Cleaning Medela tubing?

soccerfiend2002 · March 2009

The tubing for my Medela pump has condensation on the inside. How do you clean these? I have some of those steam cleaner bags I could use - or can you wash them in the dishwasher? I've lost the instruction manual.

TIA! and happy happy Friday.

rachel06 · March 2009

I found this on Medela's website. Not sure if it will help or not.

Sterilization is not an effective method of cleaning the SNS's tubing. To clean the tubing, fill the SNS with warm, soapy water and reconnect the ring and tubing. Then, force the soapy water through the system. Refill the SNS with clean water and flush the system with it. Repeat the clean rinsing as necessary. All other parts can be sterilized.

Meg41208 · March 2009

the SNS is something different than the pump.

for pump tubing- You don't really have to sterilize the tubing, but I did. The condensation in mine dried up, but I notice that I do get some condensation in mine from pumping, which I usually just let the pump run with just the tubes connected for a few minutes and that seems to dry it up.

jerseygirl81 · March 2009

I don't think you're asking about the SNS.

For the PISA tubing it's fine to sterilize it because the milk doesn't go in the tubes. SNS is a completely different product.

You can use the steam bags but you have to put in enough water to cover the tubing, 2oz isn't enough. I constantly have condensation in mine and it helps to run the pump for a few minutes when you're finished pumping to let the air push the water out. You can also put a few drops of rubbing alcohol into the tubes and let them air dry.

In a pinch, swinging them around my head lasso-style works, too

rachel06 · March 2009

Sorry about the mix up. Maybe one day I will understand all of this. lol

lisamm1 · March 2009

jerseygirl81:

I don't think you're asking about the SNS.

For the PISA tubing it's fine to sterilize it because the milk doesn't go in the tubes. SNS is a completely different product.

You can use the steam bags but you have to put in enough water to cover the tubing, 2oz isn't enough. I constantly have condensation in mine and it helps to run the pump for a few minutes when you're finished pumping to let the air push the water out. You can also put a few drops of rubbing alcohol into the tubes and let them air dry.

In a pinch, swinging them around my head lasso-style works, too

LOL I totally do the lasso swing too!

soccerfiend2002 · March 2009

You're correct - it's the PISA tubing - not the SNS (whatever that is!?!?)

LOL - I like the lasso style method - think I'll give that a try! I haven't just let it run after I'm done pumping so I'll give that a go as well. I figured the condensation in the tubes wasn't terrible, but after a while of being in there it probably wouldn't be so good for it.

Thanks for your help!

jerseygirl81 · March 2009

SNS is the supplemental nursing system. It's basically a bag of milk attached to a tube that runs down your breast. Women with preemies/sick babies/adopted children use them so they still get the bonding effect of nursing, and because it can help babies get the hang of actually BFing.

mrs.george2be04 · March 2009

Well you learn something new every day! I have been pumping for almost 10 months and have never attempted the lasso method. Thanks girls! :-)

Cleaning Medela tubing?

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