Breastpump Cleaning and Care

When I first started pumping I wasn't sure how to properly care for my pump. I did some research and this is what I found. If your pump uses tubing, any moisture in the tubing can contaminate milk. Moisture can get inside tubing and grow mold. In order to keep this from happening you should either boil or steam clean your tubing, I do it once a week. Always make sure you sterilize your pump before the first use. Put all the pieces that come into contact with your milk in a pot, cover them with water, and boil for 20 minutes before using the pump. After every use, wash the pieces that come in contact with your milk in hot, soapy water (using mild detergent), rinse with hot water. You then need to either, boil, steam, or wipe your pump pieces with disinfecting wipes. They sell quick clean wipes and micro-steam bags making it easier to clean your equipment when you're away from home. If you don’t have time, place the pump parts unwashed in a clean plastic bag, such as a Ziploc, and store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to wash them thoroughly at least once a day when you get home. To clean your pump motor bag, just wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. This is also a good way to clean the outside of your pump tubing if milk drips onto it.