How Do You Clean Breast Pump Parts?

Keeping your breast pump clean is essential for your baby's safety and your pump’s performance. Proper cleaning prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and milk residue buildup, ensuring that every pumping session remains safe and hygienic. Whether you’re a first-time mom or an experienced pumper, understanding the correct cleaning routine can help you maintain your breast pump’s longevity and efficiency.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how often to clean your breast pump parts, the best cleaning methods, common mistakes to avoid, and alternative solutions for busy moms.

How Often Should You Clean Breast Pump Parts?

After Every Use

All parts of your breast pump that come into contact with breast milk—such as breast shields, valves, connectors, and bottles—should be cleaned after every pumping session. Milk residue left on pump parts can harbor bacteria, which may contaminate your baby’s milk.

Why Immediate Cleaning Matters

• Prevents milk from drying and sticking to pump parts, making it harder to clean later.
  
• Reduces the risk of bacterial growth, keeping your baby’s milk safe.
  
• Helps maintain the pump’s suction efficiency over time.
  

Daily Deep Cleaning

While regular washing after each use is necessary, a thorough deep cleaning should be done at least once a day. This step ensures all lingering bacteria are eliminated and is especially important for newborns, preemies, or babies with weaker immune systems.

When to Replace Parts

Over time, some breast pump components wear out, reducing efficiency and hygiene. Regularly inspect your pump parts and replace them as needed:

• Valves and membranes – Every 1 to 3 months or sooner if suction decreases.
  
• Tubing – If moisture or mold develops, replace immediately.
  
• Breast shields – Every 6 months or as needed, depending on wear.
  

Pro Tip: If you notice a decrease in suction power or milk output, check your pump parts for signs of wear and tear. A well-maintained pump ensures optimal performance!

What You Need for Cleaning

Having the right cleaning tools can make washing your breast pump parts easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Cleaning Supplies

• Mild dish soap – Choose a fragrance-free, non-antibacterial soap to avoid leaving harmful residues.
  
• Warm water – Helps break down milk proteins and fat for easier cleaning.
• Bottle brush or dedicated pump cleaning brushes – These allow you to scrub small parts, valves, and connectors thoroughly.
• Sterilizing bags or a steam sterilizer – Ideal for deep cleaning and killing bacteria.
  
• Drying rack or clean towel – Ensures parts air dry completely to prevent contamination.
  
• Basin specifically for pump parts – The CDC recommends using a separate basin instead of washing pump parts directly in the sink to reduce exposure to bacteria.
  

Pro Tip: If you pump frequently, consider keeping an extra set of pump parts on hand. This allows you to rotate clean and used parts, reducing the need for constant washing.

Optional But Useful Cleaning Tools

• Silicone scrubbers – Gentle on pump parts and effective at removing residue.
  
• UV sterilizer – A quick, chemical-free way to sterilize pump parts, bottles, and
• pacifiers.
  
• Portable cleaning wipes – Perfect for cleaning pump parts on the go when you don’t have immediate access to water.
  

Mom Hack: If you’re short on time, you can store your used pump parts in a clean, sealed container in the fridge between pumping sessions. This slows bacterial growth and reduces the need for frequent washing, though parts should still be cleaned at least once a day.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Keeping your breast pump clean doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this simple step-by-step guide for effective cleaning and sanitization.

A. After Each Pumping Session

Cleaning your breast pump parts right after use prevents milk residue from drying and becoming difficult to remove. Follow these steps to maintain hygiene:

Step 1: Disassemble the Pump Parts

Take apart all components that come into contact with milk, including breast shields, valves, membranes, connectors, and collection bottles. If your pump has tubing, check if it needs cleaning—most closed-system pumps, such as the MomMed S21 wearable pump, keep milk from entering the tubing, making maintenance easier.

Step 2: Rinse Under Running Water

Hold each part under warm running water to remove milk residue before washing. Avoid soaking pump parts in soapy water, as this can cause buildup.

Step 3: Wash with Warm, Soapy Water

Use mild dish soap and warm water to thoroughly clean each part. A bottle brush or dedicated pump cleaning brush is helpful for reaching small areas, such as valves and flanges. Be sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging silicone components.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

After washing, rinse all parts under warm water to remove any soap residue. Leftover soap can cause irritation or affect milk taste.

Step 5: Air Dry on a Clean Surface

Place the cleaned parts on a dedicated drying rack or a clean towel. Avoid using paper towels or dish towels, as they can introduce bacteria. Let all parts air dry completely before reassembling.

For moms using wearable breast pumps like the MomMed S21, be sure to wipe down the pump motor and electronic components with a damp cloth instead of submerging them in water.

