Pump Cleaning Wipes? Or are there Alternatives?

davenh76

I am looking at accessories for my breastpump, and I see that Medela offers quick clean pump wipes.  Since a 24 pack is almost $9, I'm wondering if there are alternatives, or if I need the Medela brand of wipes?  Are they similar to Clorox wipes?

aglenn

You don't really need those at all, except maybe sometimes in a pinch.  I bought some before I had DD and have yet to use a single one (and am pumping for baby #2 now).  I just wipe down my parts with a wet paper towel and put them in the fridge with the bottles in between pumping sessions.

Kadyra

I would not use the Clorox wipes. If you're wiping down pump parts and then pumping again, I feel like bleach residue would get into the milk. We used the Medea ones. I have registered for a gazillion to get the discount on them. If I happened to be out, I just rinsed and let air dry. I did a full clean when I got home regardless. 

jf198400

The only time I have used these is while travelling.  On a daily basis most moms either just throw the parts in the fridge between pump sessions or buy multiple parts so you can use different ones each time.  To be honest I don't do either of these.  BM is good at room temp for about 5hrs and I pump after 4hrs so I just reuse my parts and then wash them at night.

mplesset23

I used them all the time when I went back to work.  Sometimes I just didn't have the time before a meeting to sit there and thoroughly clean everything.  I recommend them if you are going to working.  I had no idea that from set-up to clean-up pumping for me lasted approx. 30 minutes.  Thats a long time to be away from your desk.

 Just my experience.

Mrs.0428

I never cleaned my pump parts at work.  After each pumping session I put all the parts in a zip lock bag and through it in the fridge until the next time I pumped.  Then in the evenings at home I washed and sanitized everything.

Netty_3

aglenn:

You don't really need those at all, except maybe sometimes in a pinch.  I bought some before I had DD and have yet to use a single one (and am pumping for baby #2 now).  I just wipe down my parts with a wet paper towel and put them in the fridge with the bottles in between pumping sessions.

Netty_3

aglenn:

You don't really need those at all, except maybe sometimes in a pinch.  I bought some before I had DD and have yet to use a single one (and am pumping for baby #2 now).  I just wipe down my parts with a wet paper towel and put them in the fridge with the bottles in between pumping sessions.

Netty_3

Sorry, I didn't even hit post, but it posted twice...I know...why did I bother a third.

I did the same thing as this PP though.

tosababy

Just rinse out between uses during the day and wash with warm, soapy water at night.  Through two kids and almost two years of pumping, I've never used those wipes.

Soon2BMrsN

jf198400:

The only time I have used these is while travelling.  On a daily basis most moms either just throw the parts in the fridge between pump sessions or buy multiple parts so you can use different ones each time.  To be honest I don't do either of these.  BM is good at room temp for about 5hrs and I pump after 4hrs so I just reuse my parts and then wash them at night.

This.  It's not a huge deal if your pump parts are out for a bit.  I just wiped mine with a paper towel after the first session.

Froggy76

I don't use any wipes.  The mother's room at work has a sink, so I just rinse the parts with water and wipe with a paper towel.  I don't even refrigerate the parts since it's only a few hours between pumping sessions and milk is safe at room temperature for awhile.

I have the Medela wipes but I don't like them.  They seem to leave a soapy residue.  I'd only use them in case of an emergency.

easjer05

I have shared refrigerators and my available lactation rooms don't have sinks, so I use the wipes.  I wipe after the first session, and that's it.  I can't always guarantee I'll be pumping again within 4 hours after the first session, so I feel better if they are wiped.  I don't bother after the second session, because I'm going home, or I'll pump in the car and it will definitely be less than 4 hours.

I agree that they are very soapy.

shannm

easjer05:

I have shared refrigerators and my available lactation rooms don't have sinks, so I use the wipes.  I wipe after the first session, and that's it.  I can't always guarantee I'll be pumping again within 4 hours after the first session, so I feel better if they are wiped.  I don't bother after the second session, because I'm going home, or I'll pump in the car and it will definitely be less than 4 hours.

I agree that they are very soapy.

This is what I do too.  Mainly because my flanges get milky and I prefer to clean them up a bit before I use them again. 

bmwgrl

Target has up & up version in-store right beside the medela ones for tons cheaper.  They work great!  Package says "compare to Lansinoh clean & conditioning cloths"

Corrie79

I use the medela wipes every day.  I don't have access to a fridge at work, and I keep my pump parts and milk in an insulated lunch bag (cooler), but I clean the flanges with wipes after each session.  Since they are so wet/ soapy, I use one wipe a couple of times and just throw it in the lunch bag between uses.