What is the Fridge Hack?

To save time, some mothers will skip washing their breast pump parts with soap and water after each use, and instead, store their equipment in a clean, sealed bag or container in the fridge between pumping sessions. Then, fully clean and sanitize their accessories at the end of the day. This method is often seen as a good idea for convenience, but there are health concerns to consider.

What is Recommended?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and most breast pump manufacturers advise regular cleaning of infant feeding items and washing pump parts thoroughly after every use. This is one of the best practices to protect your baby from harmful germs that can grow in leftover breast milk residue.

Currently, there is no research showing whether rinsing, wiping, or refrigerating pumping accessories between sessions is as safe as washing them in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher on the top rack with a heated drying cycle. Infants have become ill from contaminated milk due to bacterial growth on pump parts that were not cleaned properly. If the infant is younger than 2 months, was born prematurely, or has a compromised immune system, proper cleaning of pump parts after each use and sanitizing at least once daily is especially important.

If you cannot clean your pumping accessories with soap and water after each pumping session, you can rinse and place them in a clean, sealed bag or airtight container in the fridge for a few hours until your next session. If rinsing is not possible, you can wipe milk residue off the parts with a clean, disposable paper towel before storing in a sealed bag or container in the fridge.

What Are Some Alternatives to The Fridge Hack?

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.
  • This is one of the best ways to avoid needing to clean parts at work or on the go.

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 with a little water in just a few minutes.
  • They’re convenient if your workplace or travel location has microwave access.
  • Always check your pump manufacturer’s instructions to confirm which parts are microwave-safe before using this method.

Bottom Line...

Pumping is already a lot of work, and finding shortcuts that fit your lifestyle can make it feel more manageable. While the Fridge Hack is a popular time-saver, the safest option is still cleaning your parts after each use. If that’s not always possible, you have plenty of alternatives—extra pump accessories, disposable wipes, or steam bags—that can help keep your routine safe and simple.

Remember, there’s no one “perfect” way to do this—just the way that works best for you and your baby. You’re doing an amazing job providing breast milk, and every ounce is worth celebrating!

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.