How to Clean a Breast Pump

A breast pump is an important piece of equipment for the breastfeeding mother who wants to increase her supply or store pumped breast milk. Cleaning the breast pump properly is imperative for the prevention of contaminating the breast milk. Here is some information to help you clean manual or automatic breast pumps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clean Towels
• Mild Dishsoap
• Cleaning Brushes
• Sterilization Equipment

Overall Tips

1. Read the instructions included with the breast pump. Some pieces of your pump may need only a mild cleansing while others might require daily sterilization. Whether you use a manual or electric pump, cleanliness is imperative to keep the pump in good working order as well as to preserve the quality of the pumped milk.
2. Clean the breast pump immediately--or as soon as possible--after pumping breast milk to minimize the ability for bacteria to grow. If you cannot sterilize it straight away, rinse appropriate parts well and soak in warm, soapy water until you are able to get back to it and complete the cleaning process.
3. Dry all parts thoroughly before putting the breast pump back together to avoid moisture build-up inside the pump which could cause mildew.
4. Strain parts into a clean colander and either air dry or towel dry.

Microwave Method or Electric Sterilizer Method

5. Purchase special bags or a container designed to sterilize parts in the microwave or purchase an electric counter top sterilizer. Many options are available that use water to steam the parts of the pump inside a bag or container in order to sterilize it and can be used for baby bottles and nipples as well as breast pump parts.
   
6. Wash and rinse all parts that are to be cleansed well in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
   
7. Follow manufacturer instructions to sterilize in microwave or counter top sterilizer. Most of these units sterilize in only a matter of moments.
   

Dishwasher Sterilization

8. Determine which parts of the pump are dishwasher safe according to manufacturer instructions.
   
9. Rinse excess milk off parts to be sterilized and place in the top tray of your dishwasher. Special mesh bags or containers may be available for purchase that will prevent pieces from being lost in the dishwasher.
   
10. Wash on the hot cycle of your dishwasher to ensure enough heat for sterilization of the pump parts.
    

Stovetop Sterilization

11. Wash all parts to be sterilized in warm soapy water and rinse well.
12. Place all washed items into a large pot and fill with clean water.
13. Boil on high heat on the stove for ten minutes to sterilize pump parts.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy a used breast pump. Breastfeeding materials are personal items and should not be shared otherwise contagious disease or bacteria could be transmitted.
• Only handle your clean breast pump with clean hands. Wash your hands before and after use to ensure you don't contaminate expressed breast milk.