Supplies Youll Need To Clean Your Pump
Ive compiled a list of things youll need to clean your pump kit according to the new CDC guidelines.
If you find mold in your tubing youll need to replace it immediately. Its a good idea to have extra tubing on hand in your pumping bag.
Pump parts can be cleaned in a dishwasher. If a dishwasher is unavailable youll need a designated wash basin to use for your pump parts and infant feeding items exclusively. Youll need another designated wash basin for rinsing. The key is to remember not to wash your pump parts directly in the sink.
I used Method dishwasher soap to clean my pump parts & bottles.
The CDC recommends using a wash brush that is designated for cleaning pump parts and infant feeding items only. We liked this one because it has a built-in nipple brush.
Clean Dish Towel OR Clean Paper Towel
After washing, the CDC instructs us to let pump parts air dry on a clean dish towel or paper towels. Also, they do not recommend patting or rubbing these items dry.
Next Step: Breastmilk Storage
Youll want to consider how to store breastmilk safely. The CDC recommends storing clean and dry pump parts in a sealed container, such as one of these bags. Theyre easy to carry in your pump bag because theyre disposable and take up little space compared to hard containers.
The CDCs new guidelines on how to properly clean breast pump parts are intended to protect babies from unnecessary or dangerous illnesses. I know were all doing all we can to keep our children healthy. I hope that by compiling this list of necessary items to implement the CDCs guidelines, I can help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
For comprehensive information about breastfeeding, I cant recommend Lactation Link enough! Their three video bundle provides tons of information for new moms who want to be successful at breastfeeding from the start.
How To Sterilize Breast Pump Parts In The Dishwasher
When you wash your pump parts in to the dishwasher, as long as you use hot water and a heated drying cycle/sanitizing setting, that will take care of sterilizing your pump parts, too.
The CDC recommends sterilizing pump parts before first use and once per day if you have a baby that:
- is less than three months old,
- was born prematurely, or
- is currently sick.
If your baby doesnt fit into any of those categories than sterilizing daily may not be necessary.
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What Soap Should I Use
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidelines recommend using liquid dishwashing soap and warm water to clean breast pump parts .
Some manufacturers, such as Medela, sell breast milk removal soap that moms can use to clean Medela pumps. Check with your manufacturer to see if they have specialized soap, otherwise reach for your usual dishwashing soap.
Should I Use A Brush To Scrub Breast Pump Kit Parts
CDCs breast pump cleaning guidance recommends following the pump manufacturers instructions about whether to use a brush to scrub the pump parts. Scrubbing with a brush may damage some breast pump parts but not others. Read the manufacturers instructions before scrubbing your pump parts with a brush.
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How To Wash Medela Bottles Using A Dishwasher
When deciding which dishwasher to use for baby bottles, select one that includes a baby care wash cycle. This way, you can be sure your baby bottles are hygienically cleaned every time. A very popular unit is the Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher which you can get also from Walmart.
Use these steps to ensure your Medela bottles are clean and sterilized every time you use the dishwasher.
Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Breast Pump
Connects With App
This Medela Sonata hands-free breast pump connects to the My Medela app that will allow you to personalize track everything, and you will be able to access the wealth of breast milk feeding resources.
More Milk In Less Time
With the patented and research-based technology that this breast pump will give you, you will be getting a 2-phase Expression Technology that produces more milk in less time.
New Breast Shields
You will be getting new Personal Fit breast shields that remove 11.8% more milk per minute that pumping with other traditional breast shields.
Flexibility
Another one of the features on this Medela hands-free Sonata Smart Double Electric Breast Pump is the flexibility. You can choose from two clinically tested pumping rhythms and choose with one is comfortable for you.
Protection From Bacteria
It is designed with the closed system with overflow protection that prevents the milk from entering the tubes on your breast pump. This also prevents bacteria or viruses from entering.
Characteristics:
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Medela Breast Pump Parts And Accessories
You can get a lot of the accessories that you need for your breast pump already with your breast pump. Sometimes you might find yourselves looking for more. You can find all the additional accessories such as cooler bags, bottles, flanges, pumping bra, adapter, sterilizer, pump bags, and a lot more on the brands official website or Amazon. You can also find replacement parts for your breast pump on Amazon, but make sure to check out the original parts that you have at home first. If you would like to read more about this, check my article about breast pump bags replacement parts and accessories.
Cleaning Breast Pump Parts At The Workplace
Its when you have to return to work that cleaning breast pump parts require a more mindful strategy. If your employer has provided a lactation room complete with a sink and storage space, you are luckier than most. It will be easier for you to follow the cleaning guide shown above.
