How to Clean Your Ameda Breast Pump

The breast milk that your body makes is perfectly sterile, so it’s important to keep your breast pump clean to ensure the milk that you pump remains healthy and safe for your baby. Ameda breast pumps are designed to keep the tubing clean and free from moisture and contamination, which saves you time from having to clean and dry the tubes. The other parts of your breast pump, however, do need to be regularly cleaned in order to keep your pump working at its best and to protect outside germs from contaminating your milk.

How to Clean Your Breast Pump

When you first get your breast pump, look to see if it is marked with the word “sterile.” If it is, you are ready to get started on your first pumping session. If not, place all of the different pieces that will come into contact with your breast and milk in a large pot of water. Boil for 20 minutes, carefully remove the parts and allow to air dry before using your pump for the first time.

To regularly clean your pump, place all of the pieces that come into contact with your milk in a sink of hot, soapy water. Make sure to separate any pieces that may be attached to one another. Rinse each piece in hot water and allow it to air dry on a drying rack. It’s best to use mild dishwashing detergents and to stay away from antibacterial soaps, chemicals, abrasive cleaners and bottle brushes. Never dry your pump pieces with a cotton towel as this may allow germs from the towels to spread to your pump.

How Often Should I Clean My Breast Pump?

To keep your milk free from bacteria, clean your breast pump after each pumping session. If you are pumping at work or away from home and find it difficult to thoroughly clean your pump pieces right away, rinse each piece in cool water as soon as you are finished pumping and allow to air dry. Wash the pump pieces in hot, soapy water as soon as you are able to do so.

Can I Use the Dishwasher to Clean My Breast Pump?

The large pieces of your Ameda breast pump may be cleaned in the dishwasher using the top rack. Smaller pieces should still be washed by hand in hot, soapy water.

Should I Sterilize My Breast Pump After Each Use?

Unless your baby’s doctor or the hospital has advised you to do so, it’s not necessary to sterilize your breast pump in boiling water after each use. Microwave sterilizers aren’t able to sterilize your breast pump pieces according to the Federal Drug Administration guidelines, so they shouldn’t be used to sterilize your breast pump.

The unique design of your Ameda breast pump makes caring for and cleaning your pump simple. Take a few minutes after each pumping session to easily clean your pump to keep your little one’s milk safe and your pump working well.