How to Clean Breast Pump Parts at Home, Work, or On the Go

Keeping breast pump parts clean isn't anyone's favorite part of breastfeeding—but it is one of the most important. Whether you're pumping at home, at work, or while traveling, properly cleaning your pump helps protect your milk from contamination and keeps your equipment working as it should.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing pump parts after every use. But if you've ever pumped multiple times during a busy workday, you know that isn't always easy or even feasible.

Here's what current CDC guidance recommends, plus practical advice from pediatrician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Dr. Eve Wexler on making pump cleaning manageable in real life.

How often should you clean breast pump parts?

The CDC recommends washing breast pump parts after every pumping session. That includes any parts that come into contact with breast milk, including bottles, flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, and collection containers. After washing, allow all parts to air dry completely before storing them.

If your baby is younger than two months, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system, the CDC also recommends sanitizing pump parts at least once daily after cleaning.

Cleaning breast pump parts at work or on the go

Finding time—and a sink—to wash pump parts between meetings or while traveling isn't always realistic. Planning ahead can make pumping away from home much easier.

Pack extra pump parts

One of the easiest ways to simplify your day is to bring multiple sets of flanges, valves, and bottles. Instead of washing between every pumping session, you can use a clean set each time and wash everything thoroughly when you have access to soap and water.

Bring cleaning supplies

Keep a small kit stocked with:

• Breast pump cleaning wipes or spray (made specifically for pump parts)
• A clean storage bag for used parts
• Bottle brush
• Mild dish soap
• Paper towels or a clean drying rack if you'll be washing away from home

Cleaning wipes can help remove milk residue until you're able to wash your pump parts properly, but they aren't a substitute for washing with soap and water.

If you don't have access to water

Use pump cleaning wipes and store used pump parts in a clean bag until you can wash them thoroughly.

What about the "fridge hack"?

Many breastfeeding parents refrigerate pump parts between pumping sessions instead of washing them after every use—a practice known as the "fridge hack." While this approach is widely discussed among breastfeeding parents, the CDC does recommend cleaning pump parts after every use.

Some lactation experts note that refrigerating pump parts may be a reasonable option for healthy, full-term infants when washing isn't practical. But if your baby was born prematurely, is medically fragile, or has a weakened immune system, skip the fridge hack and wash pump parts after every pumping session.

If you have questions about what's appropriate for your situation, talk with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant.

The CDC's recommended cleaning process

For the safest cleaning:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your pump or pump parts.
2. Disassemble the pump completely.
3. Wash pump parts in a clean basin—not directly in the sink—with hot water and dish soap.
4. Scrub using a bottle brush reserved only for infant feeding items.
5. Rinse thoroughly under running water or in a separate clean basin.
6. Allow everything to air dry completely on a clean paper towel or drying rack.
7. Store dry parts in a clean, protected area.

Many dishwasher-safe pump parts can also be cleaned in the dishwasher using hot water and a heated drying cycle. Always check your pump manufacturer's instructions first.

Do you need to sanitize breast pump parts?

For most healthy, full-term babies, thoroughly washing pump parts after every use is the most important step. The CDC recommends sanitizing feeding items daily if your baby:

• is younger than two months old
• was born prematurely
• has a weakened immune system

You can sanitize pump parts by:

• boiling them (if recommended by the manufacturer)
• using a microwave steam bag
• using an electric steam sterilizer
• running them through a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle (if available)

Always follow your pump manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Tips to make pump cleaning easier

Dr. Wexler encourages parents to focus on consistency rather than perfection. "Your boobs aren't sterile," she says. "If your baby is in daycare, they're already exposed to so many germs." For healthy babies, these strategies can make pumping more manageable:

• Pack extra pump parts for long workdays.
• Wash pump parts as soon as you have access to soap and hot water.
• Allow everything to air dry completely before storing.
• Replace worn valves, membranes, and tubing according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Keep a dedicated bottle brush with your pumping supplies.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wash breast pump parts after every use?

Yes. The CDC recommends washing pump parts after every pumping session.

Can I wash breast pump parts in the dishwasher?

Many pump parts are dishwasher safe. Check your manufacturer's instructions before placing them in the dishwasher.

Can I refrigerate pump parts between pumping sessions?

Some parents use the "fridge hack," but just know that the CDC recommends washing pump parts after every use. Families with premature or medically vulnerable babies should avoid refrigerating used pump parts between sessions.

What's the best way to dry breast pump parts?

Allow them to air dry completely on a clean paper towel, drying rack, or other clean surface. Avoid using dish towels that may introduce germs.

Can I use breast pump cleaning wipes?

Cleaning wipes made specifically for breast pump parts can help remove milk residue when you're away from a sink, but they don't replace washing with hot, soapy water.

The bottom line

Cleaning breast pump parts doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Washing pump parts after every use, allowing them to air dry completely, and following your manufacturer's instructions go a long way toward keeping your milk safe and your pump working properly. When you're pumping away from home, a little preparation—like packing extra pump parts and cleaning supplies—can make the process much more manageable.