If you cant properly clean and sterilize the pump and its parts:
- Consider purchasing baby-safe disinfectant wipes to wipe down the pump and its parts once you rinse out residual milk.
- If you have access to a microwave, place the rinsed parts in a handy micro-steam bag to sterilize the parts.
- Carry extra parts that you can use whenever you need to express milk.
- Place all used parts in a separate bag for thorough cleaning once you get home.
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Cleaning At Work And On
In addition to washing, you can sanitize your pump parts by using . These bags just require water and a microwave and they thoroughly disinfect in just 3 minutes. Once your pump parts are sanitized, the bags also function as a way to carry your pump parts home, though we dont recommend using them for long-term storage .
No microwave, no water? No problem. You can use our to quickly wipe down your pump parts while youre traveling, working, or just away from home. Also, for extra reassurance in *cough* not so clean environments, our safe eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and germs without wiping. Diaper bag must-haves? We think so.
If you ever have questions about cleaning guidelines, you can check your instruction manual or reach out to Customer Service for help.
How To Clean Your Medela Pump In The Dishwasher
To clean your pump in the dishwasher, follow these easy steps:
Step 1. Remove any milk from the parts youre going to wash.
Step 2. Open the dishwasher and place the bottle holder on the top rack.
Step 3. Place the breast shields and bottle in the bottle holder.
Step 4. Place the steam basket in the bottom rack of your dishwasher.
Step 5. Put the pump tubing and membrane into the steam basket.
Step 6. Run the dishwasher on the dry heat cycle.
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The Benefits Of A Dishwasher
One of the best things about the Medela Pump In Style Advanced is that its dishwasher-safe. This means that you dont have to hand wash it, which is an advantage for busy moms who dont have time for handwashing.
Photo by Lucy Wolski on Unsplash
Dishwasher-safe Medela pumps are a huge advantage because they can be cleaned and sterilized quickly and easily in a dishwasher. This means you can be sure theyre squeaky clean when it comes to giving your baby the freshest milk possible.
Are Medela Nipples Dishwasher Safe
All Medela Bottle Nipples including the innovative siliconeCalma teat are dishwasher-safe. Medela nipples can also be washed by hand using the Medela Quick Cleaning Bottle Brush that comes with a specially designed tip for cleaning teats. However, its not recommended to use a bottle brush when cleaning the Calma teat.
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How To Properly Clean A Medela Breast Pump
The Medela Pump in Style Advanced is one of our most popular pumps, and it is also an open system breast pump, so we often get inquiries as to whether there is anything special required to clean the tubing or other pump parts.
Medela recommends cleaning your breast pump parts after each use, and sanitizing once per day. Wash your hands and disassemble the pump, including the breast shields, breast milk bottles, bottle lids, valves, membranes, and connectors. You only need to wash the tubing if you see residue or condensation in it .
You can place all your pump parts into the top rack of the dishwasher, or in a dedicated wash basin. Its important to keep your breast pump parts away from the kitchen sink, which can contain a lot of bacteria.
Rinse all parts that come into contact with breast milk in cool water first, then soak in warm, soapy water for at least 5 minutes. Scrub each part separately and then rinse with clear water. Allow to air dry on a clean paper towel or drying rack. Follow the sterilization procedures right below once per day.
How To Clean Your Breast Pump: Best Practices
Pumping breast milk for your baby is rewarding and a great way to ensure your child is getting all the nutrition he needs. If you are able to breastfeed or pump breast milk and have chosen to do so, youve made a great choice!
Of course, pumping breast milk takes work, and part of that work is cleaning your breast pump and breast pump parts correctly, thoroughly and unfailingly. Proper cleaning is imperative for you and your babys safety and health.
The following general guidelines are for all breast pump models offered by 1 Natural Way, including Medela, Spectra, Ameda, Lansinoh, and others.
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Medela Advanced Personal Double Breast Pump
Advanced Technology
This Medela double breast pump has a patented 2-phase expression technology that makes you produce more milk in less time. This breast pump was made to maximize your flow and for efficient pumping.
Portable
With this Medela portable advanced double breast pump, you can now pump anytime, anywhere at home, at office, even on-the-go. You can remove the breast pump and battery pack for discreetly, mobile pumping.
Customizable Settings
Adjustable speed and vacuum with a one-touch letdown button are just one of the many features. 2-size flanges allows moms to choose the one that fits them the best, for more comfortable pumping.
Closed System
The closed system on this Medela portable breast pump prevents the milk from going into the motor parts of the pump, with the chance of catching bacteria or viruses.
