Are You Supposed to Wash Breast Pump Tubing?

When establishing a cleaning routine for your breast pump, you might find yourself staring at the long, clear plastic tubes and wondering: are these supposed to be washed too? It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

Unlike other parts that directly handle milk, the tubing often has its own set of rules.

Understanding how to care for it is essential for both your pump’s function and your baby’s safety.

This article will focus specifically on the unique case of your breast pump tubing, and if you need more details on cleaning techniques or frequency, we’ll share resources for those topics throughout.

To understand whether to wash your tubing, you first need to know what kind of pump you have: an open system or a closed system. This distinction is the single most important factor in tubing care.

• Closed-System Pumps: Most modern electric breast pumps are closed systems. They are designed with a barrier, often called a backflow protector, that sits between the tubing and the pump motor. This barrier prevents milk, moisture, and airborne particles from entering the tubing and the motor. In a closed system, the tubing only transports air and should never come into contact with breast milk.
• Open-System Pumps: Older or some less common pump models may be open systems. These pumps do not have a protective barrier. Because of this, milk particles and moisture can potentially get into the tubing, creating a risk for mold and bacteria growth that can contaminate the motor and future pumping sessions.

For the vast majority of parents using a closed-system pump, the tubing does not require regular washing. Since it’s only moving air, it should remain clean and dry.

There are specific situations where cleaning the tubing becomes necessary, even in a closed-system pump.

1. Milk Has Entered the Tubing: This is the primary reason to wash your tubes. It can happen if the backflow protector is assembled incorrectly, is faulty, or if you lean back too far while pumping, allowing milk to flow backward. If you see any milk—fresh or dried—inside your tubing, you must clean and sanitize it immediately.
2. Visible Dirt or Debris: If the outside of your tubing gets dirty or you notice any debris has somehow gotten inside, it’s time for a wash.
3. Using an Open-System Pump: If you have an open-system pump, you may need to clean the tubing more regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as it is more susceptible to contamination.

If you find milk or dirt in your tubing, follow these steps to clean it thoroughly.

1. Rinse with Cool Water: First, hold the tubing vertically and rinse the inside with a stream of cool water to flush out any fresh milk residue.
2. Wash with Hot, Soapy Water: Fill a dedicated wash basin with hot water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap. For guidance on safe soap choices, you can read our article on what soap to use to wash breast pump. Swish the tubing around in the soapy water, ensuring water flows through the inside from end to end.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the inside and outside of the tubing with clean, running water until all soap residue is gone.

After washing, sanitizing is crucial to eliminate any lingering bacteria, especially since milk has been present.

• Soak in Alcohol: The most effective way to sanitize tubing is to rinse the inside with isopropyl alcohol (70% or 90%). The alcohol helps to both sanitize and evaporate any remaining water.
• Boiling (If Manufacturer Allows): Some pump manufacturers may state that their tubing can be boiled. Check your manual first, as boiling can sometimes cause tubing to become cloudy or warped.

This is the most critical and challenging step. Any moisture left inside the tubing can lead to mold growth.

1. Remove Excess Water: After rinsing (or soaking in alcohol), whip the tubing in the air like a lasso to force out as much water as possible through centrifugal force. Be sure you have plenty of clear space around you.
2. Run the Pump: Attach the tubing to the pump motor without connecting the other ends to the flanges. Turn the pump on and let it run for at least 10-15 minutes. The continuous airflow is the best way to ensure the inside is completely dry.
3. Hang to Dry: After running the pump, hang the tubing over a hook or chair back with both ends pointing down to allow any final drops of moisture to evaporate and drain.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions, check out our complete guide on how to clean breast pump tubing—it covers exactly what to do if you see milk, moisture, or debris inside your tubing.

For a broader look at sterilizing methods for all your pump parts, our guide on how to clean and sterilize breast pump parts offers effective options.

Breast pump tubing does not last forever and should be replaced periodically, even if it looks clean.

It’s time for a replacement if:

• You See Mold: If you spot any black or discolored specks inside the tubing that you cannot remove, discard it immediately and replace it with a new set. Do not try to clean and reuse moldy tubing.
• It’s Damaged: Replace the tubing if it is cracked, stretched, or no longer fits securely onto the pump port or backflow protector. A poor fit can cause a loss of suction.
• It Remains Cloudy or Sticky: Over time, tubing can become cloudy or develop a sticky texture, even with cleaning. This is a sign the plastic is breaking down, and it’s time for a new set.
• As a Precaution: Many manufacturers recommend replacing tubing every 3-6 months as part of regular maintenance, depending on your pumping frequency. Check your pump’s manual for specific recommendations.

For most parents using a modern, closed-system breast pump, the answer to “Are you supposed to wash breast pump tubing?” is no—not as part of your regular routine.

However, you should always be prepared to clean, sanitize, and thoroughly dry it if milk ever gets inside, and to follow proper procedures before first use.

Knowing what to clean is the first step in any effective hygiene routine. While parts like flanges and bottles need daily washing, tubing falls into a different category.

Our main guide on which breast pump parts to wash covers the full list of components that require your attention, while our upcoming articles dive deep into all aspects of cleaning and maintaining pump tubing.