Between feedings, pumping sessions, and everything else a day with a baby demands, cleaning your pump can feel like one more chore on an already long list. The good news is that once you have a simple routine down, it becomes quick and almost automatic. This step-by-step guide follows CDC recommendations so you can keep your milk safe and your pump working its best, without overthinking it.
The Cleaning Rhythm: Wash After Every Use, Sanitize Daily
Here is the core routine to remember, straight from the CDC:
After every pumping session: take apart, rinse, and wash all parts that touch milk. At least once a day: sanitize those parts for extra germ removal. Especially important if your baby is under three months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system, since young babies are more vulnerable to germs. The parts that need cleaning are the ones that contact your breast or milk: flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, and collection bottles. Tubing usually does not need washing unless milk gets into it.
Step 1: Wash Right After You Pump
Cleaning as soon as possible after a session gives germs less time to grow, so try to make it your first stop when you finish.
Start by washing your hands well with soap and water. Then take the pump kit apart, separating every piece that touched milk. Rinse those parts under running water to remove any milk residue. Next, and this is a step many people miss, wash them in a clean basin used only for infant feeding items rather than placing them directly in the sink. Add dish soap and hot water, and scrub with a bottle brush reserved just for baby items. The CDC specifically recommends against washing pump parts directly in the sink, because sink drains can harbor bacteria.
Why it matters: an infant became seriously ill in a documented case traced to a contaminated pump, and investigators found the same bacteria in the family's kitchen sink. A dedicated basin is a small habit that makes a real difference. When you are done, rinse everything thoroughly under running water to wash away all soap.
Step 2: Air-Dry the Right Way
How you dry your parts matters just as much as how you wash them.
Place the clean parts, along with your wash basin and bottle brush, on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in a spot protected from dirt and dust. Let them air-dry completely. Resist the urge to rub or pat them dry with a dish towel, because doing so can transfer germs right back onto the freshly cleaned parts. This is one of those quiet reassurances worth holding onto: you do not need fancy equipment here, just patience and a clean surface. Make sure everything is fully dry before you store or reassemble it, since leftover moisture invites bacteria and mold.
Step 3: Sanitize for Extra Protection
Washing removes most germs, and sanitizing takes it a step further. The CDC recommends sanitizing pump parts at least once a day, which is especially important for young, premature, or immune-compromised babies.
You can sanitize by boiling disassembled parts in water for five minutes, using a microwave or plug-in steam system according to its directions, or running dishwasher-safe parts through a hot-water, heated-drying (or sanitize) cycle. One helpful note: if you clean your parts in a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying or sanitizing cycle, a separate sanitizing step is not necessary. Always check your pump manufacturer's instructions before boiling or steaming, since not every part tolerates high heat. After sanitizing, let everything air-dry fully on a clean surface before storing.
Why This Routine Matters
Breast milk is wonderful for your baby, but its residue can also feed harmful germs if parts are not cleaned well. Proper cleaning protects your baby, especially in those early, vulnerable weeks, and it also preserves the nutrients in your milk and keeps your pump performing at its best. Following these steps gives you one less thing to worry about and one more reason to feel confident. If you are pumping while sick or traveling, sanitize a little more often, and remember you can lean on your partner or family to share the cleaning load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Your Breast Pump
Can I put my breast pump parts in the dishwasher?
Yes, if they are dishwasher-safe (check your manual). Place small items in a closed-top basket or mesh bag so they do not fall to the bottom, and run a hot-water cycle with heated drying if possible. That heated cycle can double as your daily sanitizing step.
How long do pump parts need to dry?
Until they are completely dry. There is no set time, but storing or reassembling damp parts can allow bacteria and mold to grow, so give them as long as they need on a clean towel or drying rack in a protected spot.
Is it safe to just refrigerate my parts between sessions instead of washing?
The CDC considers the "fridge hack" a backup option, not a replacement for washing. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but does not stop it, and no studies confirm it is as safe as washing each time. If you must use it, rinse or wipe the parts first and keep them in a sealed bag, then wash thoroughly as soon as you can.
Do I need to clean the tubing?
Usually not. On closed-system pumps, tubing does not come into contact with milk, so it does not need routine washing. If you ever see milk or moisture inside the tubing, follow your manufacturer's guidance, and replace tubing that shows mold, which cannot be safely cleaned away.
How often should I replace pump parts?
Silicone parts like valves and membranes wear out fastest and may need replacing every few weeks, while flanges and bottles last longer. Worn parts can reduce suction. Many insurance plans cover replacement parts, and Storkpump can help you resupply.
Keep Your Pump in Top Shape
A clean pump is a well-performing pump, and worn parts are the most common reason suction drops off. When it is time to refresh your flanges, valves, or tubing, Storkpump can help you get replacement parts and pumps through insurance. For more day-to-day tips, browse the Learning Center, check your fit with the flange sizing guide, and see our FAQ page for coverage questions. Learn more about us and how we support your journey. You can also download the CDC's printable breast pump cleaning fact sheet to keep on your fridge.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How to clean and sanitize breast pumps. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/about-breast-pump-hygiene.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to keep your breast pump kit clean [fact sheet]. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/pdf/breastpumpkit-clean-508.pdf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
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