Removable Cooler Bag
One of the things included with this Medela double breast pump is the removable cooler bag with an ice pack. It holds 4 breast milk bottles and an ice pack that will keep your milk bottles cold all the time.
Characteristics:
Using Boiling Water To Sterilise Your Breast Pump Parts
Note: frequent sterilisation can cause your parts to deteriorate and discolour faster. If you follow a regular wash routine you shouldn’t need to sterilise more than just once. If your care provider has instructed you to sterilise your pump parts more frequently, you should do so. You may need to replace your parts more frequently.
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Before Each Pumping Session:
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Inspect your breast pump kit and accessories as you assemble the pump. Tubing thats moldy or has water droplets inside must be thrown away.
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean your breast pump dials, switches, and the surface on which youll place it.
What Can I Use To Clean My Breast Pump
Warm, soapy water is best for cleaning your breast pump parts. You should never submerge the motor in water, but you can wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth or disinfectant wipe.
Some manufacturers offer quick clean wipes however, these wipes cannot reach all surfaces of the pump kit, so thorough cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher is preferred.
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The Best Ways To Clean Your Breast Pump
Every part of your breast pump that comes into contact with your breast or breast milk needs to be cleaned, including the valves, membranes, breast shields, connectors, and more. This is because the moisture in breast milk quickly creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and germs to quickly grow and flourish.
Medela History And Offer
Medela was founded in 1961 and has been recognized as an expert in breastfeeding. This was because of its development of patented, and research-based technology. That is the result of the number 1 breast pump brand in America. Breast care products, accessories for breast pumps, breast milk storage, and feeding, and promotional materials are the products Medela offers except for breast pumps.
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How To Store Your Breast Milk Safely
After pumping, store your milk in baby bottles you bought separately, bottles that came with your pump kit or plastic bags made specifically for breast milk storage. Bottle liners are too thin, so avoid using those to store your milk. Its best to divide the milk into serving-size amounts to avoid wasting any when you thaw it out.
How To Clean Backflow Protectors
Wash as you would your valves with great care, ensuring the parts are disassembled. You want to make sure they are completely clean and dry prior to every pumping session to avoid milk and mould in the tubing and pump.
It’s important to replace the backflow protectors regularly to maintain proper performance of your breast pump. The silicone parts can wear down over time, causing the pump motor to work harder, a decrease in suction which can hurt your milk supply, or a loss in airtight seal allowing moisture into the tubing. Read our guide on replacing pump parts for how often you should replace your backflow protectors and other parts…
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How To Clean Breast Pump Parts
After a pumping session, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then store the milk safely and disassemble your pump.
Use a dedicated brush and wash basin if washing your pump parts by hand. Scrub all the parts according to the manufacturers directions. This includes any pump parts that come into contact with your breast or breast milk, such as the flanges or breast shields, valves, connectors, membranes, and bottles.
- Rinse each pump part in cool water as soon as possible after pumping.
- Wash each piece separately with liquid dishwashing soap and warm water.
- Rinse each part in hot water for 10-15 seconds.
- Allow to air dry on a clean paper towel or clean dish towel. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration also notes that a clean drying rack can be used.
Some manufacturers recommend washing breast pump parts and accessories in the dishwasher. You can place all the disassembled pump parts in the washer, using a closed top basket or small mesh laundry bag for the smaller parts. Run a cycle using hot water and use a heated drying cycle for extra sanitation. Before you remove the clean pump parts, wash your hands again, and then lay the parts on a clean paper towel or drying rack and allow to air dry.
Why Is It Important For A Medela Pump To Be Dishwasher Safe
Because Medela breast pumps are medical devices, its important that they are cleaned and sanitized properly to ensure the most hygienic experience for the user. For this reason, Medela breast pumps are made to be dishwasher safe.
Also, Dishwashers are the best way to ensure that your pump and breastmilk bottles are thoroughly cleaned.
The high temperatures and detergents in the dishwasher will kill any bacteria that is lingering on your pump parts or bottles, ensuring that you can safely feed your baby with breastmilk that doesnt contain any harmful bacteria.
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Why Some Bottles Are Not Dishwasher Safe
Not all baby bottles are dishwasher-safe because of the materials used to make them. The high temperature of the wash cycle can break down the bottles material, shortening its lifespan.
Discoloration is also a common problem when placing baby bottles in the dishwasher with other dirty items. Most high-quality plastic and premium glass bottles are able to withstand being cleaned in the dishwasher. When deciding if its safe to place your baby bottles in the dishwasher, always check the manufacturers cleaning guidelines.