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How to clean breast pump parts properly

Aligned with CDC guidance; not medical advice · Updated July 2026

Quick answer: After each session: disassemble, rinse, then wash in a dedicated basin (not directly in the sink) with soap and hot water, and air-dry on a clean towel. Sanitize once daily (boiling, steam bags, or dishwasher sanitize cycle) for babies under 2 months, premature, or immunocompromised. Tubing that never touches milk only needs cleaning when visibly dirty.

The CDC method, minus the overwhelm

  1. Take everything apart; milk hides between pieces.
  2. Rinse under running water, then scrub in a wash basin reserved for baby items, since sinks are germier than toilets in most kitchens.
  3. Air-dry completely on a dedicated towel or rack. Towel-drying reintroduces germs, and trapped moisture grows mold in membranes.

The fridge hack, honestly

Storing assembled parts in a sealed bag in the fridge between same-day sessions is extremely common among working moms, and the CDC still officially recommends washing after every use. The compromise position most lactation professionals describe: fridge-storing is a calculated shortcut for healthy, full-term babies, and full washing plus daily sanitizing remains the standard for young or vulnerable infants. Know which camp your baby is in and choose deliberately.

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