B. Deep Cleaning & Sterilization (Once a Day)

In addition to daily washing, sterilizing your pump parts helps eliminate bacteria and germs. Here are the best sterilization methods:

Boiling Method

• Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge pump parts.
  
• Bring water to a rolling boil.
  
• Place parts in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
  
• Remove with clean tongs and air dry on a sterile surface.
  

Steam Sterilizer

• An electric steam sterilizer quickly eliminates bacteria in minutes.
• Ideal for busy moms who want a hands-free solution.
  

Sterilizing Bags (Microwave Method)

• Add pump parts and the recommended amount of water into a microwave sterilizing bag.
  
• Heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
  
• Perfect for travel or quick sanitization.
  

Time-Saving Hack: If you pump multiple times a day, consider sterilizing in batches to minimize the number of times you need to run a sterilization cycle.
By following these cleaning steps, you can ensure that your breast pump remains in top condition, keeping your baby’s milk safe and free from contaminants.

Alternative Cleaning Methods for On-the-Go Moms

For moms who are constantly on the move, whether at work, traveling, or running errands, traditional cleaning methods may not always be practical. Fortunately, there are several alternative ways to keep your breast pump parts clean when access to soap and water is limited.

Breast Pump Wipes

Breast pump wipes are a quick and convenient solution for cleaning pump parts between uses. These pre-moistened wipes are designed to remove milk residue and bacteria without needing to rinse. They are especially useful when pumping at work, in the car, or while traveling. However, they should not replace thorough washing and sterilization when you have access to proper cleaning supplies.

Dishwasher Cleaning

If you’re staying in a hotel or at a family member’s home, using a dishwasher can be an effective way to clean your pump parts. Most breast pump components are top-rack dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s best to use a gentle detergent and avoid high-heat drying settings, which can warp plastic parts. Once the cycle is complete, allow the parts to air dry on a clean surface.

Cold Water Sterilization Tablets

When traveling to places where boiling water or a microwave is unavailable, cold water sterilization tablets can be a lifesaver. These tablets dissolve in water and effectively kill bacteria and germs without the need for heat. Simply submerge your pump parts in the sterilizing solution for the recommended amount of time, then let them air dry before using. This method is especially useful for long-haul flights, camping trips, or any situation where traditional cleaning isn’t an option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Proper cleaning and maintenance of breast pump parts are essential for keeping your baby’s milk safe. However, some common mistakes can lead to contamination, reduced pump efficiency, or even damage to the parts.

Skipping Daily Cleaning

It might be tempting to rinse pump parts quickly and reuse them without a full wash, especially during busy days. However, milk residue can harbor bacteria, leading to contamination. Even if you store your pump parts in the fridge between sessions, they should be thoroughly cleaned at least once daily.

Using Harsh Soaps

Some dish soaps contain strong chemicals, fragrances, or antibacterial agents that may leave harmful residues on pump parts. Always opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap designed for baby products. Additionally, avoid using bleach or harsh disinfectants, as these can degrade the materials over time.

Reassembling Before Fully Dry

Moisture trapped inside pump components can promote mold and bacterial growth. After washing, allow all parts to air dry completely on a clean drying rack or towel before reassembling. If you need to speed up the drying process, pat parts with a clean paper towel instead of using a kitchen towel, which may introduce bacteria.

Cleaning Tubing Improperly

While most modern breast pumps, including the MomMed wearable pumps, feature a closed-system design that prevents milk from entering the tubing, older models or open-system pumps may require regular tubing cleaning. If moisture does get into the tubing, it should be washed, thoroughly dried, or replaced to prevent mold buildup.

FAQs About Cleaning Breast Pump Parts

Q1: Do I need to sterilize after every use?

No, sterilizing daily is enough. However, for newborns or babies with weakened immune systems, your doctor may recommend sterilizing after every use.

Q2: Can I use regular dish soap?

Yes, as long as it’s mild and fragrance-free. Avoid antibacterial soaps, which may leave harmful residues.

Q3: How do I clean pump tubing?

For closed-system pumps, tubing rarely needs cleaning. If moisture gets inside, let it air dry completely before using. If mold appears, replace the tubing immediately.

Conclusion

Cleaning your breast pump properly ensures both your baby's safety and the longevity of your pump. By following these simple steps, you can keep your pumping routine hygienic and efficient. Whether you’re using a manual pump, an electric pump like the MomMed S10 Pro, or a hands-free option like the MomMed S21, maintaining a proper cleaning routine will help you get the best results while keeping your milk safe for your baby. A little extra care goes a long way in making breastfeeding and pumping a stress-free experience. Happy pumping!