Saving Time Cleaning Breast Pump Parts?

Since I went back to work, I spend so much time pumping, washing bottles and disinfecting pump parts. How can I get it all done quickly and more efficiently?

ByAmy Spangler, MN, RN, IBCLC, author of Breastfeeding: A Parent’s Guide

Lactation Specialist

Updated
March 2, 2017

Keep it simple. You disinfected your pump parts and bottles when you took them out of the packages. There’s no need to continue doing it day after day. To keep things clean without wasting time, follow these easy steps:

Throughout the workday: After each use, rinse any pump parts that come into contact with your milk with clean water and store the parts in a clean container.

Once you get home from work: Wash all the pump parts in hot, soapy water, rinse well and air-dry for use the next day. Parts that are labeled dishwasher-safe can be cleaned in the dishwasher. There’s no need to sterilize pump parts unless baby is premature or sick.

More from The Bump:

How to Solve Pumping Problems

Pumping and Work

Tips for Storing Breast Milk