How to Clean Breast Pump Parts

The CDC says breast pump parts that come into contact with breast milk should be cleaned as soon as possible after pumping. ¹ It also says that pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins should be sanitised only after they have first been cleaned. ¹ Below is what the CDC says about washing, sanitising, drying and tubing, quoted and linked.

Key takeaways

• The CDC says to clean pump parts that contact breast milk as soon as possible after pumping. ¹
• The CDC says to sanitise pump parts at least once daily, which is especially important for very young, premature, or immune-compromised babies. ¹
• The CDC says to sanitise items only after they have first been cleaned. ¹
• The CDC says to air-dry parts thoroughly before storing, to help prevent germs and mould. ¹

**A quick, honest note:** we're not medical professionals - everything here was researched by us from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page, and it isn't professional advice. Read our full note ↓

How do I clean pump parts?

The CDC says pump parts that come into contact with breast milk should be cleaned as soon as possible after pumping. ¹ It adds that if you use a wash basin or bottle brush to clean the parts, you should rinse them well and let them air-dry after each use. ¹

How often should I sanitise?

The CDC says that for extra germ removal, pump parts should be sanitised at least once daily, and that this is especially important for babies who are under 2 months old, were born prematurely, or have a weakened immune system. ¹ It adds that daily sanitising may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if the parts are cleaned carefully after each use. ¹ It is clear on the order: pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins should be sanitised only after they have first been cleaned. ¹ It describes one method: for disassembled items that are safe to boil, it says to cover them with water, bring them to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes. ¹

How do I dry and store them?

The CDC says to let clean pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins air-dry thoroughly before storing, to help prevent germs and mould from growing. ¹

What about the tubing?

The CDC says that, when used correctly, breast pump tubing does not touch the pumped milk and does not need to be cleaned routinely. ¹ But it adds a clear exception: it says that if the tubing has milk or mould in it, you should throw it away immediately, because it is difficult to clean properly. ¹

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean breast pump parts?

The CDC says to clean parts that contact milk as soon as possible after pumping, then rinse and air-dry any basin or brush used. ^{1 1}

How often should I sanitise pump parts?

The CDC says at least once daily, and only after cleaning first. ^{1 1}

Do I need to clean the tubing?

The CDC says tubing used correctly does not touch the milk and does not need routine cleaning, but says to throw it away if it has milk or mould in it. ^{1 1}

How do I dry pump parts?

The CDC says to air-dry them thoroughly before storing. ¹

A note from us

We're the team behind Yael & Michal. We are not doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, or psychologists, and nothing here is professional advice.

Everything above was researched by us from public, reputable sources - we name and link every one of them below - and summarized as carefully as we could, as a free resource for other mothers. We do this because we wished something like it had existed for us.

When we name an organisation such as the CDC, the NHS, La Leche League, or the Israeli Ministry of Health, we are only citing their published guidance; it does not mean they endorse, sponsor, approve, or are affiliated with us. They have no involvement with this site, and we never use their logos or seals.

Yael & Michal sells nursing bras, which are comfort garments and not medical devices; we do not claim they prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition. The health information here is written for you as a free resource - it is separate from anything we sell.

We try hard to get it right, and we cite our sources so you can check us. But we are not a medical authority, and this cannot replace talking to a professional who knows you and your baby. Please check anything that matters with your doctor, midwife, or an IBCLC lactation consultant. This content has not been reviewed by a medical professional. Reading this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and us.

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Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/about-breast-pump-hygiene.html (retrieved 2026-07-10).