Are Breast Pump Parts Dishwasher Safe? A Guide

For busy parents, finding ways to save time is a constant goal. When you’re pumping several times a day, the cleaning routine can feel like a never-ending chore. This often leads to a common question: can you put breast pump parts in the dishwasher?

The idea of letting a machine handle the scrubbing and sanitizing is appealing, but you want to be sure it’s safe for your baby and won’t damage your expensive pump.

The good news is that for most breast pumps, the answer is yes. However, it’s not as simple as just tossing everything inside.

In this article, we’ll break down which breast pump parts can go in the dishwasher, what precautions to take, and how dishwashers compare to other cleaning methods!

Using a dishwasher isn’t just about convenience; it offers significant benefits for hygiene. Modern dishwashers use very hot water and often have high-heat drying or sanitizing cycles.

These features are extremely effective at killing germs and bacteria, providing a level of sterilization that can be difficult to achieve with handwashing alone.

For parents of newborns, premature infants, or babies with weakened immune systems, the sanitizing power of a dishwasher offers an extra layer of confidence.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even recommends using a dishwasher with a hot water and heated drying cycle as a reliable method for cleaning and sanitizing infant feeding items.

Before putting anything in the dishwasher, always consult your breast pump’s instruction manual. Recommendations can vary by brand and model, and not all parts are created equal—some may warp or degrade in a dishwasher.

If you are curious about appliances like the Baby Brezza, we have a dedicated article on whether breast pump parts can be cleaned in these baby brezza and how the process compares.

Most hard plastic components of a breast pump are designed to withstand the heat of a dishwasher. These generally include:

• Breast Shields (Flanges): The cone-shaped part that fits against your breast.
• Connectors: The pieces that connect the flange, valve, and bottle.
• Collection Bottles: The bottles that your milk collects in.

These larger, sturdy parts can usually be placed securely on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Most hard plastic components of a breast pump are designed to withstand the heat of a dishwasher. These generally include:

• Breast Shields (Flanges): The cone-shaped part that fits against your breast.
• Connectors: The pieces that connect the flange, valve, and bottle.
• Collection Bottles: The bottles that your milk collects in.

These larger, sturdy parts can usually be placed securely on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Some smaller or more delicate parts might be dishwasher-safe, but they need protection to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.

• Valves and Membranes: These small silicone or plastic pieces are essential for creating suction. They can easily fall through the dishwasher racks or get damaged by the high-pressure water jets.
• Duckbill Valves: Similar to valves and membranes, these one-piece silicone valves are small and delicate.

If your pump’s manual confirms these parts are dishwasher-safe, you must place them in a closed-top basket or a mesh laundry bag on the top rack. This keeps them contained and protected during the wash cycle.

Certain components should never go in the dishwasher, as the heat and moisture can cause irreparable damage.

• Tubing: For closed-system pumps, tubing should not come into contact with milk and therefore doesn’t need regular washing. Getting water inside the tubes can lead to mold growth and is extremely difficult to dry completely. If you see milk or mold in your tubing, it must be replaced immediately.
• The Pump Motor: This is an electrical device and should never be submerged in water or placed in the dishwasher. Wipe the motor unit with a clean, damp cloth to keep it clean.

Power Adapters and Batteries: Like the motor, these are electrical components and are not waterproof.

• Rinse all pump parts promptly after use.
• Disassemble every piece for thorough cleaning.
• Use the top rack and a mesh bag or basket for small items.
• Choose a hot water and heated drying cycle for extra sanitization.

For a full, step-by-step guide on washing breast pump parts in the dishwasher, see our detailed article: How to Wash Breast Pump Parts in Dishwasher.

Deciding between the dishwasher and handwashing often comes down to your personal situation. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose.

• Superior Sanitization: The high heat from the water and drying cycle kills more germs than typical handwashing.
• Time-Saving: It’s a “set it and forget it” method that frees up your time.
• Convenience: Great for parents who pump multiple times a day and can run a load overnight.

• Wear and Tear: The high heat and harsh detergents can cause plastic and silicone parts to degrade faster, requiring more frequent replacement.
• Not Immediate: You have to wait for a full cycle to finish, which may not be practical if you need the parts for your next pumping session soon.
• Risk of Damage: Small parts can get lost or damaged if not secured properly.

• Gentler on Parts: Handwashing with a soft brush is less abrasive and can extend the life of your pump components.
• Always Available: You can wash parts immediately after use and have them ready for your next session.
• Better for Targeted Cleaning: You can manually scrub stubborn milk residue from hard-to-reach areas.

• More Time-Consuming: It requires more hands-on effort and time at the sink.
• Less Effective Sanitization: Standard handwashing doesn’t typically reach the same sanitizing temperatures as a dishwasher unless you also sterilize the parts afterward.

If you choose to use the dishwasher, you can take steps to minimize wear and tear on your equipment.

• Alternate Methods: Consider alternating between handwashing and using the dishwasher to give your parts a break from the high heat.
• Inspect Regularly: After each wash, check your parts for signs of wear, such as warping, cracking, or thinning. Pay close attention to membranes and valves, as their integrity is key to good suction.
• Replace on Schedule: Follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule, even if the parts look fine. Worn-out parts can reduce your pump’s efficiency and may harbor bacteria in tiny cracks.
• Use the Top Rack Only: This is the most important rule for protecting plastics from heat damage.

for protecting your equipment and the instructions of your pump manufacturer.

Learn more about all aspects of pump hygiene in our comprehensive guide: Cleaning Breast Pump Parts.