How to Maintain & Clean Your Pump

Pumping helps you maintain your milk supply and provide your baby with breast milk even when you are not breastfeeding. Just like with any essential tools you use, your pumps too need regular care to perform at their best.

Proper cleaning and maintenance protect your baby, preserve the quality of your milk, and ensure your pump continues to work efficiently.

Milk residue can build up when pumps are not cleaned properly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or mold. Worn-out parts can reduce suction and impact your milk output, leading to frustration. Therefore, taking the time to care for your pump is just another way you care for your baby and yourself.

At CLS, we offer personalized pumping education tailored to your needs and feeding goals. We also provide easy access to trusted breast pumps, replacement parts, and cleaning accessories through our curated online store.

This article outlines everything you need to know about maintaining and cleaning your pump.

Why Cleaning & Maintenance of Breast Pumps Matter

Taking the time to regularly clean and care for your breast pump can make a difference in its performance and in the safety and quality of the milk you provide for your baby.

Here’s why regular cleaning and maintenance of your breast pump matters:

Protect Against Mold, Bacteria, and Milk Residue: Leftover milk on pump parts can lead to mold or bacteria growth, compromising the quality of your milk. By thoroughly cleaning your pump parts, you help keep your breast milk safe and fresh.
Keep Your Pump Working Efficiently: Milk residue, dried droplets, or buildup inside valves and tubing can reduce suction, damage parts, or cause inconsistent performance. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your pump but also helps you express milk comfortably and efficiently.
Ensure Milk Remains Clean & Contaminant-Free: Your baby’s developing immune system is especially sensitive, so keeping every part that touches your milk clean and dry is essential. Proper cleaning ensures that the milk your baby receives is pure, nutrient-rich, and free from contamination.

Daily Pump Cleaning Routine

Keeping your breast pump clean doesn’t have to be complicated. A consistent routine not only helps protect your baby’s milk from harmful bacteria but also keeps your pump working effectively and lasting longer. Let’s break it down into two simple parts: before and after each use.

Before Each Pumping Session

Taking a moment to prepare your pump properly can go a long way in ensuring a safe pumping session.

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling pump parts or milk storage containers.
Assemble Your Clean Pump Kit: Put together the cleaned and dried parts. Before use, inspect the tubing and other components. If you notice visible dirt, clean it immediately and discard or replace any tubing that shows signs of mold.
Wipe Down Shared Pumps: If you're using a shared or hospital-grade pump, clean the power switch, dials, and surrounding surfaces with a disinfectant wipe.

After Every Pumping Session

Cleaning your pump parts right after each session helps prevent buildup and gets everything ready for your next session.

Disassemble All Pump Parts That Come Into Contact with Milk: Separate all parts that come in contact with breast milk, including bottles, valves, membranes, flanges, and connectors. Always check your pump’s manual to see which parts need cleaning and which should never be submerged (like the motor unit).
Rinse with Cool Water First: Rinse all parts by holding them under cool running water to remove milk residue. This helps prevent milk proteins from sticking and makes washing easier and more effective.
Wash with Warm, Soapy Water or Use the Dishwasher: Use a gentle dish soap and a dedicated brush or sponge reserved just for pump parts. For handwashing:
- Place pump parts in a clean wash basin that’s used only for infant feeding items. Avoid placing parts directly in the sink, which can harbor germs and bacteria.
- Fill the basin with hot water and soap, then scrub each item thoroughly according to your pump kit manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you’re using a brush, make sure it’s clean and exclusively used for washing infant feeding gear.
- After washing, rinse parts well by either holding them under running water or by submerging them in a second clean basin filled with fresh water.

If your parts are dishwasher-safe (check your pump manual), place them on the top rack and use a heated drying cycle, if available.

Air-Dry Thoroughly on a Clean Towel or Drying Rack: Avoid wiping parts with a towel, as it can transfer lint or germs. Instead, place everything on a clean towel or designated drying rack to air-dry completely before the next use. Moisture encourages bacterial growth, so ensure everything is fully dry before storage.

Whether you’re pumping at work, in the car, or during travel, here are some tips for cleaning on the go:

Use cleaning wipes for quick cleanups when soap and water aren’t available.
Carry extra sets of pump parts so you’re not scrambling to clean midday.
Compact drying mats or portable racks are perfect for small spaces or on-the-go drying.

You can also access the CDC’s official breast pump cleaning guidelines in both English and Spanish to help keep your baby’s milk safe.

Sanitize Your Pump for Deep Cleaning

Even with a consistent cleaning routine after each use, it’s important to sanitize your pump parts at least once daily for deep cleaning. This is especially crucial if your baby is under two months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. This extra step ensures your equipment stays as safe and hygienic as possible.

