How to Clean Breast Pump in Between Uses?

For many moms, cleaning a breast pump once or twice a day is manageable—but having to clean it multiple times between every single use can feel exhausting, and it’s one of the biggest reasons many mothers get discouraged or even give up on pumping.

We understand: real life is busy, overwhelming, and often messy. You want the best for your baby, but keeping up with a strict cleaning routine in the middle of everything else can seem impossible.

This article is for you, especially if you’re tired, pressed for time, or feeling defeated by yet another round of pump parts in the sink. We’re here to offer empathy—and practical advice you can actually use.

Unlike cleaning before first use or after you’re done for the day, cleaning after every single pumping session, especially when you’re still not done, is a unique struggle.

It’s tiring to disassemble, wash, and dry everything when you know you’ll need it again in just a couple of hours. Life with a newborn rarely fits conveniently into anyone’s preferred schedule, and the extra effort required can add real stress to your day.

But cleaning between uses matters. Milk residue left on parts can encourage the rapid growth of bacteria, which may put your baby’s health at risk. Keeping things clean—without feeling like the task is endless—is possible with the right strategies.

If you haven’t tried the refrigerator hack yet, it might be the relief you’ve been looking for. Here’s how it works and why so many moms find it to be a game-changer:

Instead of washing every part after each session, you can place the used, unwashed milk-contact pump parts in a clean, sealed bag or container and store them in the refrigerator between uses on the same day.

The cold environment significantly slows bacterial growth, making it safe to reuse the parts for your next session without immediate washing.

• • Disassemble all milk-contact parts right after you finish pumping (flanges, valves, membranes, bottles, and connectors).
  • Place the parts in a clean, sealable bag or container (zip-top bags or dedicated storage containers work well).
  • Store the bag/container in the fridge as soon as possible. Do not leave pump parts at room temperature for long.
  • Repeat this process for each session on the same day.
  • At the end of the day, wash and, if needed, sterilize all parts thoroughly before your next pumping day.

  Read more: How to Sterilize Breast Pump Parts?

• The refrigerator hack is not recommended by all health authorities for every situation. The CDC advises using freshly washed parts for every session, especially if your baby is premature, under 2 months old, or has immune concerns.
• Always use a clean bag or container—never place pump parts directly on refrigerator shelves.
• This method is a helpful time-saver, but it’s not a permanent substitution for regular washing.

• Stock up on extra sets of pump parts if you can. Having more than one set means less pressure to clean immediately and can make daily washing a single, consolidated step.
• Use a dedicated area or basket in your refrigerator just for pump parts, to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
• If you need to keep parts out for a short time, let them air dry on a clean paper towel in a safe place. Try not to leave them where they’ll get dusty, wet, or warm.

Feeling overwhelmed by cleaning between pump sessions is incredibly common, and it does not mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Finding ways—like the refrigerator hack—to make things practical and sustainable is smart, not lazy.

If you’d like to explore more comprehensive routines, check out our pillar guide on Cleaning Breast Pump Parts for step-by-step instructions and expert tips.