Caring for Your Breast Pump Attachments: In the Hospital and at Home

It is important to keep your breast pump attachments (parts) clean. This protects your baby from bacteria both in the hospital and once you are home. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you do the following:

While in the hospital:

• Wash your hands before using your pump. Make sure the outside of your pump is clean.

• You will need 2 basins. Use a basin to wash parts to your pump. Use another basin to hold the parts while they air dry.

• Your nurse or lactation counselor will show you which parts you must wash.

• After each use, separate the pump parts and rinse them under running water. Do not put them directly in the sink!

• Clean the pump parts as soon as possible after each use. Use hot, soapy water in a wash basin that you use only for washing them.

• Rinse them in fresh water. Don’t put them back in the same wash basin.

• To dry the parts, place a clean washcloth in a separate basin. Let the parts air dry.

  • If the parts are still wet when you need to use them, use a new clean washcloth to dry them.

  • Do not use the same washcloth they were on to air dry. This could spread germs.

• Rinse the wash basin and allow it to air dry.

• Use new wash basins each day.

• Sterilize pump parts once a day.

While at home:

• Wash your hands before using your pump. Make sure the outside of your pump is clean.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on which parts to clean.

• Wash pump parts after each use. 

• You may use a dishwasher to clean your pump parts.

  • Place the setting on hot water and heated drying cycle or sanitize cycle. Place the parts on the upper rack.

  • Be sure to wash your hands before taking them out of the dishwasher. Let them air dry if not already dry.

• Or you may boil the parts if you do not have a dishwasher.

  • Place the parts in a clean pan with fresh water. Then place the pan on the stove to bring the pump parts to a rolling boil. Boil them for 1-2 minutes.

  • Place the parts on a clean washcloth to air dry.

• If the parts are still wet when you need to use them, use a new clean washcloth to dry them before using.

• Store the pump parts in a clean, protected place once they are fully dry.