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Medela Pump Cleaning Process

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What is the correct way and frequency to clean your pump?  I'm thinking what I do is not sufficient (rinse bottles/shields after each session, clean with soap once a day).  I haven't cleaned the tubing at all.  Then, I was looking online at the accessories.  Why would I need to purchase extra valves and membranes?  What am I missing here?  Any help is greatly appreciated. 

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Re: Medela Pump Cleaning Process

  • MamaSquishMamaSquish member
    I clean all the parts with soap and water after each use.  Most of the time, I also use the Medela microwave steam bag as well.  They come in a pack of 5, but you can use each one 20 times.  You can also run them through the dishwasher.  As for the tubing, I was advised by an LC to NEVER clean them (even though the instruction manual tells you how-it doesn't work.  I hung mine to dry after cleaning, and the water never dried up)  She said that water marks are ok, just run the pump on high after you disconnect the parts from the tubing and let it go for about a minute.  Just look for black, and if you see any, get new tubing-which only costs about 5 bucks.
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  • shotzieshotzie member
    Like the pp, I wash my pump parts in hot soapy water and then sterilize them in the steam bags after every use. You don't have to sterilize them that often, but I've just gotten in the habit of doing that.
    Eventually you'll need more membranes because they wear out over time. If your pump seems to lose suction, one thing to check is the membranes.
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  • Katie.KCKatie.KC

    I pump 2x a night at work so I have 2 sets of pump parts. This way I only have to wash them when I get home.  I usually let them soak in hot soapy water a few minutes before rinsing.  I don't sterilize mine as often as I did in the beginning.  I do put my parts in the dishwasher 2x a week so this sterilizes. 

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  • cindyhowcindyhow

    My LC gave me the tip that you can store your pump parts in between nursing sessions 'as is' in the fridge in a ziploc and clean with soapy water 1x/day.  I've been doing this the whole time and haven't had a problem I run them thru the dishwasher or use the sterilize bags 1-2/x a week.

     

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  • Soon2BMrsNSoon2BMrsN member
    When I pumped, I used the Medela quick clean wipes between pumping sessions (didn't have access to running water or a fridge close enough to where I pumped at work).  Every night, I washed in hot soapy water.  I tried to use the Medela steam bags about once a week to sterilize.  I never cleaned the tubing.  I never bought new valves, but the membranes do need to be replaced every few months.  If you seem to be pumping less than you used to, replacing the membranes can help.  GL!
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