How to Sterilize Breast Pump Parts
Sterilizing a breast pump daily is important to help prevent both mother and baby from becoming ill. Sterilization is a simple, affordable process that kills the bacteria that can grow in the breast pump. During sterilization, bacteria are eliminated at a temperature around 200 degrees F. Because water boils at 212 degrees F, boiling breast pump parts is a quick way to sterilize them.
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Things You'll Need
- Breast pump
- Large pot
- 1 gallon water
- Dish-washing soap
- Clean kitchen tongs
Instructions
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1
On a stove top, bring the water to a rolling boil in the pot.
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2
Disassemble the pump.
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3
Wash each non-electrical piece of the pump with warm water and liquid dish-washing (preferably antibacterial) soap.
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4
Rinse each piece with hot water for 10 to 15 seconds.
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5
Using clean kitchen tongs, gently place each part into the pot of boiling water.
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6
Leave the parts in the boiling water for at least five minutes and up to 10 minutes.
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7
Carefully remove each part with clean tongs.
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8
Allow the parts to air dry. Do not towel dry--this can spread bacteria from the towel to the pump.
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9
Once dry, put the pump back together, avoiding the areas that will come in direct contact with the breast or milk.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not submerge batteries and electrical parts of the pump in water. Wipe these parts after use.
