Cleaning and replacing breast pump parts

The pump parts that touch milk need cleaning after every use, because milk residue grows germs quickly. Worn parts, on the other hand, weaken suction and can reduce your milk without you noticing.

Updated 7 October 2026

In short

Take apart and wash the parts that touch milk after every use, with warm water and soap.
Sanitise them at least once a day if your baby is under 2 months, premature or has a weakened immune system.
If suction weakens, replace the valves and membranes before assuming you have less milk.

After every use

Put the milk in the fridge or freezer straight away.
Take apart all the parts that touch milk: flanges, valves, membranes, connectors and bottles.
Rinse them under running water to remove milk residue.
Wash them with warm water and soap in a basin used only for this, not directly in the sink, with a separate brush. Or in the dishwasher, if the manufacturer allows it.
Rinse them well again.
Let them air-dry completely on a clean towel. Don't wipe them with a cloth.
Once dry, store them in a clean, closed container or bag.

Wash your hands before handling clean parts. If you use a pump at work or in hospital, also wipe the buttons and surface of the pump.

Sanitising

Sanitise the parts at least once a day if your baby is younger than 2 months, was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system. For older, healthy babies, careful washing after every use is usually enough. Only sanitise parts that have already been washed, using one of these methods:

With steam, in an electric steriliser or a microwave steam bag.
By boiling in water for 5 minutes.
In the dishwasher on a hot programme with heated drying.

Tubing

On most pumps the tubing doesn't touch milk and doesn't need washing every time. If you see water droplets inside, let the pump run for a few minutes without the flange until they dry. If milk gets into the tubing or mould appears, replace it.

When to replace parts

Silicone parts stretch and wear over time, and the pump loses power. The times below are a guide: the more often you pump, the faster they wear. Always follow your pump manufacturer's instructions.

Part	Replace about
Valves and membranes	Every 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on use
Duckbill valves	Every 1–3 months
Backflow protectors	Every 1–3 months
Flanges	Every 1–3 months, or straight away if cracked
Tubing	About every 6 months, or when it no longer fits snugly or has mould

Replace straight away any part that is cracked, mouldy, discoloured or doesn't seal well.

The main parts of a pump

↔ Scroll sideways to see it all

Flange: the part that goes on the breast. The right size makes pumping comfortable and effective.
Valves and membranes: create the suction and direct the milk into the bottle. They're the parts that wear out fastest.
Backflow protector: stops milk from getting into the tubing and motor.
Tubing: connects the flange to the motor.
Bottles: most pumps use standard narrow or wide necks, so you can often pump straight into the bottles you feed your baby with.

Track it with Ditari i Bebes

In Ditari i Bebes you log how much milk you express each time. If the amount drops suddenly, it may be time for new valves and membranes.

See the app

Sources

CDC: How to clean and sanitize breast pumps

This guide is for information only and doesn't replace advice from your doctor, midwife or lactation consultant. Every mother and every baby is different. If something worries you, talk to your doctor.