Breast pumps are a vital tool for many mothers. However, just as important as the act of pumping is to ensure your pump and its components are clean and hygienic. Properly cleaning and sterilizing breast pump parts not only protects your baby from harmful bacteria but also ensures the pump's effectiveness and longevity.
Today, we'll take you step-by-step through washing , sterilizing, and drying your breast pump parts in an effort to help keep your breast bumping safe and efficient.
Part 1. Before you pump: how to keep your pump kit clean
Follow these key steps before each pumping session for a clean and safe breast pump kit:
Wash Your Hands. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Which helps reduce the risk of contaminating the pump parts with bacteria or germs
Clean the Pumping Area. Use disinfectant wipes to sanitize the surface where you'll place your pump-an important thing to do if you're in a shared space or using a communal pump. Be sure to wipe down any dials, power switches, and countertops
Assemble a Clean Pump Kit. Inspect your pump kit for any mold, dirt, or damage, especially in the tubing and valves. Only use a clean, dry kit for each session to ensure no contamination
If Using a Shared Pump, Clean It. Clean the exterior surfaces of the pump thoroughly with disinfectant wipes, paying attention to frequently touched areas like the buttons and handle. The step is extremely required in shared spaces like hospitals or workplaces
Part 2. How to wash breast pump parts after using?
After using your breast pump, don't forget to clean all parts that come into contact with milk. You can either use a specialized washer like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer and Sterilizer or clean the parts by hand using warm, soapy water.
Which Breast Pump Parts Should Be Washed?
The parts that need washing typically include:
- Breast shields (flanges)
- Valves
- Membranes
- Connectors
- Milk collection bottles
- Backflow protectors (if applicable)
How to Wash Breast Pump Parts in a Bottle & Pump Washer and Sterilizer
The Momcozy KleanPal Pro can do a wonderful job as to washing and sterilizing your pump parts and baby bottles. Just do as follows:
Step 1: Preparation
Disassemble your pump parts, remove valves, membranes, and any small pieces. And place the pump parts inside the washer, ensuring each part is securely positioned on the spray sticks for optimal cleaning.
Step 2: Choose the Cleaning Mode
Select the appropriate mode from the 9 available cleaning modes, such as the 19-minute Rapid Wash or 29-minute Normal Wash, totally depending on your time and needs. After washing the breast pump parts, you may sterilize them if needed, which will be detailed in Part 4.
How to Clean a Breast Pump by Hand
If you're cleaning your breast pump by hand, follow these steps:
Step 1: Disassemble the Parts. Separate all parts that come into contact with milk, including the breast shields, valves, membranes, and bottles.
Step 2: Rinse. Rinse each part thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining milk residue.
Step 3: Wash. Fill a wash basin with warm, soapy water and scrub the parts using a bottle brush. Make sure this basin and brush are used exclusively for cleaning pump parts to prevent contamination.
Step 4: Rinse Again. Rinse all parts under running water again to ensure no soap residue remains.
Step 5: Dry. Air dry the parts on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel. Do not use a towel to wipe them dry, as this can transfer bacteria.
Part 3. Do I Need to Clean the Breast Pump Tubing?
You may have noticed that we didn't include the breat pump tubing in the parts that should be washed. Well, to wash or not to wash; it depends
Breast pump tubing is an essential component in many electric breast pumps. Its main function is to connect the pump motor to the breast shields, creating a vacuum that allows milk to be expressed from the breast. The tubing itself doesn’t usually come into direct contact with breast milk, that's why in most cases, you don't have to take the needless trouble to clean the breast pump tubing.
However, there are situations where cleaning or replacing the tubing becomes necessary:
- If Milk or Condensation Enters the Tubing. Tubing can sometimes get milk or moisture inside, particularly if the pump is used incorrectly or malfunctions. If this happens, it is important to either clean or replace the tubing immediately. Milk in the tubing can lead to mold growth, which is difficult to clean and unsafe for the baby.
- Visible Mold or Mildew. If you notice mold inside the tubing, it should be discarded and replaced, as cleaning may not fully eliminate mold.
- Routine Inspection. While you may not need to clean the tubing regularly, it's important to inspect it often for moisture, mold, or damage.
For day-to-day use, wiping the exterior of the tubing with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe can help keep it clean from dust or dirt. If the tubing becomes discolored, develops cracks, or contains mold, it’s safer to replace it with new tubing. Properly fitting and functioning tubing is critical for the pump to work effectively.
Part 4. How Do I Sterilize Breast Pump Parts?
Depending on your baby's needs and your equipment, there are several ways to sterilize the parts effectively.
Do You Need to Sterilize Breast Pump Parts After Every Use?
No, it is not necessary to sterilize breast pump parts after every use as long as you've washed them thoroughly after each pumping session. Sterilization is recommended for newborns under three months, premature babies, or babies with weakened immune systems.
How Often to Sterilize Pump Parts
For newborns and babies with health conditions, it is recommended to sterilize parts daily. For healthy older babies, sterilize the parts every few days or after every few uses.
How Do I Sterilize Breast Pump Parts with Sterilizers?
The Momcozy KleanPal Pro Bottle & Pump Washer and Sterilizer is an excellent all-in-one solution. For it can wash, sterilize, dry, and store breast pump parts, emptying busy parents' mind of daily worries. The Momcozy KleanPal Pro uses high-pressure jets to wash, then sterilizes with steam, ensuring a 99.9% germ-free environment.
Bonus: There are the other ways you can sterilize breast pump parts
How to Sterilize Pump Parts in Boiling Water
- Disassemble all parts that come into contact with milk.
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Once boiling, submerge the parts (flanges, valves, membranes, bottles) in the water.
- Boil for 5 minutes
- Remove the parts using tongs and place them on a clean, unused towel to dry completely.
How to Sterilize Pump Parts in a Microwave
- Use microwave sterilizer bags or a microwave-safe steam sterilizer.
- Add water as directed (usually around 2 oz).
- Place the parts inside, ensuring they are clean beforehand.
- Microwave for 2-5 minutes based on the manufacturer’s instructions .
How to Sanitize a Breast Pump Using Sterilizing Fluid or Tablets
- Prepare the solution by dissolving sterilizing tablets or liquid in cold water as per the product’s instructions.
- Submerge all pump parts in the solution.
- Let them soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Remove and allow them to air dry on a clean towel.
How to Wash Pump Parts in a Dishwasher
- Place disassembled parts in the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Use a closed-top basket for small parts like valves and membranes.
- Use hot water and a heated drying cycle to sanitize. Some dishwashers have a specific sterilizing function.
Part 5. Do I Need to Dry Breast Pump Parts After Sterilizing?
Yes, drying breast pump parts completely after sterilization prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
If you intend to dry breast pump parts as fast as possible, you can do as follows:
- Air dry. Place pump parts on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel and allow them to air dry. Note that using a cloth to wipe can introduce germs
- Use a sterilizer with a drying function. Devices, like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro, automatically dry breat pump parts following sterilization and keeps them stored and sterile for up to 72 hours.
- Dishwasher with heated drying: If using a dishwasher, the heated drying cycle will also help dry parts faster.
Summary
An often clean and sterile breast pump holds the key to safe feeding. While washing after every use is necessary, daily sterilization isn't always a needed option—though it's a must for newborns and babies with health concerns. With tools like the Momcozy KleanPal Pro, you can streamline the daunting cleaning process, combining washing, sterilizing, drying, and even storage. However, if you go traditional, such methods as boiling, microwaving, or using sterilizing tablets are still highly effective.
