A closed steam sanitizer beside clean pump parts

Sanitizing breast pump parts

Steam, boiling, or a sanitize setting, after cleaning.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. It does not change our guidance. Affiliate Disclosure

Clean first

The CDC says pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins should be sanitized only after they have been cleaned.

When the CDC says it is especially important

The CDC says to sanitize pump parts at least once daily for extra germ removal. It says sanitizing is especially important if your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment.

Three ways

The CDC lists steam, using a microwave or plug-in steam system according to the maker's directions; boiling for 5 minutes; or a dishwasher with a sanitize setting, or hot water and a heated drying cycle. It says to check the maker's instructions about whether items may be steamed or boiled.

Sterilize or sanitize?

The FDA says: "It is not possible to completely sterilize breast pump parts at home, even if you boil them. However, sterilization is not necessary to keep these parts safe and sanitary." It says microwave sterilizers do not meet the FDA definition of sterilization, but will adequately reprocess parts for a single user.

Older, healthy babies

The CDC says daily sanitizing may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if the parts are cleaned carefully after each use. Ask your baby's doctor what is right for your baby.

Parts that cannot be sanitized

The CDC says to clean and inspect them regularly for cracks, chips, or wear, and to replace them when needed.

Sources: CDC, How to Clean and Sanitize Breast Pumps (2024); FDA, Cleaning a Breast Pump (2022).

FAQ

Do I need a separate sanitizing step if I use the dishwasher?

The CDC says that if you use a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle, or a sanitizing setting, a separate sanitizing step is not necessary.

Can the motor unit be steamed?

No. The FDA says the electrical unit should never be cleaned using a microwave sterilizer or put into water.

General information only, not medical advice. For questions about pumping, breastfeeding, milk supply, or feeding your baby, talk to your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant, or your baby's pediatrician. Follow the maker's instructions for your pump and its parts. The FDA says that if you are injured while using a breast pump or have pain, contact your health care provider. In an emergency, call 911.

A breast shield, a bottle, and four small pump parts on a white paper towel

Cleaning breast pump parts

After every use.

A white valve, a round membrane, and a clear connector on a pale stone ledge

Breast pump parts, explained

Shields, valves, tubing.

Three flat frozen milk bags with blank labels stacked on a frosted freezer shelf

Freezing and thawing breast milk

Freeze, thaw, and warm.

Next: cleaning parts