How To Clean Your Breast Pump

The journey to motherhood is filled with twists and turns, joys and some concerns. But to make sure that this journey becomes a bit less bumpy, Bump2Cradle brings you a range of different pumping breast milk tools and new-age mom-and-baby products. One of the most important parts of your postpartum is - breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is certainly a rewarding experience, we understand that pumping breast milk is one more responsibility added to your daily routine. 

One key piece to this process is keeping your breast pump clean and safe for your baby. In this guide, we’ll cover all about how to sterilise breast pump? How to clean a breast pump properly? And how to store your precious milk safely?

This article is part of our pregnancy and parenting series, where we explore the changing landscape of parenthood and what it means for new and not-so-new parents. 

Using Your Breast Pump Before Each Use

Cleanliness is extremely important to keep your baby’s milk safe and bacteria-free before you even start pumping breast milk. Here are some tips on breast pump washing and keeping it safe for use:

• Wash Your Hands: Always, always, always wash your hands well with soap and water. Ensure that the pump is one of the last things that you touch.
• Inspect Your Equipment: Check the breast pump parts for cracks or wear in different types of breast pumps. Broken bits can trap bacteria and interfere with suction.
• Find a Clean Surface: Set down your breast pump in a clean and dry area. Preferably a table with a recently cleaned cover.
• Wash and Sanitize Before First Use: Wipe down all milk-contacting parts and sanitise them before using a new pump.

How to Easily Clean Your Breast Pump Equipment After Use

Cleaning your breast pump straight after pumping breast milk prevents milk residue from drying or turning into mould, which can lower the risk of contamination. At home or on the go, here’s how to wash your breast pump effectively:

• Unscrew Everything: Remove all flanges, valves, bottles and connectors to make sure that every component gets cleaned.
• Rinse with Cool Water: Wash all components with cool water to get rid of milk residue.
• Wash with Warm Soapy Water: A gentle dish soap and a dedicated bottle brush are best for each piece. Never use aggressive detergents or abrasive elements.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse under running water to remove all soap, then let parts air-dry on a clean towel or drying rack.

How to Clean Your Breast Pump in a Dishwasher

If your breast pump isn’t dishwasher-safe, here are breast pump cleaning tips that can help you ensure it’s still easily protected and safe to use:

• Placement in Top Rack: Place small parts in a dishwasher basket or mesh bag and larger parts on the top rack.
• Use a Baby-Safe Detergent: Choose a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.
• Air-dry: After washing, let all the parts air-dry completely.

How to Clean and Sanitize the Breast Pump

Breast pump washing and sanitising is also an important step in killing any lingering bacteria. How to sterilise breast pump is especially crucial for babies under three months, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised babies. Here are breast pump cleaning tips you should consider.

Boiling Method:

• Immerse disassembled parts in boiling water for 5 minutes.
• Remove with clean tongs and transfer to a sanitised drying rack.

Steam Bags:

• Use microwave steam bags made for breast pump parts.
• Use time and water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sanitizing Machines:

Specialized electric sanitisers are also available to help automate the process. 

Steps to Take After Sanitizing the Breast Pump

After you’re well acquainted with how to keep the pump clean, the last step to safety is its regular sanitisation. Here’s how to sterilise breast pumps and ensure a proper breast pump sanitisation method.

• Let all pieces air-dry completely on a clean towel or drying rack. Do not wipe parts with a cloth, as this may spread bacteria.
• Store sanitised parts in a clean, sealed container or zip-top bag until the next use.

Best Practices for Storing Your Breast Milk

The next step after mastering breast pump cleaning is storing your breast milk properly. Here’s how you can do it like a pro:

• Choose the Right Containers: Store breast milk in BPA-free plastic bottles or use breast milk storage bags.
• Date and Time Stamp: Always label when the milk was pumped.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Store milk in the back of the fridge, where it’s coldest and stays as consistent as possible
• Long-Term Storage: Freeze if not using the milk within 4 days. In a typical freezer, it can stay up to 6 months.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your breast pump isn’t just about proper hygiene — it’s about making sure your baby gets the safest, cleanest milk possible. By understanding how to clean a breast pump and make sure it’s well sanitised, you ensure that every drop of milk you feed is as pure and healthy as possible. So when in doubt, connect with us here at Bump2Cradle just like thousands of mums like you for motherhood guides.

Following these steps will help keep your little one safe from harmful bacteria — and extend the life of your breast pump, too! We at Bump to Cradle are here for you, every step of the way on your journey from buying breast pumps online to pumping breast milk and everything else in between.

FAQs on How To Clean Your Breast Pump

Q: How do I sterilise a breast pump?

A: To sterilise a breast pump, boil the parts for 5 minutes, or use microwave steam bags or an electric sanitiser. Always dry thoroughly before storage.

Q: Should you wash your breasts after pumping? 

A: Generally, no, although you should wash them if milk spills or you use a cream. A quick wipe with a warm, damp rag will do.

Q: Can you use baby wipes to clean breast pump parts?

A: Baby wipes should not be used for cleaning breast pump parts because they can leave residues. Use soap and water or a specific cleaning solution at any time.

Q: Do I need to sterilise a breast pump?

A: Yes, particularly for babies under three months old, preemies, or if your baby has a compromised immune system. Regular sterilisation is what helps keep things safe.

Q: Can you use the same pump parts be used twice?

Yes, you can as long as you ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation by following the above methods.

Q: Should I clean pump parts after every use? 

If cleaning the pump parts isn’t feasible right away, keep used parts in a sealed bag in the refrigerator and clean them well within 24 hours.