s in contact with breast milk during pumping or feeding must be cleaned.

Babies’ immune systems aren’t well developed, so they’re more susceptible to illness if supplies aren’t properly washed.

How to Clean Your Breast Pump

“While I wish there was a simple, quick-fix way to wash everything, you need to be thorough in your cleaning,” says Susan. 

Here are some tips to remember for cleanliness:

1. Clean hands & surfaces. Always touch your breast pump with clean hands, to minimize the spread of germs. Assemble the parts on a clean surface before each use.

a. Only hospital-grade breast pumps may be used by several people. If you’re using a shared pump, clean the controls with disinfectant before each use.

2. Wipe down the machine. After pumping, wipe down any machine parts that came in contact with milk. 

a. Never wash the electrical base with soap and water or submerge it in water. To do more than wipe down the exterior, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Follow the instructions. Disassemble and clean individual parts according to the manufacturer’s directions.

a. Any part that has come into contact with your breast or breast milk should be cleaned. This includes breast flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, milk collection bottles and more.

4. Replace tubing if needed. Your breast pump’s tubing shouldn’t need to be cleaned, because it shouldn’t touch milk. If tube valves malfunction and mold develops, replace with a spare set of tubing.

Check your user manual for cleaning instructions for your breast pump. 

“Your pump supplies shouldn’t be washed alongside regular dishes – your baby gets extra special care, and so should your pump parts,” says Susan. Keep in mind:

• Use a separate basin & brush. 

• Don’t put breast pump parts in the sink, where they may be cross-contaminated
• Place pump parts in a special basin that’s solely for this purpose
• Buy a scrub brush exclusively for pump parts; don’t use your kitchen scrub brush

• Use hot water and dishwashing soap.
  • Use liquid dishwashing soap to thoroughly clean each part in warm water
  • Run hot water over each part to rinse off the soap
  • If your manufacturer allows it, consider cleaning pump parts in the dishwasher

• Air dry, don’t use a towel. 

• Place cleaned parts on a clean drying rack or on paper towels
• Allow the parts to air dry; don’t dry them with your kitchen towel
• Pro tip: If possible, purchase a second set of flanges and pump parts. If you are exclusively pumping, your pump parts may not be dry in time for your next pump – if you have a second set, one should always be clean, dry and ready

• Sanitize.
  • Some people sanitize their pump parts for good measure, by steaming or boiling. Only do this if the manufacturer allows it, and follow their instructions

• Store in a clean, covered container.
  • Reassemble the parts once they’ve dried, without touching their inner surfaces
  • Store everything in a clean, protected space (like a plastic bin with a lid)

• Don’t forget to clean your other tools.
  • Clean the special pump basin, scrub brush and drying rack after each use
    
    

“If you’re breastfeeding and pumping, or exclusively pumping, being the sole supplier of your baby’s nourishment is hard, so give yourself some grace. Ask for help – whether it’s your partner, another family member or a friend who’s come by to help out, ask them to help wash your supplies and take a well-needed break,” shares Susan. 

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Susan Ludwig MSN, RNC, IBCLC
• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. 
• Learn more about our breastfeeding and lactation support services.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.