Keeping your breast pump parts clean is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your expressed breast milk and keep your baby healthy. Because these parts come into direct contact with breast milk, proper cleaning helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other germs that could make your baby sick. Whether you’re pumping at home, at work, or on the go, following safe cleaning practices ensures that every feeding is safe for your little one.

Before cleaning your pump parts and baby bottles, always store your breast milk safely in a breast milk storage bag, bottle, or another food-grade container. Be sure to seal the container tightly and label it with the date and time that you pumped. For more detailed tips, see our How to Store Your Breast Milk Care Guide.

To keep your milk safe, it’s important to rinse and wash all parts after each use.

How Do You Rinse Your Pump Parts?

At the end of each pumping session, disassemble and rinse all parts and collection containers that come in contact with your breast or breast milk. Rinsing is the first step in properly cleaning and helps remove leftover milk before washing.

Hold each piece under running water—avoid using a basin or sink filled with standing water—to effectively rinse away milk residue.

Important: Do not rinse or submerge breast pump tubing in water since it does not touch your breast milk. Instead, if needed, gently wipe down the outside of your tubing, as well as the dials and power switch on your pump, using a clean, disinfectant wipe.

How Do You Wash Your Pump Parts?

Washing your breast pump equipment is the next step after rinsing. Proper washing helps ensure that all milk residue and bacteria are removed. You can use one of two methods:

Hand Washing Method

  1. Wash Basin: Wash pump parts and milk collection containers in a clean wash basin used only for infant feeding items. Do not place them directly in the sink!
  2. Soap & Water: Fill the basin with hot water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid dishwashing soap.
  3. Scrub: Scrub each part thoroughly with a clean brush used only for infant feeding items.
  4. Rinse: Make sure all soapy water is removed by rinsing under running water, or by submerging in fresh water in a separate basin.
  5. Dry: Allow all parts to air-dry thoroughly on a clean unused dish towel, a clean paper towel, or a clean drying rack.

Dishwasher Method

  1. Double Check: Only use this method if your items are dishwasher-safe per your breast pump manufacturer’s instructions. Reference your manufacturer's instructions for additional information.
  2. Top Rack Only: Place all pump parts on the top rack of the dishwasher. Consider using a small closed-top basket or mesh bag to keep smaller items—like bottle nipples, caps, and rings—secure during the wash.
  3. Wash: Add soap and run the dishwasher using a hot water cycle and heated drying cycle. Use your appliance's sanitize setting, if available. You may wash other household dishes in the dishwasher at the same time.
  4. Dry: With clean hands, remove your items from the dishwasher. If they are not completely dry, place them on a clean unused dish towel, paper towel, or drying rack to air-dry before storing.

Drying and Storing Pump Parts

  • Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry, since towels can transfer germs.
  • Instead, allow them to air-dry completely until free of water droplets—this helps prevent the growth of germs and mold.
  • Once dry, place pump parts on a clean surface or cabinet or in a covered container or sealable food storage bag, protected from dirt and dust.
  • Remember to wash bottle brushes, wash basins, and drying racks every few days to keep your cleaning tools hygienic.

How Do You Sanitize Your Pump Parts?

For babies who are premature, under two months old, or have weakened immune systems, it's recommended to sanitize breast pump parts and milk collection containers at least once per day for extra germ removal. This separate sanitizing step is done after washing (and washing should be done after every pumping session). Daily sanitizing may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if the parts are washed carefully after each use. You can sanitize using one of the following methods:

Boiling Water

  • Place clean pump parts and bottles in a large pot and cover with water.
  • Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes.
  • Carefully remove items with clean tongs and place them on a clean towel or drying rack to air-dry completely.

Dishwasher

  • Use a sanitize-certified dishwasher cycle or a hot water cycle with a heated dry setting.
  • Allow all parts to air-dry fully before storing.
  • Tip: If you already use the dishwasher for washing, you may be sanitizing at the same time.

Electric Steam Sterilizers or Microwave Sanitizing Bags

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your electric steam sterilizer for setup and cycle length.
  • Microwave Steam Bags allow you to sanitize pump parts in a microwave with a little water in just a few minutes.
  • Always check your manufacturer’s instructions to confirm which parts are microwave-safe before using this method.
  • Allow items to air-dry completely before storage.

What are Alternatives If I Don't Have Time or Soap & Water Access?

If washing with soap and water after each pumping session isn’t possible, here are some safe alternative options:

Bring Extra Pump Parts

  • Pack multiple sets of clean pump parts for the day.
  • After each pumping session, place the used set in a sealed bag until you can wash them at home.
  • Having extra supplies on hand, such as a spare set of tubing, and extra bottles and flanges (sometimes called breast shields) saves time and makes pumping easier when you can’t wash everything right away between sessions.
  • You insurance may even cover the cost of replacement parts!

Use Pump Wipes or Sprays

  • Disposable breast pump cleaning wipes are made for quick cleanup.
  • Sanitizing sprays can add a second layer of protection after wiping, when soap and water aren’t available.
  • They’re not a full replacement for regular cleaning, but they can remove milk residue and reduce the growth of bacteria between sessions.

Microwave Steam Bags

  • These single-use or reusable bags allow you to sanitize pump parts in a microwave.
  • They’re convenient if your workplace or location has microwave access.

By keeping your breast pump kit clean, you’re protecting both your breast milk and your baby’s health. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, even small steps like rinsing promptly, air-drying thoroughly, and sanitizing when needed make a big difference. With a little preparation and a good routine, you can nourish your baby with confidence knowing your milk is safe for your little one.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.