In addition to a few mothers who have the conditions to insist on feeding, many workplace mothers choose breast pumps to insist on breastfeeding their baby.

However, the structure of the breast pump is complicated. How to clean used breast pump is the most hygienic? You should know this after learning how to pump milk.

Cleaning method

Method 1: Manual cleaning

• Place the assembly in a clean basin (this basin is designed to clean the baby feeding device), rather than placing the breast pump components directly in the sink, as bacteria in the sink and sewer can contaminate the components of the breast pump.
• Add soap and water to the bowl. Fill the basin with hot water and add soap or a special cleaning agent.
• Carefully brush the components with a brush that cleans the baby’s utensils.
• Wash the unit with running water or add a clean water soak in a separate basin. Note that this bowl is also used to clean baby feeding equipment.
• Dry the components of the breast pump thoroughly. Place the cleaned components, two basins and the bottle brush on a clean, unused towel or paper towel, away from the soil and let it dry naturally. Be careful not to wipe or pat the item with a towel, as this will spread the bacteria onto the item.
• Wash the basin and bottle brush regularly with soap and warm water.

Method 2: Wash in the dishwasher

If the instructions on the breast pump indicate that it can be washed in the dishwasher, it will save a lot of trouble.

A mother with a dishwasher at home can put the disassembled breast pump assembly into the dishwasher. Be careful to put small parts in closed baskets or mesh laundry bags so they don’t get into the dishwasher’s filter. When washing, try to run the dishwasher with hot water, heated drying cycles, disinfection, etc., which will kill more bacteria.

Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before removing the above items from the dishwasher. If these components are not completely dry, place them on a clean, unused towel or paper towel, away from the ash and allow to dry naturally. Be careful not to wipe or pat the item with a towel, as this will spread the bacteria onto the item.

Additional disinfection measures

Your baby is very vulnerable at the beginning of life (0-3 months). Especially for babies with premature birth and low immunity, it is not too much to be careful. So do not use cheap electric breast pump first. In order to sterilize, the mother needs to wash it carefully every time after using the breast pump, and wash the breast pump assembly at least once a day, even if it is left unused – otherwise it may be moldy when we need to take it out, especially in Wet south and seaside cities.

For babies who are healthy for more than 3 months, it may not be necessary to sterilize the breast pump assembly every day. In this case, the breast pump assembly can be cleaned like this:

First, clean the breast pump assembly, breast pump cups, bottle brush and basin.

Second, use the following methods for disinfection (Note: Before proceeding with this step, you need to check the instructions to see if these items can be steamed or boiled).

Steam sterilization. Use microwave or plug-in steam systems.

Boiled and sterilized. Place the disassembled items in a pot, cover the vessel with water, and boil the water for 5 minutes. Then, remove the above items with a clean clip.

Dry thoroughly. Place the cleaned components, two basins and the bottle brush on a clean, unused towel or paper towel, away from the soil and let it dry naturally. Be careful not to wipe or pat the item with a towel, as this will spread the bacteria onto the item.

Finally, secure storage. The breast pump assembly, spray and bottle brush should be thoroughly air dried to prevent bacterial and mold growth. Once completely dry, these items should be stored in a clean, protected area to prevent contamination during storage, such as in unused, sealed food storage bags. As for the basin and bottle brush, you also need to store it in a clean place.