Sanitize your pump parts by using one of the following options:

Boiling: Boiling is a simple and effective way to sanitize your breast pump parts so they are safe to use. Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, fully submerge all washable pump parts, making sure they don’t touch the sides or bottom of the pot to prevent warping or melting. Let the parts boil for at least five minutes. When done, use clean tongs to carefully remove the items and place them on a clean towel or drying rack to air-dry completely.
Steaming: For a quick and convenient sanitizing option, place your pump parts inside an electric steam sterilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Add the recommended amount of water, then start the cycle without the need to monitor the process. Once the cycle is complete, remove the parts and allow them to air-dry in a clean, dry area.

Always refer to your breast pump’s manual for specific guidance on which parts are safe to sanitize and how often.

Store Your Pump Safely

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to keeping your breast pump parts safe and ready for the next use. After thoroughly washing and air-drying your pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins, make sure everything is completely dry before putting them away. Moisture can lead to mold or bacteria growth, so letting items air-dry fully is essential.

Once dry, wash your hands with soap and water before handling the clean parts. Carefully reassemble your pump kit, then store it in a clean, protected area, such as an unused, sealable storage bag or a dedicated, lidded container. This helps prevent contamination between uses. Be sure to store your wash basins and bottle brushes in a separate clean area as well, so they’re ready for the next cleaning session.

Avoid storing your pump parts in open air space near kitchen counters or bathrooms. Keep the pump motor in a clean, dry space, away from spills and dust.

Maintenance Tips for Breast Pumps

Like your car or coffee maker, your breast pump performs best when routinely checked and maintained. Regular maintenance ensures your milk supply isn’t affected by a worn-out valve or leaky tubing.

Take a few minutes each week to look over your pump parts. Here’s what to look out for:

Cracked Tubing: Even the smallest crack can impact suction and allow air leaks. If you see condensation or milk inside the tubing, it’s time to replace it, as moisture inside the tubing can lead to mold.
Stretched or Torn Membranes: These tiny silicone pieces are essential for maintaining proper suction. If membranes appear misshapen, stretched, or torn, your pump may not work as efficiently.
Discolored, Warped, or Sticky Flanges: These may indicate mold growth, overuse, or soap residue. Replace as needed to keep things safe and comfortable.

Always refer to your pump manufacturer’s instructions for specific timelines for replacing parts. General guidelines for part replacement are as follows.

Valves & Membranes: Replace every 1–2 months with regular use.
Tubing: Replace every 3–6 months, or sooner if you see milk or moisture inside.
Flanges or Breast Shields: Replace every 6 months, or earlier if you notice discomfort, discoloration, or wear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, a few simple missteps can affect your pump’s performance or your baby’s health. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Using Harsh Chemicals

It might seem like stronger cleaners mean better results, but harsh chemicals may leave behind residues that are unsafe for your baby and can degrade your pump parts over time.

Stick with gentle dish soap, water, and pump-safe cleaning agents. Avoid bleach unless specifically recommended by your pump manufacturer.

Skipping Cleanings When You’re Exhausted

Skipping cleanings, even once, can allow bacteria or mold to build up and impact your baby’s health and your pump’s performance.

For days when you are exhausted, have a backup set of clean parts on hand and use microwave steam bags for a quick, low-effort sanitizing option.

Storing Used Pump Parts in the Fridge Between Uses

You may think that storing used pump parts in the refrigerator between pumping sessions could save time. Unfortunately, while this might seem convenient, it’s not recommended. Storing used, unwashed pump parts can create a moist setting where bacteria and mold can grow and multiply.

Ignoring Small Wear-and-Tear Signs

Tiny tears or stretched valves might not seem urgent, but they can seriously affect suction and reduce your milk supply. Stay ahead of problems by doing a quick weekly inspection and replacing parts as needed. At CLS, we offer a range of replacement parts in our online store for your convenience.

Reassembling Parts Before They’re Completely Dry

Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If you reassemble pump parts while they’re still wet, you risk contamination even if you just sanitized them. Always let parts air-dry fully on a clean towel or drying rack before putting them back together. Avoid using cloth towels to wipe them dry, as this can reintroduce bacteria.

When To Seek Support

At CLS, we understand that using and maintaining a breast pump takes time, energy, and know-how. Our experienced lactation consultants can offer personalized, hands-on support with:

Assembling and disassembling your breast pump correctly
Proper cleaning and maintenance techniques
Safe breast milk storage tips
Troubleshooting suction or output issues
Identifying the right flange size for comfort and efficiency

Whether you’re exclusively pumping or just beginning your breastfeeding journey, we tailor our guidance to meet your individual needs. We also make accessing the right tools simple. Our curated selection includes:

Trusted, hospital-grade breast pumps
Replacement parts and cleaning accessories
Pump-friendly milk storage bags and drying racks
Sanitizing tools like microwave steam bags and electric sterilizers

Need guidance to support your pumping journey?

By building a simple habit of regular pump cleaning, you can ensure your milk stays safe, your pump performs well, and your feeding journey stays on track.

At CLS, our lactation consultants offer personalized guidance on pump hygiene and can help you choose the pump that best fits your needs. We provide expert advice and practical tips to help you clean, maintain, and get the most out of your pump.

To start your journey with our certified consultants, call us at 888-818-5653 or request an appointment online.