Cleaning breast pumps can be daunting, especially when you need to do it on the go. Whether at work, travelling, or simply out with your baby, learning how to clean your breast pump is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and keeping your baby safe from harmful bacteria.

In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to clean a breast pump while on the go efficiently and effectively. So, let’s get started!

To clean your breast pump on the go, you’ll need a few essential items, such as:

• Disinfecting wipes or spray
• Soap and water
• Bottlebrush or toothbrush
• Clean towels or paper towels

Now, let’s dive into how to clean your breast pump while on the go.

1. Before touching any parts of your breast pump, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This step is crucial for preventing contamination from your hands to the pump and, ultimately, your baby’s milk.

2. Next, disassemble all the parts of your breast pump that come in contact with milk, such as flanges, valves, bottles, etc. Try to do this in a clean and private area.

3. Once disassembled, use a disinfecting wipe or spray to clean all the parts thoroughly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the disinfectant correctly.

4. If you don’t have access to disinfecting wipes or spray, use soap and water to clean your breast pump parts. Use warm water and soap to scrub each part properly with a bottle, brush, or toothbrush. Rinse off all the soap residue with clean water afterwards.

5. After cleaning, dry off all the parts with a clean towel or paper towel before assembling them back together. This step is crucial for preventing any moisture buildup, which can lead to the growth of bacteria.

6. Finally, assemble all the parts and store them in a clean and dry place until your next use.

Cleaning your breast pump on the go may not be as thorough as washing it at home, but there are a few tips to ensure you do it most efficiently.

• If you don’t have access to soap and water, use disposable bags to store your dirty pump parts until you can clean them properly.
• Always rinse all the soap residue thoroughly if soap and water are used for cleaning. Any leftover residue can affect the taste of your milk and even cause digestive issues for your baby.
• When wiping or spraying with disinfectant, cover all surfaces evenly and let it sit for the recommended time before wiping or rinsing it off. This step is crucial for effectively killing any harmful bacteria.
• If you’re travelling, it’s best to pack a small bottle of dish soap and a travel-sized bottle brush in your baby bag. This way, you’ll always have access to the necessary cleaning supplies wherever you go.

Apart from the steps mentioned above for cleaning your breast pump on the go, there are a few additional tips for cleaning specific parts of your pump.

• For silicone flanges and valves, you can wipe them clean with a damp cloth or rinse them off with water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.
• If your breast pump has a battery-operated motor, make sure to wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe or spray as well. Be careful not to get any liquid inside the motor, which can damage it.

When you don’t have access to soap and water, there are a few alternatives for cleaning your breast pump.

• Use disposable wipes specifically made for cleaning breast pumps and baby items. These wipes are pre-moistened with a safe cleaning solution for your baby’s milk.
• If you can’t find breast pump-specific wipes, you can also use disinfecting wipes for household surfaces. Please ensure they’re safe for contact with food and follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Cleaning your breast pump on the go may seem daunting, but it’s essential for maintaining good hygiene and keeping your baby safe from harmful bacteria.

Following the steps mentioned in this guide and using a few tips and tricks, you can efficiently clean your breast pump and return to enjoying time with your little one.

Happy pumping!