Can Breast Pump Parts Go in Sterilizer?

You’ve decided a sterilizer might be the right tool for you—or you’ve already bought one—and now you have a practical question: what can actually go inside it?

It’s a crucial step, as putting the wrong item in can lead to melted parts, damaged equipment, and ineffective sterilization.

The good news is that most modern breast pump components are designed to withstand sterilization. However, compatibility depends on the material, the type of sterilizer you use, and your specific pump brand’s guidelines.

This guide will walk you through what’s generally safe, what to avoid, and how to do it correctly.

Most pump parts that come into contact with breast milk are made from durable, heat-resistant materials.

Always look for symbols or text on the parts or packaging that confirm they are safe for steam or UV sterilization.

If you’re specifically wondering about using a common bottle sterilizer for your pump parts, we’ve detailed the process and key considerations in our guide on Can you sterilize breast pump parts in bottle sterilizer?.

Generally safe materials include:

• BPA-Free Hard Plastics: This includes most flanges (breast shields), connectors, hard plastic rings, and collection bottles. These are typically made from polypropylene (PP), which handles high heat well.
• Silicone Parts: Soft, flexible components like diaphragms, duckbill valves, and some membranes are usually made from food-grade silicone, which is safe for steam and UV sterilization.
• Glass Bottles: If you pump into glass bottles, they are perfectly safe to sterilize with steam.

Even with these materials, always check your pump manual. Some brands may have specific exceptions.

Some components of your breast pump should never be placed in a sterilizer. Doing so can permanently damage them and may even be a safety hazard.

Items to always leave out include:

• Tubing: Most pump tubing will melt or warp under high heat. Since tubing typically only carries air and doesn’t touch breast milk, it doesn’t require sterilization. If it needs cleaning, wipe it down with a damp cloth.
• Pump Motors and Electronics: Never place the main pump unit, AC adapters, battery packs, or any electrical component in a sterilizer. These items should be wiped clean, never submerged or exposed to steam.
• Some Delicate Valves or Membranes: Certain brands may advise against sterilizing very thin, delicate membranes, as repeated high heat could affect their elasticity and performance.
• Parts with Adhesive Measurements: Some specialty measuring tools for flange sizing may have adhesives that can degrade.
• Decorated Plastics: Bottles or parts with painted or printed-on decorations may see those designs peel or fade with repeated sterilization.

The type of sterilizer you use matters, as each uses a different method to kill germs. Electric steam and microwave sterilizers both use hot steam, while UV sterilizers use light.

Most parts safe for electric steam are also safe for microwave steam containers. UV sterilizers are also compatible with most plastics and silicones, though some manufacturers caution that prolonged UV exposure over many months could eventually cause discoloration.

For the typical lifespan of pump parts, this is rarely an issue. Each of these methods is highly effective, but they are just part of a larger picture.

To see how they fit into a complete cleaning routine, it’s helpful to review the Best Way to Sterilize Breast Pump Parts.

The single most important source of information is your breast pump’s user manual. Manufacturers spend significant time testing their products and will provide specific guidance on sterilization.

Look for symbols on the parts themselves—often a snowflake (freezer-safe), a fork and knife (food-safe), or waves (dishwasher-safe)—which can indicate durability.

If you’re still trying to decide if a dedicated machine is a worthwhile investment for your family, weighing the benefits against the cost and effort is key.

Reading our guide on whether do you need a sterilizer for breast pumps? can help clarify that choice based on your specific situation.

Sterilization only works on clean surfaces. You must wash your parts first to remove all milk residue and proteins.

1. Disassemble: Take apart every single component.
2. Wash Thoroughly: Clean all parts in warm, soapy water using a dedicated brush and basin.
3. Rinse Completely: Rinse away all soap bubbles under running water.

Once clean, you can load the parts into the sterilizer. It’s critical to know exactly what should be left out to avoid damage.

Some parents wonder about using specific sterilizers from popular brands—for example, if you have a Dr. Brown’s sterilizer, see our guide on can you sterilize breast pump parts in Dr. Brown’s sterilizer? for key details.

You can safely put most of your breast pump parts in a sterilizer, but a few key components like tubing and electronics must always be left out.

The golden rule is to always pre-wash your parts and check your manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions.

By following these simple guidelines, you can use your sterilizer confidently, knowing you are providing perfectly clean and safe equipment for your baby.