How to Sterlize Breast Pump Parts

To keep breast milk safe for babies to drink, many mothers want to sterilize the parts of breast pumps. According to the Breastfeeding Essentials website, "Sterilize all pump parts that will come in contact with breast or milk before the first use unless your parts came in a sterile package." For an electric pump, do not worry about cleaning the motor or power source.



Read the owner's manual for your breast pump to make sure you follow their cleaning recommendations. Some manufacturers will only guarantee the warranty on the pump if you sterilize as they recommend.

Instructions

Sterilize Using a Stove

1




Wash and your dry hands before sterilizing pump parts.

Wash your hands with soap and water before you touch any parts of the breast pump. Dry your hands with paper towels.

2

Use soap and hot water to to wash the pot, tongs and drying rack. Dry the items with clean paper towels.

3

Fill the pot halfway with water. Heat on a stove until the water boils.

4

Place the breast-pump parts into the boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Turn off the stove and allow the water in the pot to cool.

5

Remove the breast pump parts from the pot with tongs.

6

Rinse the breast pump parts with hot water.

7

Place the pump parts on a drying rack for several hours or overnight to air dry.

If you don't have time to wait for the parts to air dry, use a clean paper towel to wipe them dry.

Sterilize Using a Dishwasher

8

Place the breast-pump parts into the top rack of a dishwasher.

9

Set the dishwasher to a water temperature that is at least 140 degrees.

10

Allow the breast pump parts to dry thoroughly. Either leave them inside the dishwasher to dry, or remove the parts from the dishwasher and place them on a drying rack or on clean paper towels.