As a new mom figuring out breastfeeding and pumping, you likely have a lot of questions about how to use your breast pump properly and how often different parts need to be washed or replaced. One common question is how many times you can use your breast pump before the parts need to be washed. The answer depends on a few factors.
General Guidelines
In general, most experts recommend washing your breast pump parts after each use. However, there are some exceptions and flexibility depending on your situation:
- If you are exclusively pumping and using the pump multiple times per day, you can go up to 24 hours without washing the parts as long as you store them in the refrigerator between uses.
- If you are nursing and only occasionally pumping 1-2 times per day, you should wash the parts after each use.
- If you are in a work/public pumping situation, you’ll need to wash the parts after each use for proper hygiene.
- Pump parts that only touch your breasts and not the milk itself (like breast shields or flanges) may only need to be washed 1-2 times per day – check with your pump instructions.
The number of times you can reuse pump parts really depends on how often you are using the pump and what type of parts they are. The general rule is to wash anything that touches breast milk after each use. Parts that only touch your skin can go longer between washings.
Why Washing is Important
Washing your pump parts regularly is important for a few reasons:
- Bacteria – Milk left on the pump parts can allow bacteria like Staphylococcus or E. coli to grow. This bacteria could cause illness if transferred to the milk.
- Personal hygiene – Like your breasts, the pump parts touching your skin should be washed daily for cleanliness.
- Prevent clogged ducts – Milk left behind on pump parts could dry and clog the narrow tubing or valves.
- Ensure efficiency – Worn out or dirty pump parts may not function properly or express milk as efficiently.
Washing helps prevent any contamination or clogging issues. It also allows your pump to work as expected for the best milk flow and volume.
How to Wash Breast Pump Parts
Washing breast pump parts is simple and quick:
- Rinse or soak parts in cool water to remove residual milk.
- Wash items in hot, soapy water either by hand or on the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Rinse all soap residue off.
- Allow parts to air dry completely before re-assembling.
You can use a mild dish soap or a small amount of vinegar to clean. Avoid using strong chemicals that could leave behind a residue. Refer to your breast pump instructions for any special cleaning guidelines.
Deep cleaning all parts at least once per week is also recommended. This helps sanitize small crevices and removes any lingering odors. To deep clean, simply soak parts for 10-15 minutes in a vinegar water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts hot water).
Storing Between Uses
If you plan to reuse your pump parts between pumping sessions during the day, proper storage is important. Here are some tips:
- Store parts in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Use ice packs if you’ll be transporting parts (like to/from work).
- Wash hands before handling pump parts.
- Don’t store parts longer than 24 hours.
- Separate any unused breastmilk into a storage bag to go in the refrigerator.
Storing in the refrigerator prevents bacterial growth. Be sure to label the storage container clearly so it is not confused with food.
Replacing Parts
In addition to regular washing, you will need to replace some pump parts at routine intervals for proper function. Here are some general guidelines on when to replace breast pump parts:
| Breast Pump Part | When to Replace |
|---|---|
| Breast shield/flange | Every 3-6 months or if cracked or torn |
| Valves and membranes | Every 3-6 months or if worn out |
| Tubing | Every 6-12 months or if cracked or dirty inside |
| Breast pump kit | Every 6-12 months per manufacturer |
Many pump parts wear out with regular use over time. Replacing them as recommended ensures your pump continues working efficiently.
Always refer to the instructions that came with your individual breast pump model for specific part replacement guidance. Third party replacement parts can also be purchased.
Using a Microwave Steam Bag
Some moms choose to use a microwave steam bag to sanitize their pump parts between uses. These bags heat up a small amount of water to create steam that heats pump parts to over 200°F, hot enough to kill bacteria and germs.
Microwave steam bags are safe and effective to use but keep a few things in mind:
- Empty any breastmilk out of bottles or containers before steaming.
- Use distilled water only, not tap water which could leave mineral deposits.
- Follow microwave instructions to avoid melting parts.
- Allow parts to air dry completely after removing from the bag before re-using.
- Still wash pump parts in hot, soapy water at least once every 24 hours.
The bags are a great way to keep parts sanitized for occasional daytime re-use when it’s not practical to fully wash between each pumping session.
Common Breast Pump Cleaning FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning breast pump parts:
Can I just rinse parts instead of fully washing?
No, rinsing alone is not sufficient. All parts that contact breastmilk should be fully washed in hot, soapy water at least once every 24 hours.
Do I need to wash pump parts after I pump but don’t bottle the milk?
Yes. Any parts that contact your breasts or milk need to be washed, even if you don’t end up collecting or storing the milk.
Can I wash pump parts with regular dishes?
Yes, breast pump parts are fine to wash with dishes using hot water and dish soap either by hand or in the dishwasher.
How do I clean mold or mildew off pump parts?
Soak affected parts in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for 10-15 minutes. This should dissolve any film or residue so you can wash as normal.
What about drying tubing?
After washing, tubing can be difficult to fully dry. You may need to use a small cloth or pipe cleaner pushed through to absorb excess moisture. Air drying tubing completely helps prevent mold growth.
Can I wash breast pump parts with bleach or harsh chemicals?
No. Only mild dish soap or vinegar should be used. Harsh cleaners could leave unsafe chemical residue.
Key Takeaways
- Pump parts that contact breastmilk should be washed after each use.
- Parts only touching your skin can go 1-2 days between washings.
- Always wash in hot, soapy water and air dry completely.
- Store parts refrigerated, not at room temp between uses.
- Replace tubing and valves every 3-6 months.
- Microwave steam bags are safe for sanitizing between uses.
Properly washing and storing your breast pump parts helps maintain hygiene, prevent bacterial contamination and clogging, and allows your pump to express milk efficiently.
Conclusion
Maintaining cleanliness is important for both your health and your breast pump’s performance. Following general guidelines on washing pump parts after each use and replacing parts regularly will help ensure you safely reuse your pump as needed for your own pumping schedule and situation.
If ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and wash parts after each pumping session. And be sure to refer to instructions for your specific breast pump model for any additional cleaning or storage recommendations.